Numerical calculation of expansion induced by alkali silica reaction

•A model to predict alkali silica reaction (ASR) induced expansion was developed.•The model took into account the influences of different factors on ASR expansion.•Volume of gel was calculated in the model by using solid state reaction theory.•Validation of the model shows that the model can predict ASR expansion very well.

This paper proposed a model to predict alkali silica reaction (ASR) induced expansion. The model can estimate the influential factors on ASR expansion, such as the aggregate sizes, mechanical properties of composite materials, and initial alkali concentration. Chemical reactions were described by solid state reaction theory. Concrete was considered to include aggregates, crack region and uncracked region. Alkali silica gel was considered to be the main reason of expansion, and the gel volume was calculated according to the alkali-silica reactions. The model was validated by an experiment of ASR-affected concrete specimens containing glass aggregate. The comparison of calculation results with experimental results showed good applicability of the model.