Reactivity of reclaimed concrete aggregate produced from concrete affected by alkali–silica reaction

This paper presents results from a research program that focused on studying the reactivity of reclaimed concrete aggregate (RCA) produced from concrete affected by alkali–silica reaction (ASR). The results showed that RCA produced from ASR-affected concrete causes significant expansion when used in new concrete. The expansion was similar to that produced in concrete containing the reactive aggregate used originally in the old concrete. It is believed that crushing the old concrete exposed fresh faces of the reactive aggregate which causes renewed reaction and expansion in the new concrete. The alkalis contributed from the RCA are also believed to contribute to the expansion. The amount of supplementary cementing materials required to mitigate the expansion in new concrete containing ASR-affected RCA was higher than those normally needed in concrete containing the virgin reactive aggregate. The results showed a good agreement between the 14-day expansion of accelerated mortar bars and the expansion of concrete prisms.