Advances and Perspectives in Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing: A Critical Review of Reactivity and Mitigation Assessments
The alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is a critical concern for concrete durability, yet its assessment remains challenging and directly impacts mixture design decisions. This review shows that the inconsistencies are more prevalent in mitigation evaluations compared to aggregate reactivity assessments,...
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| author | Osama Omar Hussain Al Hatailah Antonio Nanni |
| author_facet | Osama Omar Hussain Al Hatailah Antonio Nanni |
| author_sort | Osama Omar |
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| description | The alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is a critical concern for concrete durability, yet its assessment remains challenging and directly impacts mixture design decisions. This review shows that the inconsistencies are more prevalent in mitigation evaluations compared to aggregate reactivity assessments, mainly due to the chemical variations in SCMs. A validated framework is suggested to determine the optimal SCM optimal replacement levels for ASR mitigation based on extensive field data, offering direct guidance for mix design decisions involving potentially reactive aggregates. The combination of the accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) and the miniature concrete prism test (MCPT) is shown to be a reliable alternative for the concrete prism test (CPT) in aggregate reactivity. Also, their extended versions, AMBT (28-day) and MCPT (84-day), can be applied for SCMs mitigation evaluation. Given the slower reactivity of SCMs compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), the importance of incorporating indirect test methods, such as the modified R3 test and bulk resistivity is underscored. In addition, emerging sustainability shifts further complicate ASR assessment, including the adoption of Portland limestone cement (PLC), the use of seawater in concrete, and the declining availability of fly ash (FA) and slag. These changes call for updated ASR testing specifications and increased research into natural pozzolans (NPs) as promising SCMs for future ASR mitigation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c426a7fd7c9c4dffa2331d57a532cbd6 |
| institution | Matheson Library |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
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| series | Designs |
| spelling | doaj-art-c426a7fd7c9c4dffa2331d57a532cbd62025-06-25T13:42:02ZengMDPI AGDesigns2411-96602025-06-01937110.3390/designs9030071Advances and Perspectives in Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing: A Critical Review of Reactivity and Mitigation AssessmentsOsama Omar0Hussain Al Hatailah1Antonio Nanni2Civil and Architectural Engineering Department, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124-6914, USACollege of Engineering, Najran University, Najran 11001, Saudi ArabiaCivil and Architectural Engineering Department, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124-6914, USAThe alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is a critical concern for concrete durability, yet its assessment remains challenging and directly impacts mixture design decisions. This review shows that the inconsistencies are more prevalent in mitigation evaluations compared to aggregate reactivity assessments, mainly due to the chemical variations in SCMs. A validated framework is suggested to determine the optimal SCM optimal replacement levels for ASR mitigation based on extensive field data, offering direct guidance for mix design decisions involving potentially reactive aggregates. The combination of the accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) and the miniature concrete prism test (MCPT) is shown to be a reliable alternative for the concrete prism test (CPT) in aggregate reactivity. Also, their extended versions, AMBT (28-day) and MCPT (84-day), can be applied for SCMs mitigation evaluation. Given the slower reactivity of SCMs compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), the importance of incorporating indirect test methods, such as the modified R3 test and bulk resistivity is underscored. In addition, emerging sustainability shifts further complicate ASR assessment, including the adoption of Portland limestone cement (PLC), the use of seawater in concrete, and the declining availability of fly ash (FA) and slag. These changes call for updated ASR testing specifications and increased research into natural pozzolans (NPs) as promising SCMs for future ASR mitigation.https://www.mdpi.com/2411-9660/9/3/71alkali–silica reaction (ASR)alkali–silica reaction mechanismsupplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)mitigation mechanism of SCMs in alkali–silica reactionconcrete durabilityconcrete sustainability |
| spellingShingle | Osama Omar Hussain Al Hatailah Antonio Nanni Advances and Perspectives in Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing: A Critical Review of Reactivity and Mitigation Assessments Designs alkali–silica reaction (ASR) alkali–silica reaction mechanism supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) mitigation mechanism of SCMs in alkali–silica reaction concrete durability concrete sustainability |
| title | Advances and Perspectives in Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing: A Critical Review of Reactivity and Mitigation Assessments |
| title_full | Advances and Perspectives in Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing: A Critical Review of Reactivity and Mitigation Assessments |
| title_fullStr | Advances and Perspectives in Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing: A Critical Review of Reactivity and Mitigation Assessments |
| title_full_unstemmed | Advances and Perspectives in Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing: A Critical Review of Reactivity and Mitigation Assessments |
| title_short | Advances and Perspectives in Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing: A Critical Review of Reactivity and Mitigation Assessments |
| title_sort | advances and perspectives in alkali silica reaction asr testing a critical review of reactivity and mitigation assessments |
| topic | alkali–silica reaction (ASR) alkali–silica reaction mechanism supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) mitigation mechanism of SCMs in alkali–silica reaction concrete durability concrete sustainability |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-9660/9/3/71 |
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