The effect of elevated conditioning temperature on the ASR expansion, cracking and properties of reactive Spratt aggregate concrete

In the laboratory study of alkali-silica reaction (ASR), attempts have been made to reduce the test duration by accelerating the rate of reaction, which is usually accomplished by increasing the conditioning temperature. However, the consequences of elevating temperature are not so encouraging. This study evaluated the effects of elevated temperature by comparing expansion, damage rating index and mechanical properties of concrete made with Spratt aggregate conditioned at 38 °C and 50 °C. Increasing the temperature to 50 °C from 38 °C can shorten the test duration by more than three times with little effect on the response of concrete.