Alkali ion concentration estimations in cement paste pore solutions

Abstract

The alkalinity of the pore solution is of great interest for evaluating the rising of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) when reactive amorphous silica is found in some aggregates in some cement-based composites. This reaction is not desirable because it generates swelling gel materials around the aggregates, which produce an expansive pressure inside concrete over time, and can cause the cracking of concrete, leading to serious structural problems. The purpose of this study is to develop a quick, easy and reliable method to estimate the available alkali concentrations in the pore solution of cement-based composites. The bound alkalis were initially calculated based on Taylor's alkali distribution method. The proposed procedure to estimate the available alkalis content is a reliable method for use in construction and building composite materials.