Abstract
Through scanning electron microscopy and local chemical analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, alkali–silica reaction (ASR) products in two Spanish dam concretes and accelerated mortar bar test samples (UNE 146508:1999) were compared. In chemical composition, gels formed in the accelerated test revealed marked differences to gels formed in concrete. Higher sodium and lower calcium and potassium contents were especially noteworthy in mortar bar test samples. Further, very marked, contrary tendencies in the evolution of chemical composition between gels formed in concrete and those formed in the accelerated mortar bar test were observed. In mortar samples, enrichment in sodium and impoverishment in calcium, among later gel generations, related to progressive ASR development, is characteristic. Real concretes show a contrary tendency; later phases of gel become markedly enriched in calcium. The differences observed may lead to variations in aggregate behaviour in accelerated test and in field performance in concretes.
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