Supplementary Files
Keywords
Freeze–thaw durability
Salt–frost coupling
Sulfate wet–dry cycling
Service-life prediction
How to Cite
Abstract
Concrete infrastructure in saline cold-region environments is exposed to severe durability challenges. These challenges arise from the combined action of freeze–thaw cycling, salt crystallization, and sulfate-induced expansion, which accelerates material degradation. The utilization of metakaolin (MK) as a supplementary cementitious material has shown considerable promise for enhancing concrete performance under such aggressive conditions. This study provides a systematic synthesis of recent experimental studies concerning the behavior of MK-modified concrete exposed to freeze-thaw cycling, combined salt-frost action, and sulfate wet-dry cycles. A unified methodological framework is outlined, bringing together analyses of material properties, exposure conditions, degradation indicators, and microstructural development. Evidence reported across multiple studies indicates that MK effectively refines the pore structure, curtails the transport of moisture and deleterious ions, and reinforces the interfacial transition zone, thereby promoting greater stability of mechanical properties under cyclic deterioration. The performance of MK across different concrete systems is also examined, including ordinary Portland cement, recycled aggregate concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, and compositions incorporating superabsorbent polymers for internal curing. Emerging predictive methodologies, such as Weibull statistical analysis, environmental factor models, and data-driven machine learning techniques, are evaluated for their potential in forecasting long-term behavior under composite saline-freeze environments. Based on quantitative studies, metakaolin effectively enhances concrete durability in saline-freeze and sulfate environments by refining the microstructure. The optimal 10% to 15% incorporation ratio maximizes service life. These findings clarify the performance of MK-modified concrete in cold regions and help link material modification with service-life prediction.
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