Abstract
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a fatal deterioration that can cause volume expansion, cracking, and premature failure of concrete. In this study, the efficacy of sodium montmorillonite (NaMt) organically functionalized with two non-ionic surfactants (ONaMts) in mitigating ASR is investigated by determining the expansion and cracking behavior of mortars containing reactive aggregates. The underlying mitigation mechanisms were analyzed through the quantification of reaction products and in-situ characterizations of ASR gels. The results revealed that, compared with raw NaMt, ASR-induced expansion and cracking can be more substantially mitigated in the presence of ONaMts, which is supported by the improved consumption of portlandite and reduced formations of both crystalline and amorphous ASR gels. The functionalized ONaMts appeared to further suppress the formation of Q3 polymerization sites, decrease the [K + Na]/Si atomic ratio and increase the Al/Ca in ASR gels.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
