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Microstructural and multiphysics study of alkali‐silica reaction in Portland cement concrete
Author(s) -
Pan Tongyan,
Chen Chi,
Yu Qifeng
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
structural concrete
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1751-7648
pISSN - 1464-4177
DOI - 10.1002/suco.201700164
Subject(s) - portland cement , alkali–silica reaction , multiphysics , materials science , finite element method , alkali–aggregate reaction , aggregate (composite) , cement , interpolation (computer graphics) , pozzolan , structural engineering , composite material , engineering , mechanical engineering , frame (networking)
Alkali‐silica reaction (ASR) of Portland cement concrete involves complex chemophysical processes in the matrix of hardened concrete which could significantly shorten concrete life. A clear understanding of the ASR processes is needed to effectively control the ASR‐related problems as the vast majority of concrete used today is made of Portland cement and local aggregate materials that are often susceptible to ASR. Within this background, this work presents a numerical model to investigate ASR based on the three‐dimensional microstructure of heterogeneous concrete reconstructed using X‐ray computed‐tomography images. Finite element method was used to analyze the kinetics of ASR and the ensuing expansion of alkali‐silicate gel, based on a weak‐form governing equation that was solved using linear interpolation. The numerical results were validated using published experimental data on ASR. The validated FEM model can be useful for studying, evaluating, and predicting generic ASR‐related problems in concrete structures.