SEDL / STP / STP1061-EB / STP23453S

The Study of Alkali-Silica Reactions in Concrete by the Use Of Fluorescent Thin-Sections

Andersen, KT
geologistchemical engineer, G.M. Idorn Consult A/S, Birkeroed,

Thaulow, N
geologistchemical engineer, G.M. Idorn Consult A/S, Birkeroed,

Pages: 19    Published: Jan 1990

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Abstract

Detailed thin-section examination of the concrete in a jetty affected by alkali-silica reactions shows that the varying reactivity of the aggregates can be ascribed to variations in porosity of these aggregates. Examination of the alkali-silica gel found in association with the reacting particles shows that the gel occurs in three different morphologies depending on the location of the gel in the concrete. The examination also shows that cracks induced by alkali-silica reactions are for a large part devoid of gel indicating that deterioration of concrete due to swelling of gel in cracks is an unlikely mechanism.