Title:
Method for Approximation of ASR/DEF Damage in Concrete Columns
Author(s):
Kimberly G. Talley, Jacob G. Kapitan, and John E. Breen
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
113
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
105-110
Keywords:
alkali-silica reaction; column test; delayed ettringite formation
DOI:
10.14359/51687914
Date:
1/1/2016
Abstract:
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and delayed ettringite formation (DEF) are two causes of concrete deterioration through concrete expansion and cracking. This paper describes the method used to approximate the damage caused by ASR/DEF by mechanically cracking reinforced concrete columns. The structural capacity of a series of columns with varying crack widths was compared to two columns specially cast and exposed to trigger ASR and/or DEF expansion. All columns were tested under doubly eccentric axial loads and failed in bearing. The ASR/DEF columns had over 1% expansion when tested and had no significant reduction in bearing capacity. The mechanical cracking method approximated the ASR/DEF degradation to structural capacity in significantly less time than it took to trigger ASR/DEF in laboratory specimens.