The Mitigation of Alkali-Silica Reactions by Aluminum-Bearing Substances

Abstract

An ability of aluminum-bearing substances-amorphous aluminum hydroxide, aluminum sulphate and basic aluminum sulphate to mitigate alkali-silica reactions in Portland cement mortars has been studied. At equivalent dosages in terms of Al2O3, these substances are ranged in the following order in respect of inhibiting effect: Al(OH)1.78(SO4)0.61 ≥ Al2(SO4)3 > Al(OH)3. It is found that the plasticizing agents of the main types used in cement compositions have no influence on the inhibiting effect of aluminum-bearing admixtures. To control the setting time of cement paste, iron(II) sulphate may be used for partial substitution of Al2SO4•18H2O, and this operation is not influence on the results of ASR expansion test.