Significance and Use

This test method may be used as a preliminary or screening test to evaluate the relative effectiveness of a number of different materials being considered for use to prevent excessive expansion due to alkali-silica reaction.

This test method may also be used to evaluate materials proposed for use on a particular job to prevent excessive expansion due to alkali-silica reaction, by testing in the quantity and in combination with the cement or cements to be used on the job.

This test method does not assess the suitability of pozzolans or slag for use in concrete. These materials should comply with Specification C618 , Specification C989 or Specification C1240 .

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the effectiveness of pozzolans or slag in preventing the excessive expansion caused by reaction between aggregates and alkalies in portland cement mixtures. The evaluation is based on the expansion developed in mortar bars by a combination of portland cement and a pozzolan or slag, made with reactive aggregates (borosilicate glass), during storage under prescribed conditions of test.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

C150 Specification for Portland Cement

C227 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Cement-Aggregate Combinations (Mortar-Bar Method)

C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete

C989 Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars

C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures

C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar

Keywords

alkali-silica reaction; concrete; expansion; fly ash; ground blast-furnace slag; mortar; pozzolan; silica fume;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.100.30 (Concrete and concrete products)

DOI: 10.1520/C0441_C0441M-11

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM C441 / C441M