Investigation of ASR Effects on the Load-Carrying Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Elements by Ultra-Accelerated Laboratory Test

Abstract The alkali–silica reaction (ASR) can cause expansion, cracking, and degradation of the mechanical properties affected concrete. Concerns about safety ASR-damaged reinforced concrete structures have driven demand for studying effects ASR on residual load capacity deteriorated structure. Conventionally, field testing methods are used to assess ASR-affected structures. In this study, a novel accelerated laboratory test using LVSA 50/70 autoclave accelerate was applied investigate flexural shear behavior small-scale beams by ASR. specimens were subjected three cycles 80 °C steam curing at atmospheric pressure in autoclave, with 60 h/cycle. Significant expansion damage observed. Load carrying tests showed that, levels achieved, not significantly affected. Shear resistance beams, however, found increase compared their 28-day counterparts, which could be attributed prestressing effect due expansion. It appears that multicycle steam-curing is suitable investigating deterioration actual mixes within short period time. elements higher levels, need further investigation.