A Framework for Assessing Alkali-Silica Reaction Risk in Aged Concrete Structures with Dissolving Aggregates
Source abstract
Abstract
Assessing the risk of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in large-scale concrete structures remains a critical challenge, particularly due to the scarcity of field-based data and the long timescales involved. This study proposes a methodology to evaluate ASR risk in concrete containing slowly dissolving aggregates. The approach consists of three steps: (i) identifying material properties such as the dissolution rate and chemical composition of the dissolved phases; (ii) determining the critical reaction degree at which amorphous silica forms, using equilibrium calculations based on GEMS thermodynamic simulations; and (iii) estimating the time required to reach this threshold by solving coupled equations for moisture transport and aggregate dissolution under real structural conditions. The methodology is demonstrated using in-situ data from the aged concrete walls of the Hamaoka nuclear power plant. Key factors that mitigate ASR risk are identified, including low dissolution rates, water depletion over time, and the presence of stabilizing species such as Al2O3 and MgO in the dissolved phase. While developed for a specific case, the proposed approach provides an adaptable framework for rational ASR risk evaluation in existing and future concrete structures.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Concrete Properties and Behavior · CO2 Sequestration and Geologic Interactions
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
Nuclear Power Department, Kajima Corporation, Tokyo, Japan.
Engineering & Management Group, Civil & Architectural Engineering Department, Nuclear Power Division, Chubu Electric Power Co., Ltd., Nagoya, Japan.
Nuclear Safety Research & Development Center, Chubu Electric Power Co., Ltd., Omaezaki, Japan.
currently at Engineering Department, Chubu Plant Service Co., Ltd., Nagoya, Japan.
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
University Museum and Graduate school of Environmental studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
Research Center for Green X-tech, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
References (49)
Show source-provided references
1. 1) Aili, A., Maruyama, I., Geng, G., Umeki, S., Sumitani, K., Sawada, S., Ueda, S., & Umeki, Y. (2022). Micro X-ray diffraction and elemental study on Al-tobermorite formation in aged modern concrete. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 105(11), 6924-6937. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.1862410.1111/jace.18624 ↗
2. 2) Aili, A., Maruyama, I., Umeki, Y., & Yokokura, K. (2023). Impact of aggregate–cement paste reaction forming Al-tobermorite on ion transport in aged concrete. Transport in Porous Media, 151, 243-261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-023-01998-210.1007/s11242-023-01998-2 ↗
3. 3) Akita, H., Fujiwara, T., & Ozaka, Y. (1994). An analytical method of moisture transfer within concrete due to drying. Doboku Gakkai Ronbunshu, 490/V-23, 101-110. (in Japanese)10.2208/jscej.1994.490_101 ↗
4. 4) Albinski, S. A.-L. (2022). Concrete cancer: Characterization of alkali silica reaction early stage products by electron microscopy. Thesis (Doctoral). Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL). (in French) https://doi.org/10.5075/epfl-thesis-8638
5. 5) ASTM. (1994). Standard test method for potential alkali reactivity of aggregates (Mortar-bar method, D) (ASTM C1260). West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania: ASTM International.
6. 6) Bagheri, M., Lothenbach, B., Shakoorioskooie, M., & Scrivener, K. (2022). Effect of different ions on dissolution rates of silica and feldspars at high pH. Cement and Concrete Research, 152, 106644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.10664410.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106644 ↗
7. 7) Chappex, T., & Scrivener, K. L. (2012a). Alkali fixation of C–S–H in blended cement pastes and its relation to alkali silica reaction. Cement and Concrete Research, 42(8), 1049-1054. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2012.03.01010.1016/j.cemconres.2012.03.010 ↗
8. 8) Chappex, T., & Scrivener, K. L. (2012b). The influence of aluminium on the dissolution of amorphous silica and its relation to alkali silica reaction. Cement and Concrete Research, 42(12), 1645-1649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2012.09.00910.1016/j.cemconres.2012.09.009 ↗
9. 9) Chou, L., & Wollast, R. (1985). Steady-state kinetics and dissolution mechanisms of albite. American Journal of Science, 285(10), 963-993. https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.285.10.96310.2475/ajs.285.10.963 ↗
10. 10) De Kimpe, C. R. (1969). Crystallization of kaolinite at low temperature from an alumino-silicic gel. Clays and Clay Minerals, 17(1), 37-38. https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.1969.017010710.1346/CCMN.1969.0170107 ↗
11. 11) De Kimpe, C. R., Gastuche, M. C., & Brindley, G. W. (1964). Low-temperature syntheses of kaolin minerals. American Mineralogist: Journal of Earth and Planetary Materials, 49, 1-16.
