Date of Award

2-22-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Construction Management

First Advisor

Amin Akhnoukh

Abstract

The objective of this research is to mitigate and prevent the alkali silica reactivity (ASR) in highway construction projects. ASR is a deleterious reaction initiated when the silica content of the aggregate reacts with alkali hydroxides in the mix in the presence of relatively high moisture content. The ASR results in the formation of an expansive white colored gel-like material which forms the destructive tensile stresses inside hardened concrete. Different types of local aggregates available in the State of Arkansas were mixed, mortar bars and concrete specimens were poured according to the ASTM specifications. Specimens' expansion was measured versus time, aggregates with potential ASR problems were detected. Different types of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) were used in remixing highly reactive aggregates. Length changes proved that different types of SCMs can be successfully used in reducing the expansive effect of ASR. Results will help avoiding losses and reduce the maintenance, repair, and replacement budgets required for highways network.

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