Simulation of concrete structures deformation affected by alkali–silica reaction considering environmental conditions and multiaxial stress state

Abstract

In this study, the expansion and deformation of alkali–silica reaction (ASR)-affected concrete structures under natural environment and multiaxial stress state are predicted. The performance of the ASR model proposed in previous research is quantitatively investigated in terms of relative humidity, multiaxial stress, and temperature dependencies based on experimental results. The simulation results indicate that the relative humidity-dependent expansion caused by the ASR can be simulated effectively by slightly modifying the relative humidity threshold in the model. In a simulation focusing on stress dependency, the insufficient consideration of the relationship between compressive stress and ASR gel absorption into pores in the model by previous research resulted in discrepancies between the simulation and experimental results. The performance of the model by previous research in simulating temperature dependency is improved by referring to the relationship between the expansion rate and temperature recorded from specimens exposed to the real environment. An exposure experiment of reinforced concrete (RC) slab on steel girders is simulated using the modified model. The results show that the modified model can reproduce the tendency of three-dimensional deformation of RC slab, while model improvement considering time-dependent and stress-dependent phenomena should be needed for long-term quantitative predictions.