INFLUENCE OF CEMENT ALKALI DISTRIBUTION ON EXPANSION DUE TO ALKALI-SILICA REACTION

In order to better understand the factors controlling alkali-silica reaction, a study was carried out to show if the distribution of alkalies among the cement minerals influences the expansion of mortar containing reactive aggregate. The approach was to determine the distribution of alkalies in four high-alkali portland cements, and to measure expansion of mortar bars prepared using these cements and reactive aggregates. In some cases, differences were observed in both the ultimate level and the early rate of expansion for cements differing in distribution of alkalies. The differences were substantial with opals as the reactive constitutent. Cements richer in soluble alkali-sulfate phases appeared to show greater levels and rates of expansion. The results demonstrate that the specific distribution of alkalies among the cement minerals affects the expansion due to alkali-silica reaction.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the ASTM Symposium on Alkalies in Concrete, Los Angeles, 25 June 1985.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

  100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700
  West Conshohocken, PA  United States  19428-2957
• Authors:
  • Struble, L
  • Diamond, S
• Publication Date: 1986

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 31-45
• Serial:
  • ASTM Special Technical Publications
  • Issue Number: 930
  • Publisher: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alkali aggregate reactions; Expansion; Mortar; Opals; Physical distribution; Portland cement; Reactive aggregates; Silica; Sulfates
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Highways; Materials; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00472969
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 04-930000-07
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1987 12:00AM