CME is now able to perform Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) testing for aggregate source qualifications and concrete mix designs in their Reno laboratory. ASR testing is an efficient method for preventing damage by identifying aggregate susceptibility prior to being used in concrete. The reaction that takes place between the alkaline cement and reactive siliceous material in many aggregates produces a calcium silicate hydrate gel that expands upon exposure to water. Expansion takes place in hardened concrete, causing internal stresses to build up and damage/deteriorate concrete. There are several methods for determining the potential reactivity of combinations of aggregates, cement, and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). All of the following AASHTO/ASTM procedures are now performed in CME’s laboratory:
• AASHTO T303 – Standard Method of Test for Accelerated Detection of Potentially Deleterious Expansion of Mortar Bars Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction
• ASTM C1260 – Standard Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method)
• ASTM C1567 – Determining Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Combinations of Cementitious Materials and Aggregate (Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method)
