Mechanical Properties of Mortars Effected by Alkali-Silica Reaction

Portland cement industry is held responsible for about of the CO2 emissions. The challenge, therefore, is to develop sustainable solutions based on green cementitious materials. Belite cements have low CaO consumption, thus resulting in lesser CO2 emissions during the production phase. Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) can cause the prematuredistress and loss in serviceability of concrete structures. The aim of this research was to investigate alkali-silica behaviors of boron-modified active Belite cement and CEM I, CEM II/A, CEM III/A cements. The study was carried out on mortar bars, which were cast and tested in accordance with an accelerated method, ASTM C1260. The experimental program contained measurements of mortar bar expansions. In addition, the mortars affected by ASR flexural and compressive strengths were determined in accordance with ASTM C348 and ASTM C109, using 40×40×160 mm mortar prisms, respectively. The highest compressive strength loss which was 19% was found in OPC and the lowest one which was 6% in GGSC.

Keywords:

Boron-modified active belite cement , alkali-silica reaction , expansion , mortar