The role of lithium compounds in mitigating alkali-gravel aggregate reaction

This paper presents the results from the tests carried out on mortars from reactive polymineral gravel with lithium nitrate according to the modified ASTM C1260 standard and ASTM C227. The findings show that lithium ions decrease mortar expansion until it reaches the levels markedly lower than those set out in the standards. A considerable reduction in the number of microcracks may indicate either lower swelling capacity of the gels or reduced reactivity of the aggregate, leading to the reduction in the quantity of damaging expansive products.