Residual alkali–silica reaction of coarse recycled concrete aggregate based on the application of a prescriptive measure from the Argentinian regulation

Abstract

The potential reactivity of a coarse recycled concrete aggregate (CRCA) obtained from concrete damaged by alkali–silica reaction (ASR) was evaluated by the concrete prism test method. Different recycled aggregate replacement percentages and exposure conditions were considered. Moreover, the use of Portland-limestone cement (PLC) as a preventive measure to mitigate the deleterious effect of ASR according to the Argentinian regulation was considered to evaluate the residual expansion of the CRCA. Expansions were recorded up to the age of 156 weeks, and different mechanical properties were also determined. The use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) leads to an increase in ASR expansions for recycled concretes as CRCA content increases, whereas when PLC is used, expansions remain lower than the limits fixed in the standard test method, even at older ages.