12. 12) Dent Glasser, L. S., & Kataoka, N. (1981). The chemistry of ‘alkali-aggregate’ reaction. Cement and Concrete Research, 11(1), 1-9.10.1016/0008-8846(81)90003-X ↗
13. 13) Diamond, S., & Thaulow, N. (1974). A study of expansion due to alkali-silica reaction as conditioned by the grain size of the reactive aggregate. Cement and Concrete Research, 4(4), 591-607.10.1016/0008-8846(74)90009-X ↗
14. 14) Drolet, C., Duchesne, J., & Fournier, B. (2017). Effect of alkali release by aggregates on alkali-silica reaction. Construction and Building Materials, 157, 263-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.09.08510.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.09.085 ↗
15. 15) Dunant, C. F., & Scrivener, K. L. (2012). Effects of aggregate size on alkali-silica reaction induced expansion. Cement and Concrete Research, 42(6), 745-751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2012.02.01210.1016/j.cemconres.2012.02.012 ↗
16. 16) Field, K. G., Remec, I., & Le Pape, Y. (2015). Radiation effects in concrete for nuclear power plants – Part I: Quantification of radiation exposure and radiation effects. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 282, 126-143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.10.00310.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.10.003 ↗
17. 17) GCCA. (2021). The GCCA 2050 cement and concrete industry roadmap for net zero concrete. London: Global Cement and Concrete Association.
18. 18) Gustafsson, Å. B., & Puigdomenech, I. (2002). The effect of pH on chlorite dissolution rates at 25 °C. MRS Proceedings, 757, 0316. https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-757-II3.1610.1557/PROC-757-II3.16 ↗
19. 19) Hong, S.-Y., & Glasser, F. P. (2002). Alkali sorption by C-S-H and C-A-S-H gels. Cement and Concrete Research, 32(7), 1101-1111.10.1016/S0008-8846(02)00753-6 ↗
20. 20) Hsiao, Y.-H., La Plante, E. C., Krishnan, N. M. A., Le Pape, Y., Neithalath, N., Bauchy, M., & Sant, G. (2017). Effects of irradiation on albite’s chemical durability. The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 121(41), 7835-7845. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpca.7b0509810.1021/acs.jpca.7b05098 ↗
21. 21) Ichikawa, T., & Kimura, T. (2007). Effect of nuclear radiation on alkali-silica reaction of concrete. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 44(10), 1281-1284. https://doi.org/10.1080/18811248.2007.971137210.1080/18811248.2007.9711372 ↗
22. 22) Ichikawa, T., & Koizumi, H. (2002). Possibility of radiation-induced degradation of concrete by alkali-silica reaction of aggregates. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 39(8), 880-884. https://doi.org/10.1080/18811248.2002.971527210.1080/18811248.2002.9715272 ↗
23. 23) Jin, H., Ghazizadeh, S., & Provis, J. L. (2024). Thermodynamic modelling of alkali-silica reactions in blended cements. Cement and Concrete Research, 181, 107543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2024.10754310.1016/j.cemconres.2024.107543 ↗
24. 24) JSA. (2009). Portland cement (JIS R 5210). Tokyo: Japanese Standards Association.
