A study on ASR mitigation by optimized particle size distribution

Abstract

In this study, the effect of alkali-silica reaction on binary cementitious composite systems incorporating fly ash or slag having optimized particle size distribution has been investigated. Specimens have been exposed to ASR effect according to ASTM C227 and ASTM C1260 methods. Test results, which were conducted after ASR exposure, have been discussed in terms of use of additive having optimized particle size distribution. The characterization of specimens was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analyzer (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis instrument (TGA). As a result of the experimental program, it was seen that the ASR effect is reduced with fly ash and slag replacement. Even, fly ash addition has been more effective than slag addition in reducing the ASR effect for the same additive ratio. In addition, addition of fly ash and slag with optimized particle-size distribution were found to be more effective in reducing the ASR effect as compared to addition of fly ash and slag without optimized particle-size distribution. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd