Comparison of the morphology of alkali–silica gel formed in limestones in concrete affected by the so-called alkali–carbonate reaction (ACR) and alkali–silica reaction (ASR)

Journal Article · Wed May 15 04:00:00 EDT 2013 · Cement and Concrete Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEMCONRES.2013.01.013· OSTI ID:22220796

Chan, Gordon ^[1]

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1. NRC Construction, Bldg., M20, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0R6 (Canada)

The morphology of alkali–silica gel formed in dolomitic limestone affected by the so-called alkali–carbonate reaction (ACR) is compared to that formed in a siliceous limestone affected by alkali–silica reaction (ASR). The particle of dolomitic limestone was extracted from the experimental sidewalk in Kingston, Ontario, Canada that was badly cracked due to ACR. The siliceous limestone particle was extracted from a core taken from a highway structure in Quebec, affected by ASR. Both cores exhibited marked reaction rims around limestone particles. The aggregate particles were polished and given a light gold coating in preparation for examination in a scanning electron microscope. The gel in the ACR aggregate formed stringers between the calcite crystals in the matrix of the rock, whereas gel in ASR concrete formed a thick layer on top of the calcite crystals, that are of the same size as in the ACR aggregate.

• OSTI ID: 22220796
• Journal Information: Cement and Concrete Research, Journal Name: Cement and Concrete Research Vol. 47; ISSN 0008-8846; ISSN CCNRAI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CALCITE
CONCRETES
CRACKS
CRYSTALS
GELS
LAYERS
LIMESTONE
QUEBEC
RESONANCE IONIZATION MASS SPECTROSCOPY
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY