The alkali–silica reaction in alkali-activated granulated slag mortars with reactive aggregate

Abstract

The expansion of alkali-activated granulated blast furnace slag (AAS) cement mortars with reactive aggregate due to alkali–silica reaction (ASR) was investigated. The alkaline activator used was NaOH solution with 4% Na 2O (by mass of slag). These results were compared to those of ordinary portland cement (OPC) mortars. The ASTM C1260-94 Standard Test Method based on the NBRI Accelerated Test Method was followed. The nature of the ASR products was also studied by SEM/EDX. The results obtained show that the AAS cement mortars experienced expansion due to the ASR, but expansion occurs at slower rate than with OPC mortars under similar conditions. The cause of the expansion in AAS cement mortars is the formation of sodium and calcium silicate hydrate reaction products with rosette-type morphology. Finally, in order to determine potential expansion due to ASR, the Accelerated Test Method is not suitable for AAS mortars because the reaction rate is initially slow and a longer period of testing is required.