ASTM C1293 – Standard Test Method for Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction
Description:
Significance and Use
4.1 Alkali-silica reaction is a chemical interaction between some siliceous constituents of concrete aggregates and hydroxyl ions (1).5 The concentration of hydroxyl ion within the concrete is predominantly controlled by the concentration of sodium and potassium (2).
4.2 This test method is intended to evaluate the potential of an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan or slag to expand deleteriously due to any form of alkali-silica reactivity (3, 4).
4.3 If testing an aggregate with pozzolan or slag, the results are used to establish minimum amounts of the specific pozzolan or slag needed to prevent deleterious expansion. Pozzolan or slag from a specific source can be tested individually or in combination with pozzolan or slag from other sources.
4.4 When selecting a sample or deciding on the number of samples for test, it is important to recognize the variability in lithology of material from a given source, whether a deposit of sand, gravel, or a rock formation of any origin. For specific advice, see Guide C295/C295M.
4.5 This test method is intended for evaluating the behavior of aggregates in concrete with an alkali (alkali metal oxide) content of 5.25 kg/m3 [8.85 lb/yd3] or in concrete containing pozzolan or slag with an alkali content proportionally reduced from 5.25 kg/m3 [8.85 lb/yd3] Na2O equivalent by the amount of pozzolan or slag replacing portland cement or portland-limestone cement. This test method assesses the potential for deleterious expansion of concrete caused by alkali-silica reaction, of either coarse or fine aggregates, from tests performed under prescribed laboratory curing conditions that will probably differ from field conditions. Thus, actual field performance will not be duplicated due to differences in concrete alkali content, wetting and drying, temperature, other factors, or combinations of these (5).
4.6 Results of tests conducted on an aggregate as described herein should form a part of the basis for a decision as to whether precautions should be taken against excessive expansion due to alkali-silica reaction. For interpretation of test results, refer to Guide C1778.
4.7 If the expansions in this test method are greater than the limit shown in Guide C1778, the aggregate or combination of aggregate with the tested amount of pozzolan or slag is potentially alkali-reactive. Supplemental information should be developed to confirm that the expansion is actually due to alkali-silica reaction. Petrographic examination of the concrete prisms should be conducted after the test using Practice C856/C856M to confirm that known reactive constituents are present and to identify the products of alkali-silica reactivity. Confirmation of alkali-silica reaction is also derived from the results of the test methods this procedure supplements (see Guide C1778).
4.8 This test method does not address the general suitability of pozzolans or slag for use in concrete. These materials should comply with Specification C618, Specification C989/C989M, or Specification C1240.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the susceptibility of an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan or slag for participation in expansive alkali-silica reaction by measurement of length change of concrete prisms.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
NOTE 1: Sieve size is identified by its standard designation in Specification E11. The alternative designation given in parentheses is for information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size.
1.3 The text of this standard refers to notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
ASTM C1291