Evaluation of the induced mechanical deterioration of alkali-silica reaction affected concrete under distinct confinement conditions through the Stiffness Damage Test

• Published in: Cement & concrete composites 2022-02, Vol.126, p.104343, Article 104343
• Main Authors: Zahedi, Andisheh, Trottier, Cassandra, Sanchez, Leandro, Noël, Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkali-silica reaction (ASR); ASR-Induced damage; Confinement; Damage transfer; Expansion; Mechanical properties; Stiffness damage test (SDT)
• ISSN: 0958-9465; 1873-393X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104343

The Stiffness Damage Test (SDT), a mechanical and cyclic test procedure, has been successfully used to appraise alkali-silica reaction (ASR) deterioration under unrestrained conditions. However, the effects of confinement on ASR-induced mechanical damage have not been fully investigated. This work aims to understand the influence of confinement on ASR-damage development through mechanical protocols (SDT and compressive strength). Eighteen concrete blocks incorporating a highly reactive coarse aggregate and displaying distinct reinforcement configurations were fabricated and monitored over time. Two expansion levels were selected for analysis (0.08% and 0.15%) and once reached, cores were extracted from three different directions (longitudinal, transverse and vertical) and the mechanical tests conducted on those. Results show that the SDT is a reliable procedure to assess damage under restrained conditions. Moreover, ASR-induced mechanical distress varies according to the coring direction and confinement configuration. Finally, microscopic analyses validate the mechanical responses obtained as per the distinct coring orientations.