The effect of supplementary cementing materials on alkali-silica reaction: A review

This paper reviews studies on the effect of supplementary cementing materials (SCM) on alkali-silica reaction (ASR). SCMs control expansion due to ASR by binding alkalis and limiting their availability for reaction with alkali-silica reactive aggregate. The efficacy of the SCM is dependent on the composition of the SCM. Increased amounts of SCM are required to control ASR as its calcium and alkali content increase, as its silica content decreases, as the alkali contributed by the Portland cement increases and as the reactivity of the aggregate increases. There is evidence that the alumina content of the SCM also affects its alkali-binding capacity, however, the precise role and contribution of the alumina is not clear.