Title:
Diagnosis of a Case of Harmless Alkali-Silica Reaction in a Cracked Concrete Pavement
Author(s):
L. F. Luco and R. J. Torrent
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
212
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
521-536
Keywords:
alkali-silica reaction; cracks; diagnosis; pavement; petrography
DOI:
10.14359/12706
Date:
6/1/2003
Abstract:
This paper describes a cracked concrete pavement that had to be repaired. A superficial analysis had established the symptoms of alkali-silica reaction (ASR), to which the damage of the pavement was attributed. However, using such diagnosis techniques as SHRP-C-315 and microscopy observation of thin sections, it was established that the mapped cracking originated at an early-age of the concrete. The scarce symptoms of ARS were found only in a limited area of the slabs' section, just below the crack tips, with only slight damage associated with it. This was attributed to the "wick" action of the cracks, which led to a concenrration of alkali ions there. This more accurate diagnosis led to a much more simple and economical repair Strategy than what would have been required had the cracking been caused by ASR.