Title: Alkali-Silica Gel Formation at an Early Age Through Solution

Author(s): A. M. Harrisson, S. P. Varma, N. B. Winter

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 100

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1743-1758

Keywords: age; alkali-aggregate reactions; concrete durability; opal; potassium hydroxides; silica gel; sodium soundness; General

DOI: 10.14359/3822

Date: 4/1/1987

Abstract:
A mode of occurrence of alkali-silica gel in a 22-year-old concrete has been interpreted in the light of experiments using Beltane opal as a reactive aggregate in a solution of sodium and potassium hydroxide. These experiments indicate that alkali-silica gel forms from solution as a result of the dissolution of reactive silica. The distribution of alkali-silica gel in the sample of field concrete examined suggests that alkali-silica reaction may occur at an early age in the life of the concrete although the concrete may remain apparently sound for many years.