ASR is caused by a reaction between free alkalinity in the concrete pore solution and reactive forms of silica in the
aggregate. This reaction forms an alkali-silicate gel which with the availability of moisture increases in volume, exerts
expansive pressure and results in cracking of the concrete. Three conditions are necessary for ASR and the resultant
cracking to occur in concrete –
- 1. A sufficiently high alkali content of the cement pore fluid.
- 2. A reactive aggregate.
- 3. Moisture – either as liquid or vapour is needed to cause the gel to expand.
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