Fiber reinforced mortar affected by alkali-silica reaction: A study by synchrotron microtomography

Alkali-Silica reaction (ASR) is a physicochemical process that can deteriorate concrete and is a recurring engineering problem. In this study three different cylindrical samples affected by ASR were prepared: a plain mortar and two composite mortars containing fibers (polypropylene and a polymer hybrid), which were analyzed at the microtomography (μCT) beamline 8.3.2 at the Advanced Light Source (ALS). In general, three different features were observed during the 136 day observation period: (1) aggregate dissolution, (2) crack propagation from inside the aggregate, through the cement matrix, and at the ITZ, and (3) the alkali-silica gel filling cracks and voids. In addition, accelerated mortar bar tests were utilized to observe ASR's expansive effect in the plain and composite mortars, and the fibers' ability to restrain expansion due to ASR.