Evaluation of laboratory test methods for assessing the alkali-reactivity potential of aggregates by field site tests

Abstract

Field site tests were carried out to assess the reliability of the tests developed by RILEM and some regional tests to evaluate the alkali-reactivity potential of aggregates (eight tests were included). One hundred concrete cubes made with 13 different European aggregate combinations were stored on eight different European field sites to compare their expansions with the laboratory test results. All highly reactive aggregate combinations caused significant expansion of concrete cubes within the first six years on all field sites from Norway to Spain. These and the non-reactive aggregate combinations were correctly identified with all laboratory tests. Concrete cubes with moderately reactive aggregate combinations expanded very slowly and mainly in the outdoor exposure sites with warm climate conditions. The RILEM test method AAR-4.1 (60°C accelerated concrete prism test) and the Norwegian concrete prism test at 38°C seem to be best suited to identity the potential reactivity of moderately reactive aggregate combinations.