Mitigation of ASR affected concrete in Boston, MA, USA: A case study

Author(s): A.F. Bentivegna, T. Drimalas, J.H. Ideker, S. Hayman
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 341- 342
Total Pages: 2
Language: English

Abstract: 
This paper presents the results of investigations into ASR affected traffic barriers in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Several different treatments were utilized to potentially reduce or arrest ASR. Topical coatings of silane and lithium nitrate were applied to sections of the affected barriers. Additionally, several control sections were left untreated. Lithium nitrate was applied via topical sprays and vacuum impregnation and showed similar or worsened expansion versus untreated control sections, rendering the treatments unsuccessful at mitigating the reaction. The application of silane coatings was successful at lowering the internal relative humidity of the concrete and reducing the expansion of the concrete. The untreated control barriers had an average relative humidity of 86.0% over 4 years. The treatments using two different commercially available silanes, 40% isopropyl-based and 20% isopropyl-based, lowered the relative humidity below the critical threshold of 80.0% RH. This research results indicate that lithium salts applied via topical spray or vacuum impregnation were unable to penetrate and mitigate expansion due to ASR; however the application of topical silanes proved effective and thus minimized the potential for future damage and prolonged the service life of the barriers.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00