Alkali-Silica Reaction and High Performance Concrete

Published

August 1, 1995

Author(s)

Chiara F. Ferraris

Abstract

Damage due to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete is a phenomenon that was first recognized in the U.S. since 1940 and has since been observed in many countries. Despite numerous studies published, the mechanism is not yet clearly understood. Nevertheless, the three major factors in concrete have been identified, i.e., the alkalies contained in the pore solution, reactive amorphous or poorly crystallized silica present in certain aggregates, and water. In this study, we attempted to address the question: is high-performance concrete (HPC) susceptible to ASR? Researchers have not reached an agreement on this matter because factors other than the three major ones (pore solution alkalinity, aggregate morphology and water presence) play a significant role in the occurrence of ASR; these factors include aggregate gradation, w/c and compressive strength. It was found that air content is the most important variable (other than the three majors factors cited above) that increase expansion of concretes affected by ASR. This study indicates that even HPC should be susceptible to ASR if reactive aggregates are used.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 5742

Report Number

5742

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.5742

Keywords

building technology, alkali-silica reaction, high performance concrete, concretes, standard testing

Citation

Ferraris, C. (1995), Alkali-Silica Reaction and High Performance Concrete, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.5742 (Accessed April 26, 2026)

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