Alkali thresholds in concrete; the balanced alkali approach in ASR mitigation
- Publisher:
- LABORATÓRIO NACIONAL DE ENGENHARIA CIVIL, I. P.
- Publication Type:
- Conference Proceeding
- Citation:
- Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete, 2021, 1, pp. 611-616
- Issue Date:
- 2021-01-01
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Filename | Description | Size | |||
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ICAAR_16th_Proceedings_2022_Vol1_pp611-616 Boyd-Weetman.pdf | Published version | 220.86 kB |
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The Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) is a deleterious reaction in concrete that poses significant durability
concern worldwide. As a preventative measure, total alkali content of general purpose Portland cements
can be limited. In Australia, like in other countries, general purpose cement is limited with a conservative
alkali content of 0.6%, this may be unnecessary, as low risk non-reactive aggregates and SCM blends
are effective in reducing ASR prevalence. Indeed there is a growing argument to transition to risk
assessed methods in choosing cement alkali levels. ASTM in the USA has employed a prescriptive
approach to selecting preventative measures that incorporates a variety of cement alkali contents
without compromising on safety. Similar balanced alkali approaches such as those recommended in
Europe, Canada and New Zealand may be applicable in Australia. Raising alkali limits to a level greater
than 0.6% in cement used in conjunction with alternative mitigation techniques would reduce the
economic and environmental impact associated with alkali removal during cement production. This
literature review discusses the Australian approach to alkali limits in contrast to the methods used
around the world and explores the continuing research into alkali’s mechanistic contribution to ASR.
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