Minimising the risk of deleterious alkali-silica reaction in Irish concrete practice

National guidance on minimising the risk of alkali-silica reaction was first published in the Republic of Ireland in 1991. The introduction to practice of European Standard EN206-1 and the pending withdrawal of conflicting national standards prompted a review. This has recently concluded and revised national guidance on minimising the risk of deleterious reaction was proposed. The review focussed on recent research on the influence of chert, the reactivity of greywacke aggregates, the alkali contribution of secondary cementitious materials, and developments in testing. This paper reviews the international and national developments in these areas that underpinned the changes. It presents the outcome of the review and contrasts the new guidance with earlier practice.