What is an Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)?
ASR is the reaction between alkalies (sodium and potassium) in portland cement and certain siliceous rocks or minerals, such as opaline chert, strained quartz, and acidic volcanic glass, present in some aggregates. The products of the reaction may cause abnormal expansion and cracking of concrete in service. Full-text article links: Doran, D. K., Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete (ASR), The Institution of Structural Engineers, Nov. 2004, 1 p. Fournier, B., and Malhotra, V. M., Reducing Expansion Due to Alkali-Silica Reactivity, Concrete International, V. 18, No. 3, Mar. 1996, pp. 55-59. Grattan-Bellew, P. E., and Mitchell, L., Preventing Concrete Deterioration Due to Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, Construction Technology Update, No. 52, Mar. 2002, 2 pp. Helmuth, R., Alkali-Silica Reactivity: An Overview of Research, SHRP-C-342, Strategic Highways Research Program; also LT177, Portland Cement Association, Skokie, IL, 1993, 115 pp. Mather, B., Landmark Series: Cracking of Concrete in the Tu