25. 25) Khmurovska, Y., Štemberk, P., Sikorin, S., Němeček, J., Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka, D., Doleželová, M., Kaladkevich, Y., Pavalanski, E., & Fatseyeu, V. (2021). Effects of gamma-ray irradiation on hardened cement mortar. International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials, 15(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40069-020-00452-710.1186/s40069-020-00452-7 ↗
26. 26) Knauss, K. G., & Wolery, T. J. (1986). Dependence of albite dissolution kinetics on pH and time at 25 °C and 70 °C. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 50(11), 2481-2497.10.1016/0016-7037(86)90031-1 ↗
27. 27) Kulik, D. A., Wagner, T., Dmytrieva, S. V., Kosakowski, G., Hingerl, F. F., Chudnenko, K. V., & Berner, U. R. (2012). GEM-Selektor geochemical modeling package: Revised algorithm and GEMS3K numerical kernel for coupled simulation codes. Computational Geosciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10596-012-9310-610.1007/s10596-012-9310-6 ↗
28. 28) Leemann, A., & Holzer, L. (2005). Alkali-aggregate reaction - Identifying reactive silicates in complex aggregates by ESEM observation of dissolution features. Cement and Concrete Composites, 27(7-8), 796-801. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2005.03.00710.1016/j.cemconcomp.2005.03.007 ↗
29. 29) Lothenbach, B., Kulik, D. A., Matschei, T., Balonis, M., Baquerizo, L., Dilnesa, B., Miron, G. D., & Myers, R. J. (2019). Cemdata18: A chemical thermodynamic database for hydrated Portland cements and alkali-activated materials. Cement and Concrete Research, 115, 472-506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.04.01810.1016/j.cemconres.2018.04.018 ↗
30. 30) Marker, B. R. (2018). Alkali-silica reaction. In: P. Bobrowsky & B. R. Marker, Eds. Encyclopedia of Engineering Geology. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12127-7_11-110.1007/978-3-319-12127-7_11-1 ↗
31. 31) Maruyama, I., Aili, A., Sawada, S., Yokokura, K., & Umeki, Y. (2025). Long-term use of modern Portland cement concrete: Change in strength due to reaction between aggregate and cement paste. Journal of Building Engineering, 111, 113606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.11360610.1016/j.jobe.2025.113606 ↗
32. 32) Maruyama, I., Igarashi, G., & Kishi, N. (2011). Fundamental study on water transfer in Portland cement paste. Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering, AIJ, 76(668), 1737-1744. (in Japanese) https://doi.org/10.3130/aijs.76.173710.3130/aijs.76.1737 ↗
33. 33) Maruyama, I., Rymeš, J., Aili, A., Sawada, S., Kontani, O., Ueda, S., & Shimamoto, R. (2021). Long-term use of modern Portland cement concrete: The impact of Al-tobermorite formation. Materials & Design, 198, 109297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2020.10929710.1016/j.matdes.2020.109297 ↗
34. 34) Mehta, P. K., & Monteiro, P. J. M. (2006). Concrete: Microstructure, properties, and materials (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
35. 35) Myers, R. J., Bernal, S. A., & Provis, J. L. (2014). A thermodynamic model for C-(N-)A-S-H gel: CNASH_ss. Derivation and validation. Cement and Concrete Research, 66, 27-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2014.07.00510.1016/j.cemconres.2014.07.005 ↗
36. 36) Pignatelli, I., Kumar, A., Field, K. G., Wang, B., Yu, Y., Le Pape, Y., Bauchy, M., & Sant, G. (2016). Direct experimental evidence for differing reactivity alterations of minerals following irradiation: The case of calcite and quartz. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 20155. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep2015510.1038/srep20155 ↗
37. 37) Potts, A., Butcher, E., Cann, G., & Leay, L. (2021). Long term effects of gamma irradiation on in-service concrete structures. Journal of Nuclear Materials, 548, 152868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2021.15286810.1016/j.jnucmat.2021.152868 ↗
