ALKALI-SILICA REACTIVITY IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO AGGREGATES

摘要

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) occurs between alkalis in concrete and reactive silica in aggregates. This reaction results in the formation of alkali-silica gel, which fills the pore space in the cementitious matrix, leading to expansion and damage. Reactive aggregates that can cause this type of damage were identified in different locations in Southwestern Ontario. X-Ray diffraction and petrographic analysis were used to investigate the type of reactive minerals in such aggregates. In addition, the effect of using different types of cement replacement-materials, including crushed limestone powder, fly ash, silica fume, and nano-silica on ASR were investigated in cement mortars incorporating the reactive aggregates. Results indicate that the expansion of mortar bars due to alkali-silica reaction can be controlled using an adequate type and substitution level of cement replacement materials.