Reduction of alkali silica reaction risk in concrete by natural (micronised) amorphous silica

Concrete, which is the most consumption material after the water in the world, sustains a very big importance in terms of durability, strength, safety, economy and environment. The utilizing lifetime of concrete structures with large volumes which are finished before it was planned may required highly costs for restoration, reinforcement or rebuilding. The one of significant concerns at designs of durable concretes is alkali silica reaction (ASR). The capillary cracks have formed by ASR increases to permeability of concrete, reduces the strength and lowers the economic lifetime of concrete. In this paper, a comprehensive experimental research was carried out to prevent the damages to be able to improve in the reactive aggregated concrete structures by using the natural (micronised) amorphous silica in the mixtures. Furthermore, the engineering properties of amorphous silica, comparison with the other types of mineral additives and the test methodology used in the research were presented and the research findings were also discussed. The usage of amorphous silica as a mineral admixture in concrete has reduced up to 120% level of ASR expansion.