Evaluation of glass powder in the mitigation of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR)

Abstract

The alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is one of the problems that can compromise concrete durability, as the chemical reactions between the reactive aggregate and concrete pore solution, specifically sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and hydroxyl (OH-) in the presence of moisture, trigger expansion and cracking of concrete elements. The use of pozzolanic materials, such as finely ground glass powder (particles smaller than 75μm), to partially replace cement has been widely studied and has demonstrated beneficial results. However, because the behavior of pozzolans towards ASR is not completely understood yet, this work evaluates the effect of incorporating ground glass powder into cementitious composites against ASR. To this end, 8% silica fume was used as a control admixture, and four levels of glass powder (10, 20, 30, and 50%) were incorporated into the cementitious mixture to partially replace cement. Expansion tests were carried out in accordance with NBR15577-4 (ABNT, 2018) on mortar bars using the accelerated test method to assess the mitigation of expansions. The results show that the expansions caused by ASR decreased with the increasing content of glass powder in the cement mixtures. Furthermore, only the 50% level reduced the expansions to a safe value according to the Brazilian standard.