A computational linear elastic fracture mechanics-based model for alkali–silica reaction

A fracture mechanics model for alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is presented that deals with the case of a concrete made up of dense spherical aggregates. Chemistry and diffusion (of ions and gel) are not modelled. The focus is put on the mechanical consequences of the progressive replacement of the aggregates by a less dense gel. A ring-shaped crack then appears in the cement paste depending on the pressure build-up, according to an incremental energy criterion. The stored elastic energy and deformation of each configuration are determined assuming that each aggregate is embedded in an infinite cement paste matrix, through Finite Element Analysis. We note a very different behaviour of aggregates of different sizes. Adding the contributions of different aggregates leads to an estimate of the free expansion of a concrete of given aggregate size distribution. Parameters of the model are identified, providing a good fit to experiments taken from Multon's work.