Modelling of Alkali-Silica Reaction Effects on Mechanical Property Changes of Concrete

Abstract

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical reaction in concrete that alkalis in cement react with reactive silica in aggregate in the presence of water. When ASR takes place, it produces gels that absorb water and expand. Swelling of ASR gels can damage concrete and cause cracking and volume expansion in concrete structure. In this paper, mechanical consequences of ASR on concrete are simulated by a finite element (FE) analysis. An FE model of concrete is built. The evolution of concrete mechanical properties subjected to ASR is achieved by FE analyses. The constitutive model of concrete is attained via the FE analysis. A case study is used to demonstrate the proposed method. The simulated results using the proposed model are in good agreement with the observations of concrete with ASR reported in the literature. The results can be used for a basic research to enhance durability of concrete slab tracks and concrete railway sleepers.