Summary

When reactive aggregates

have to be used in construc-
tion,the addition of Elkem
Microsilicais a way of
reducing or eliminating the
expansion caused by alkali-
silica reaction (ASR,also
sometimes called AAR
Alkali Aggregate Reaction) in
concrete. ASR is a process
whereby alkali silicate gel
forms and afterwards
expands on absorption of
water.This expansion may
cause crack formation
throughout the entire volume
of concrete.In recent years
increasing attention has been
given to problems associated
with ASR. This is due to a
number of instances of ASR
attack and the identification
of reactive aggregates in many
countries.
Alkali-silica
reactions
ASR is a reaction between
alkalis,Na
2
O and K
2
O (found
in cement or added to the
concrete),and reactive,
siliceous mineral components
of the aggregates. There has
to be moisture present in the
concrete in order for the
reaction to take place. The
reaction product is an alkali-
silicate gel which on absorp-
tion of water will expand and
generate hydraulic stresses
which may cause cracking.
(Figure 1).
For ASR to take place
requires:
High alkali content of the
concrete,normally
contributed from the
cement,i.e.the cement has
to contain a sufficiently high
level of alkalis.An upper
limit of 3 kg of Na
2
O-
equivalent per m
3
is often
given in the literature as
sufficient to prevent attack.
Access to moisture,mini-
mum 75%RH is required.
Other factors which will
affect the ASR attack
include the amount of
reactive aggregates and the
grain size of the aggregates.
Elkem Microsilica will
suppress ASR as follows:
Elkem Microsilica will bind
free alkalis early,already in
the fresh or plastic
concrete. (Figure 2).
Elkem Microsilica will
reduce the permeability
of the concrete and thus
limit the penetration
of moisture or external
alkalis.
Elkem Microsilica allows a
reduction in the cement
content without affecting
the strength of the
concrete,thus the alkali
contribution from cement
can be reduced.
Elkem Microsilica

CONCRETE
C3-05
Properties
Alkali-Silica Reaction
Water and/ or alkalis
from the
surroundings, e.g.
from road salt
Diffusion of alkalis
in the pore system
from cement and
admixtures.
Reactive
aggregates
Transformation of
reactive aggregates
expansion
Diffusion of water
and alkalis into the
concrete.
Crack
formation
Three-legged
cracks
on the surface.
Cracks parallel
to the surface.
Fig.1 Schematic diagramof ASR attack.Fromreference (1)
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

o
f

K
+
-
i
o
n
s
.
M
o
l
/
l
OPC
OPC + 5% microsilica
OPC + 10% microsilica
OPC + 20% microsilica
Time (days)
Fig.2 Effect of microsilica on the alkali content in cement paste.
Fromreference (4)
C3-05 26.03.01 16:24 Side 1
Conclusions
The use of Elkem Microsilica
will help to suppress ASR
when added at a rate of 5 to
15 %of the cement weight.
(Figure 3).
A prime example of using
microsilica for ASR protection
is Iceland,where the entire
production of cement
contains 7 to
10 %microsilica in order to
reduce the ASR attack caused
by the combination of highly
reactive natural aggregates and
local high alkali cement.
(Figure 4).
Trial mixes to determine the
necessary level of microsilica
addition are recommended.
References
1.Comite Euro-Inter-
national du Beton,
Bulletin dInformation
No.166,24th Plenary
Session of CEB,Rotterdam,
June 1985
2. Asgeirson,Haraldur:
Cement and Concrete
Research,
Vol.16,pp.423-428,1986
3.Olafsson,Hkon,
Thaulow,Niels:
Nordtest Project
173-79,Teknologisk Institut,
Kbenhavn,1981
4.Diamond,Sidney:
Journal of American
Concrete Society,Vol.66,
No.5,1982
5.Spler,Birger (editor):
Betongens
Funksjons-dyktighet,
Rapport No.4;Kjemisk
Pvirkning,NTNF,1986
6.Parker, D.G.:
Report SA854/3C,
prepared for Elkem
Chemicals Ltd,1986
7.Hooton,R.D.:
Influence of Silica Fume
Replacement of Cement on
Physical Properties and
Resistance to Sulfate
Attack,Freezing and
Thawing,and Alkali Silica
Reactivity,ACI Materials
Journal,V.90,
No.2,pp.143-161
Elkem Microsilica

is a registered trademark and belongs to ElkemASA Materials

CONCRETE PROPERTIES JANUARY 2001 C3-05
E
x
p
a
n
s
i
o
n

0
/
0
Limits according to
Icelandic codes.
OPC
OPC + 7.5% microsilica
OPC + 10% microsilica
Age (years)
OPC + 5% microsilica
E
x
p
a
n
s
i
o
n
,
0
/
0
Control
5% Silica Fume
10% Silica Fume
15% Silica Fume
20% Silica Fume
ASTM C 618 Limit
0.020% at 14 Days
Time, days
Fig.3 Expansion of ASTM C 441 Pyrex mortar bars with various silica fume
contents.The alkali content of the control cement was 1.17%Na
2
O
equivalent (adapted fromHooton,1993)
Fig.4 Expansion in mortar prisms with Icelandic standard Portland cement
and Hvalfjord sand.Based on ref.(2)
The information given on this datasheet is based on manyyears of research and field experience and is accurate to the best knowledge of ElkemMaterials.
However, due to the numerous factors that can affect the performance of a concrete,with or without microsilica,
ElkemMaterials offers this information without guarantee and accepts no liabilityfor anydirect or indirect damage fromits use.
If further information or assistance is required,please contact your local representative or the office number given on this datasheet.
ElkemASA Materials
P.O.Box 8126 Vaagsbygd
N-4675 Kristiansand S.
NORWAY
Telephone: +47 38 01 75 00
Telefax: +47 38 01 49 70
e-mail:microsilica.materials@elkem.no
Internet: www.concrete.elkem.com w
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C3-05 26.03.01 16:24 Side 2