Determining an Aggregate's Potential for Forming Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) Gels in Concrete
Project Information
The project will develop accelerated test methods to evaluate the alkali-silica reaction potential of an aggregateto form alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) gels if used in concrete. We want to try a technique using Raman spectroscopy to study the surface chemistry of the uncrushed aggregate. We also want to develop a technique for producing alkali-silica reaction gels on the surface, possibly with heat and pressure, and detect the presence of alkali-silica reaction gels using Raman spectroscopy. Detection of trace metals in the aggregate, which may be involved in the alkali-silica reaction gel reaction, would be determined by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
- Chemistry Laboratory
- Aggregate and Petrographic Laboratory
- Infrastructure
- Pavements and Materials
Test to evaluate aggregates' potential for forming alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) gel. [Source: FHWA, PMSS Database (2013)]