Comparative study of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in granitic aggregates

Abstract

The reaction between certain reactive components of aggregates (like opal and metaestable silica) and concrete pore solution is well documented. Nevertheless, in this study it has been shown that some aggregates, like granite, could develop a rapid or slow alkali-silica reaction (ASR) depending on the deleterious component involved. Mortar bars were cast with two granitic aggregates extracted from concrete cores drilled in two Spanish Dams affected by ASR, being classified as granitic rocks. The main difference between them is the reactive component: microcrystalline quartz in one case and strained and microcracked quartz in the other case. A petrographic examination was carried out in the mortar bars. Thin sections were cut and the alkalisilica gel was stained for an easier detection. Then, the thin sections were examinated with a stereomicroscope comparing the differences in the progress of the ASR for both aggregates. It can be concluded that the main mechanism of formation and storage of gel is associated to the microcracks instead of the subgrain boundaries.