Lecture No. 09-10.ppt

Lecture No. 09-10 Subject: Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity Certain constituents in aggregates can react harmfully with alkali hydroxides in concrete and cause significant expansion. There are two forms of this reaction: Alkali silica reaction (ASR) Alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR) Alkali silica reaction (ASR) Develops by aggregates containing reactive silica minerals. This form is more serious and common than ACR. ASR ASR has been recognized as a potential source of distress in concrete since the late 1930s Alkali carbonate reaction (ACR) The aggregates [dolomitic (calcium-magnesium carbonate)] have specific composition that is not very common. Alkali silica reaction (ASR) Mechanism The reaction can be visualized as a two-step process: Alkali hydroxide + reactive silica gel → alkali-silica gel Alkali-silica gel + moisture → expansion Alkali silica reaction (ASR) The amount of gel formed in the concrete depends on Amount of and type of silica in aggregate. Alkali hydroxide concentration. Sufficient moisture. Alkali silica reaction (ASR) The ASR forms a gel that swells as it draws water from the surrounding cement paste (has great affinity to moisture). In absorbing water, these gels can induce pressure, expansion, and cracking of the aggregate and the surrounding paste. The alkali silica gels will fill the microcracked regions both within the aggregate and concrete. Continued availability of moisture to the concrete causes enlargement and extension of the microcracks which eventually reach the outer surface of the concrete. The crack pattern is irregular and referred to as map cracking (see Figure 5-20). Or fragments breaking out of the surface of the concrete (popouts) as in Figure 5-21. Popouts Alkali silica reaction (ASR) List of most reactive substances: Opal (SiO2 nH2O) Chalcedony (SiO2) Certain forms of quartz (SiO2) Cristobalite (SiO2) Alkali silica reaction (ASR) The most important harmful alkali reactive aggregates: Opaline cherts Chalcedonic che