Title:
Nonlinear Wave Modulation Spectroscopy Method for Ultra-Accelerated Alkali-Silica Reaction Assessment
Author(s):
Jun Chen, Amal R. Jayapalan, Jin-Yeon Kim, Kimberly E. Kurtis, and Laurence J. Jacobs
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
106
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
340-348
Keywords:
aggregate; alkali-silica reaction; cement; damage; gel; microcracking; mortar; nondestructive evaluation; nonlinear acoustics.
DOI:
10.14359/56654
Date:
7/1/2009
Abstract:
An ultra-accelerated testing method, using advanced nonlinear ultrasonic techniques, was developed and assessed for predicting the potential alkali-silica reactivity of aggregates. The very early formation of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) gel during standard accelerated mortar bar exposure (ASTM C1260 or AASHTO T 303) was observed to affect the nonlinear interaction of propagating acoustic waves. Furthermore, a clear distinction in the nonlinearity parameter for three different aggregates of varying reactivity was observed. The technique allowed the aggregate reactivity to be distinguished as early as 4 days as compared to the 14-day test period of the standard accelerated mortar bar tests method. These results suggest that this method could be further developed for very early detection of ASR damage in the laboratory and for very rapid screening of aggregates for alkali reactivity.