Title: Alkali-Silica Reaction Evaluation of Coarse Aggregates from Massachusetts Using Accelerated Tests

Author(s): J. F. Munoz, C. Balachandran, A. Shastry, R. Mulcahy, J. M. Robertson, and T. S. Arnold

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 120

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 129-140

Keywords: alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR); alkali-silica reaction (ASR); alkali threshold (AT); coarse aggregates; miniature concrete prism test (MCPT); Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center ASR susceptibility test (T-FAST)

DOI: 10.14359/51739152

Date: 12/1/2023

Abstract:
The periodic evaluation of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) susceptibility of aggregates is a key strategy to eliminate the risk of ASR development in transportation infrastructure. A reliable and practical accelerated ASR test is paramount to improve the frequency and efficiency of the aggregate evaluation campaign. This paper assesses the suitability of the new Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center ASR susceptibility test (T-FAST) as a costeffective tool to evaluate aggregates. Thirty-eight aggregates of varying mineralogies, including carbonates, were characterized using the T-FAST and AASHTO T 380. The results were compared with historic AASHTO T 303 data. The T-FAST accurately classified the reactivity of the aggregates and was identified as the most sensitive among the three accelerated tests. Additionally, the combination of the T-FAST results with the possibility of accurately determining the alkali thresholds of the aggregates provided a broader understanding of the conditions conducive to triggering ASR in the field.