Effects of the alkali-silica reaction on unloaded, statically loaded and dynamically loaded reinforced concrete beams.

Abstract

The Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) affects many concrete structures throughout the world. Small scale, simply supported, singly reinforced concrete beams made of both reactive and non-reactive aggregate have been tested. Reactive and non-reactive concrete cylinders, resonant frequency prisms and CSA expansion prisms were tested with the beams. The reactive and non-reactive specimens, except for the CSA prisms, were tested for the same duration, submerged in a 1N NaOH solution at a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius to accelerate the ASR. The CSA prisms were stored at 38 degrees Celsius at 100% relative humidity. Both the reactive and non-reactive beams were tested under the following loading regimes for the duration of the experiment: unloaded, statically loaded and dynamically loaded to unfactored service load. The experiment was conducted until an amount expansion had occurred in the reactive specimens. Three general aspects of the experiment were of interest: (a) The effect of loading condition on expansions due to the Alkali-Silica Reaction; (b) The effects ASR on the structural behaviour of the beams various beams; (c) The damage rating indices of the beams and of plain concrete. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)