Experimental Identification of Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete

Abstract

Several advanced and time-consuming methodologies have been developed to detect Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) in suspected structures. The main objective of this research study was to identify a reliable experimental procedure for detecting ASR in existing concrete. A simple staining solution is used here to detect ASR in concrete specimens. The staining reagent employed here is Sodium Cobaltinitrite, which is used in the Los Alamos staining method to detect ASR. Sodium Cobaltinitrite can identify potassium-rich ASR gel by staining it yellow for rapid field screening purposes. Reactive and control concrete specimens were cast to get some experience with this test and to verify whether this test can be used in a suspected concrete structure. Waste white soda-lime glass aggregate was used to cast reactive concrete specimens, whereas natural coarse aggregates were used to cast non-reactive concrete specimens. Testing was carried out in two batches. Each batch consisted of six reactive and six control concrete specimens which were cured in the above-mentioned solutions. The first batch was examined after 44-days and the second batch was tested after 60-days of casting. Results of this test showed that reactive concrete specimens cast using glass displayed yellow stains as expected, demonstrating the presence of potassium-rich ASR gel on the concrete surface. Employing NaOH as a curing medium had accelerated ASR. There is a limitation in the method when utilizing KOH as a curing agent. It is concluded that Sodium Cobaltinitrite can be used as a method for rapid identification of ASR in the preliminary stages of experimental identification of the alkali-aggregate reaction in an existing concrete structure.