Title:
Performance of D-Regions Affected by Alkali-Silica Reaction: Accelerated Exposure and Damage
Author(s):
Shih-Hsiang Liu, Joseph M. Bracci, John B. Mander, and Stefan Hurlebaus
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
112
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
501-512
Keywords:
alkali-silica reaction; D-region; delayed ettringite formation; premature concrete deterioration
DOI:
10.14359/51687752
Date:
7/1/2015
Abstract:
In Texas, a number of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge structures have developed early cracking that has been attributed to, or at least suspected to be from, alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and possibly delayed ettringite formation (DEF). An area of concern is the structural performance of D-regions in RC bridge bents that have varying levels of cracking from ASR and/or DEF. A research program was carried out to assess the experimental behavior of D-regions using large-scale specimens under varying levels of premature concrete deterioration, and to perform conventional code-based analyses and three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analyses to evaluate the behavior of the D-region. This paper, documenting part of the research program, provides a brief overview of ASR and DEF; documents the design, construction, curing conditions, and instrumentation of four large-scale specimens used to assess the structural performance of D-regions in RC bridge bents; and presents the findings during the specimen exposure phase, which includes the effects of forces from gravity loading, propagation of crack directions and widths, and resulting expansions, both that are internal and those at the surface of the specimens.