ALKALI AGGREGATE REACTION

Introduction
Alkali aggregate reaction has created problems in
concrete mixtures for centuries, the mechanism was
not understood and documented until the mid-
1930s by Thomas Stanton.
In 1940 he had completed his research showing that
the alkali in the cement with contact with reactive
aggregate and presence of moisture (humidity)
caused expansion of the concrete and showing
cracks in long time duration

There are at least two types of interactions between cement components and aggregates that
cause similar damages from expansion and cracking.
- Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) is a chemical reaction between alkalis in the cement fraction of
concrete mortar and certain types of siliceous aggregates. Resulting in the expansion and
cracking of the concrete in long duration.
- Alkali-Carbonate Reaction (ACR) is a reaction between alkalis in the concrete mortar and the
chemical components of carbonate rocks like dolomitic limestones. The reaction causes
crystallization and considerable expansion, resulting in substantial damage in a short amount of
time, but is also very rarely occurs.
Typical appearance
- Random cracks (Map cracking)
- Large cracks widths
- White rim around aggregates

The Effect of Alkali-Silica Reaction on Concrete

The expansion and cracking of the concrete may not be severe enough to compromise the
integrity of the structure. So, ASR cracking provides a pathway below the surface for water and
chemicals to initiate freeze-thaw damage cycles and promote the corrosion of reinforcing steel.
ASR eventually shortens the useful service life of the structure and does extensive cosmetic
damage as well. Millions of dollars are lost annually to the cost of repairs or replacement of
concrete roads, bridges, and structures.
Symptoms of Alkali-Silica Reactivity
Evidence of ASR activity can take years to appear(5 to 10 years) in hardened concrete. Irregular
surface cracking with gel material, sometimes seeping from the cracks, are often the first
outward signs of trouble. Confirmation of ASR activity in existing concrete is better than not
detecting it at all. Damaged sections can be repaired, and ingress of water slowed, but the
process may continue. Detection, testing, and diagnosis of ASR do have value in the
documentation of an undesirable source of aggregate materials or unsuccessful mix design.

Identification and investigation

 Visual assessment on the structure and core samples
- Crack pattern
- Crack widths
- ASR gel
- Understand stress flow (ASR cracking may follow the direction of stresses)
 Petrographic investigation
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
 Scanning the sample with a focused beam of electrons. The electrons
interact with atoms in the sample and produce signals that contain
information about the sample's surface topography and composition.
- Optic microscopy
 Thin sections analyzed with plane polarization and crossed polarization,
to identify the reaction gel

Prevention
The ASR happens in the presence water, reactive aggregate and high PH

 Choosing aggregate that’s is not reactive by testing using 2 methods (ASTM C1260 or
ASTM C 1293) but those take a long time to show results so the better way is to observe
field performance.
 Decreasing alkali loading will lower the PH in the concrete by redesigning the mix and
using low cement or using cement that have lower alkali content.
 Using SCM (supplementary cement
material) in the mix like silica fume
will help preventing ASR to occurs

Note :
There is no structural in history that fails or collapses due to ASR because most
of the cracks are on the surface only even though sometimes it can leave the
reinforcement off guard to corrosion
References:
 BEN Backus (2020). Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) in Concrete Explained. Alkali-
Silica Reaction (ASR) in Concrete Explained - Gilson Co. (globalgilson.com)
 Tyler Ley (2001). Alkali-Silica Reaction and Delayed Ettringite Formation in
Concrete: A Literature Review. CTR Technical Report: 0-4085-1
 Hans Beushausen, University of Cape Town, South Africa Alkali Silica Reaction
(ASR/AAR) - Mechanisms, assessment, prevention - YouTube
 KASTRO (2020). U2 L2: Alkali Aggregate Reaction. U2 L2: Alkali Aggregate
Reaction - YouTube