Title: Gel Fluorescence Reveals Reaction Product Traces

Author(s): K. Natesaiyer, D. Stark, and K. C. Hover

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 13

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 25-28

Keywords: alkali-aggregate reactions; concretes; fluorescence; gels; petrography; silica gels; tests; General

DOI:

Date: 1/1/1991

Abstract:
Petrographic and gel fluorescence studies were conducted on concrete samples from various geographical regions of the United States that were suspected of undergoing damage due to alkali-silica reaction. Petrographicstudies identified the reactive components of the aggregates, products of the reaction, and cracking associated with the reacted particles. Subsequent gel fluorescence testing identified reaction products at the locations where petrography had identified the products as well as minute amounts of products undetected by petrographic observation. Additionally, freshly carbonated cement paste was shown to adsorb uranyl acetate and thus fluoresce in the gel fluorescence test. The limitations of the fluorescence test in such cases are discussed.