Publication

Micro-scale Cracking of Concrete due to the Alkali-Silica Reaction

Abstract

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a concrete disease that leads to its degradation. ASR is the reaction between the amorphous silica (SiO2 ) and the alkali ions (Na + , K + ), leading to expansion of concrete in presence of Ca 2+ . In this study, it is assumed that the internal pressure exerted on a concrete matrix by the expanding products leads to its cracking and loss of its bearing capacity.

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Concrete
Concrete is a composite material composed of aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement that cures over time. Concrete is the second-most-used substance in the world after water, and is the most widely used building material. Its usage worldwide, ton for ton, is twice that of steel, wood, plastics, and aluminium combined. When aggregate is mixed with dry Portland cement and water, the mixture forms a fluid slurry that is easily poured and molded into shape.
Reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete, also called ferroconcrete, is a composite material in which concrete's relatively low tensile strength and ductility are compensated for by the inclusion of reinforcement having higher tensile strength or ductility. The reinforcement is usually, though not necessarily, steel bars (rebar) and is usually embedded passively in the concrete before the concrete sets. However, post-tensioning is also employed as a technique to reinforce the concrete. In terms of volume used annually, it is one of the most common engineering materials.
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