Characterization of ASR in Concrete by MAS NMR Spectroscopy
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 28, Issue 2
Abstract
MAS NMR spectroscopy was employed for the evaluation of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in laboratory and field concrete specimens. A series of NMR data was collected on the individual constituents of cement as well as on samples subjected to accelerated aging in a carefully controlled laboratory setting. Peaks associated with ASR were assigned and quantified. In spite of the spectral complexity due to the diverse constituents and the heterogeneous nature of concrete, changes due to ASR, including increased polymerization of C-S-H and A-S-H formation, could be identified and quantified. The trends established through NMR spectroscopy of the laboratory specimens were used to identify the presence and extent of the alkali-silica reaction in samples from operational bridges. Both bridge samples exhibited spectral evidence of ASR. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to verify the NMR spectroscopy observations.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Contract No. DTRT57-12-C-10064 for the study report herein. The authors are thankful to Fred Faridazar from U.S. DOT (Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center) for his guidance and support throughout the project. The authors also wish to acknowledge the support of Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) in providing concrete samples taken from deteriorated bridge structures.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 28 • Issue 2 • February 2016
Copyright
© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 14, 2014
Accepted: Apr 7, 2015
Published online: Jul 3, 2015
Discussion open until: Dec 3, 2015
Published in print: Feb 1, 2016
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