M Comninos

Contents
Introduction

Brief overview of the chemical process

Physical effects of ASR

Structural effects of ASR

Reinforced concrete elements

Prestressed concrete elements

Mass concrete pavements

Serviceability effects of ASR

Introduction
Caused by a reaction between alkali in cement and reactive forms of silica in the
aggregate.

Results in expansion and cracking in concrete causing structural and serviceability

problems

Abundant research and literature on the causes of ASR and the design of concrete mixes
to prevent ASR in new structures.

Numerous existing concrete structures in South Africa are already suffering from ASR

Important to understand the structural effects and the implications of ASR on the
structural performance and serviceability of structures.
Chemical process
Alkalis from the cement react with silica in the aggregate.

Formation of alkali-silica gel that absorbs water and expands resulting in

cracking

Three conditions are necessary for damaging ASR to occur:

A sufficiently alkaline solution in the pore structure of the concrete

Alkali content, cement content, alkalis in admixtures, sea spray

A sufficient amount of reactive minerals in the aggregate

Sufficient moisture in the concrete to maintain the reaction

Physical effects
Expansion of gel source of all physical, structural and serviceability effects

Expansion
Overall and differential expansion of elements
Differential expansion due to varying severity of ASR within element

Cracking
Build up of tensile stresses causes cracking
Manifests itself as map / random cracking at the surface
Effect of restraints on crack pattern

Ref IStructE Technical Guide

Physical effects
Concrete properties
Reduction in compressive strength, UCS, tensile strength, stiffness

Ref IStructE Technical Guide

Loss of strength dependant on severity of ASR (amount of free expansion)

Important to consider differences between lab data and actual properties
effect of restraint
Reduction of physical properties only on onset of cracking
Load effects
Global expansion of elements increases load effects in the structure

Increased lateral forces on vertical supports in monolithic

structures

Increased bending moments due to curvature in asymmetrically

reinforced members

Increased punching shear on slabs and decks due to expansion of

piers and columns
Reinforced concrete elements
Restraining / self prestressing effect of reinforcing has major influence

Expansion is restrained by reinforcement, induces tension in rebar, compression in

concrete

Flexural and shear capacity not reduced by ASR provided sufficient restraint
rebar is provided

Axial capacity of columns reduced due to loss of UCS

Delamination - can have severe effect on capacity of columns and slabs

Reinforcing bond affected if free expansion is greater than 4mm/m

Mass concrete pavements
Failure of pavement
Excessive vertical compressive stress in the subgrade or
Excessive horizontal strain in the rigid concrete base

Ref UNCTAD Port Management

Both of these strains dependant on stiffness of concrete slab

Loss of stiffness (ASR) increase in strain failure of subgrade and concrete
Expansion of panels affects joints water ingress
Study at Port of Cape Town 30% 40% reduction in stacking capacity
Prestressed beams
Restraining effect of prestress and shear reinforcing has major influence

Flexural and shear capacity not reduced by ASR provided sufficient restraint
rebar is provided

Shear capacity of ASR beam only affected if links not provided.

Ref Clayton N, IStructE, 1990

Loss of bond can cause loss of prestress force

Serviceability effects
Cracking
Corrosion of reinforcing
Unsightly repairs ineffective if still active

Deformations

Overall expansion can cause serviceability failure

Articulation bearings, expansion joints movement exceeds design allowances

Cladding
Cast in items

Increase flexural deformations due to reduction in stiffness not significant

Conclusions
ASR has an adverse effect on concrete strength and
stiffness properties

Flexural and shear capacities not significantly affected

provided sufficient restraint to expansion

Capacity of mass concrete pavements significantly affected

Serviceability concerns associated with cracking and

deformations