Studies on lithium salts to mitigate ASR-induced expansion in new concrete: a critical review

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 2005 · Cement and Concrete Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.10.013· OSTI ID:20706236

Feng, X ^[1]; Thomas, M D.A. ^[1]; Bremner, T W ^[1]; Balcom, B J ^[2]; Folliard, K J ^[3]

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1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Brunswick, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 (Canada)
2. MRI Center, University of New Brunswick, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 (Canada)
3. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712 (United States)

This paper provides a critical review of the research work conducted so far on the suppressive effects of lithium compounds on expansion due to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete and on the mechanism or mechanisms by which lithium inhibits the expansion. After a thorough examination of the existing literature regarding lithium salts in controlling ASR expansion, a summary of research findings is provided. It shows that all the lithium salts studied, including LiF, LiCl, LiBr, LiOH, LiOH.H{sub 2}O, LiNO{sub 3}, LiNO{sub 2}, Li{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4}, Li{sub 2}HPO{sub 4}, and Li{sub 2}SiO{sub 3}, are effective in suppressing ASR expansion in new concrete, provided they are used at the appropriate dosages. Among these compounds, LiNO{sub 3} appears to be the most promising one. Although the mechanism(s) for the suppressive effects of lithium are not well understood, several mechanisms have been proposed. A detailed discussion about these existing mechanisms is provided in the paper. Finally, some recommendations for future studies are identified.

• OSTI ID: 20706236
• Journal Information: Cement and Concrete Research, Journal Name: Cement and Concrete Research Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 35; ISSN 0008-8846; ISSN CCNRAI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CONCRETES
EXPANSION
LITHIUM BROMIDES
LITHIUM CARBONATES
LITHIUM CHLORIDES
LITHIUM FLUORIDES
LITHIUM HYDROXIDES
LITHIUM NITRATES
LITHIUM SILICATES
LITHIUM SULFATES
MORTARS
SILICA
WATER