Deterioration and defect in concrete bridge structures: Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)

Abstract

Natural environmental factors have a negative impact to the strength and long-term durability of a concrete bridge. In this paper, a literature review presenting a petrography analysis within crack formation of the concrete due to Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR). Due to its multiscale properties, SEM analysis is selected as means of approach to study the microstructural properties of the samples. The aim of the review is latest advancement related to the ASR with exposure to saltwater. It is known the formation of ASR can lead to expansion of gel that leads to formation of crack. Thus, it is important to study the conditions that favourable to ASR on the pH, type of aggregates, optimal temperatures as plotting ways of elimination from the additional of admixtures. In reference to several experiments and finite models, it can be concluded that more in-depth studies are needed as simulation model is using a simplified model and subjected to method of data retrieval, thus, a complete mechanism and properties is limited to be captured. The consequences from this information gap leading to inability to assess associated risk and efficiently halt the extent of damage.