38. 38) Poyet, S., Sellier, A., Capra, B., Foray, G., Torrenti, J.-M., Cognon, H., & Bourdarot, E. (2007). Chemical modelling of alkali silica reaction: Influence of the reactive aggregate size distribution. Materials and Structures, 40(2), 229-239. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-006-9139-310.1617/s11527-006-9139-3 ↗
39. 39) Ranger, M., Leemann, A., & Fournier, B. (2026). An ASR exposure site after 30 years – Chemical composition of hydrates and ASR products. Cement and Concrete Research, 199, 108043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.10804310.1016/j.cemconres.2025.108043 ↗
40. 40) Razki, S., Benboudjema, F., Bourdot, A., Langlois, S., Fau, A., Hafid, F., & Honorio, T. (2025). Crystallization pressure in ASR expansion quantified by thermodynamic modeling and micromechanics. Cement and Concrete Research, 193, 107878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.10787810.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107878 ↗
41. 41) Rochelle, C. A., Bateman, K., MacGregor, R., Pearce, J. M., Savage, D., & Wetton, P. D. (1994). Experimental determination of chlorite dissolution rates. MRS Proceedings, 353, 149. https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-353-14910.1557/PROC-353-149 ↗
42. 42) Rønning, T. F., Wigum, B. J., & Lindgård, J. (2021). Recommendation of RILEM TC 258-AAA: RILEM AAR-10: Determination of binder combinations for non-reactive mix design using concrete prisms: 38 °C test method. Materials and Structures, 54(6), 0204. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-021-01679-w10.1617/s11527-021-01679-w ↗
43. 43) Rosseel, T. M., Maruyama, I., Le Pape, Y., Kontani, O., Giorla, A. B., Remec, I., Wall, J. J., Sircar, M., Andrade, C., & Ordonez, M. (2016). Review of the current state of knowledge on the effects of radiation on concrete. Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 14(7), 368-383. https://doi.org/10.3151/jact.14.36810.3151/jact.14.368 ↗
44. 44) Rymeš, J., Maruyama, I., Shimamoto, R., Tachibana, A., Tanaka, Y., Sawada, S., Ichikawa, Y., & Kontani, O. (2019). Long-term material properties of a thick concrete wall exposed to ordinary environmental conditions in a nuclear reactor building: The contribution of cement hydrates and feldspar interaction. Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 17(5), 195-215. https://doi.org/10.3151/jact.17.19510.3151/jact.17.195 ↗
45. 45) Ryu, K.-W., Jang, Y.-N., & Chae, S.-C. (2010). Hydrothermal synthesis of kaolinite and its formation mechanism. Clays and Clay Minerals, 58(1), 44-51. https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.2010.058010410.1346/CCMN.2010.0580104 ↗
46. 46) Sasano, H., Maruyama, I., Nakamura, A., Yamamoto, Y., & Teshigawara, M. (2018). Impact of drying on structural performance of reinforced concrete shear walls. Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 16(5), 210-232. https://doi.org/10.3151/jact.16.21010.3151/jact.16.210 ↗
47. 47) Wagner, T., Kulik, D. A., Hingerl, F. F., & Dmytrieva, S. V. (2012). GEM-Selektor geochemical modeling package: TSolMod library and data interface for multicomponent phase models. The Canadian Mineralogist, 50(5), 1173-1195. https://doi.org/10.3749/canmin.50.5.117310.3749/canmin.50.5.1173 ↗
48. 48) Wollast, R., & Chou, L. (1988). Physical and chemical weathering in geochemical cycles. In: A. Lerman & M. Meybeck, Eds. Physical and Chemical Weathering in Geochemical Cycles. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3071-110.1007/978-94-009-3071-1 ↗
49. 49) Zapała-Sławeta, J. (2023). Impact of aggregate grain size on ASR-induced expansion. Materials, 16(24), 7506. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma1624750610.3390/ma16247506 ↗