Alkali-Silica Reactivity: An Overview of a Concrete Durabilty Problem

by D. Stephen Lane, Virginia Transportation Research, Council, Charlottesville, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Materials: Performance and Prevention of Deficiencies and Failures

Abstract:

An overview of the problem of alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) is presented. It is a chemical reaction that can occur between aggregates containing certain forms of silica and the alkaline pore solution in concrete. The reaction mechanics are described and evaluation of aggregates as well as control of alkalines are considered. Recent research has identified additional forms of reactive silica, and some promising new screening tests have been developed as well as a rapid method for determining whether concrete has been affected by ASR. A considerable body of data attests to the effectiveness of ground granulated blast-furnace slag and pozzolans such as fly ash and silica fume to control deleterious reactivity in concrete.

Subject Headings: Alkalinity and acidity | Silica | Concrete | Aggregates | Slag | Material durability | Fly ash

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