A simple method to measure the volume expansion of ice formation(V_(ice)) was proposed in this paper,and the volume change of solutions during the cooling and its effect on the solution absorption by concrete were investigated.Results show that V_(ice) and development rate are reduced with the increase in NaCl concentration,and the time to reach the volume equilibrium is prolonged,but the volume shrinkage of the solution before ice formation is enhanced. The solution absorption by concrete is much enhanced with the increase in NaCl concentration.Theoretical analysis shows that the minus pressure in pores of concrete is generated due to the volume shrinkage of the solution and the cooling of the gas in the pores before the expansion of ice formation,and is significantly enhanced with the increase in the degree of saturation and NaCl concentration,which promotes the solution absorption by concrete.These results are useful for understanding the deicer-frost mechanism better.