DIAGNOSIS OF A CASE OF HARMLESS ALKALI-SILICA REACTION IN A CRACKED CONCRETE PAVEMENT

A cracked concrete pavement needing repair is discussed. A superficial analysis established the symptoms of alkali-silica reaction (ASR), to which the damage of the pavement was attributed. However, by using diagnosis techniques such as SHRP-C-315 and microscopy observation of thin sections, it was determined that the mapped cracking originated at an early-age of the concrete. Trace symptoms of ARS were found only in a limited area of the slabs' section, just below the crack tips, with only slight damage associated with it. This was attributed to the 'wick' action of the cracks, which led to a concentration of alkali ions there. The more accurate diagnosis led to a much simpler and economical repair strategy than that which would have been required had the cracking been caused by ASR.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Photos; References;
  • Pagination: p. 521-536

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00964540
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0870311131
  • Report/Paper Numbers: SP-212-33
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Oct 15 2003 12:00AM