Using lithium nitrate and pozzolanic glass powder in concrete as ASR suppressors

This investigation studies the influence of two different mineral admixtures, lithium nitrate (Li) and pozzolanic glass powder (PGP) on the expansion induced by alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Four numbers of concrete prisms were produced for each concrete mix to measure the expansion resulted from the ASR according to the test method of the BS 812-123:1999. Chemical analysis was performed using X-ray spectra. Test results confirmed that Li and PGP have significantly reduced the ASR expansion. Lower calcium to silica ratio (Ca/Si) was found in concrete mix contains (PGP) because of the high amorphous reactive silica and low calcium content in PGP compared to ordinary Portland cement CEM1. Similar components and minerals phases were obtained in different concrete mixes by using XRD.