Influences of aggregate gradation on alkali-silica reaction of seawater and sea sand concrete

Abstract

The application of seawater and sea sand concrete (SWSSC) is beneficial for marine engineering, but the impact of aggregate gradation on its alkali-silica reaction (ASR) remains poorly understood. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing ASR products, pore characteristics and expansion rate of specimens. The test results reveal that ordinary concrete (OC) exhibits an inhibitory effect on ASR in comparison with to SWSSC. The 14-day expansion of ordinary concrete and SWSSC with the same aggregate gradation are 0.130 % and 0.212 %, showing potential and high risk of ASR, respectively. Moreover, particle size and gradation of aggregate are the key factors influencing the ASR degree of SWSSC. Compared with coarser aggregate, specimens with finer aggregate consume more K+ and Ca2+ ions, generate more ASR-P1, form less porosity, and produce a larger expansion. Additionally, specimens with gap-graded aggregates, as opposed to those with uniform or continuous gradation, show greater consumption of K+ and Ca2+ ions, increased ASR-P1 formation, more harmful pore formation, and a larger expansion. These results offer insights into optimizing aggregate gradation to reduce ASR in SWSSC and improve its durability.