Engineering Geology

Engineering Geology

Investigation of Carbonate Aggregates and the Use of Petrography in Predicting Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR)

Authors
Mohammad Fathollahy 1
Habib Rahimi Menbar 2
1 university of Kurdistan
2 Tarbiat modares University
10.22034/JEG.2024.18.4.1015263
Abstract
In order to produce strong and durable concrete, it is essential to accurately assess the alkali reactivity potential of aggregates. Alkali reactions occur gradually over time and are therefore often overlooked in the early stages of a project.. This research investigates the alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) potential of concrete aggregates. Petrographic analysis of aggregates, based on ASTM C295, is a simple and rapid method for identifyingminerals that may react with the alkalis in cement. In this study, susceptible aggregates were identified through petrography, and then the accuracy of the results and the importance of petrographic analysis were verified using laboratory methods (ASTM C586 and ASTM C1260) to select suitable materials with minimal cost and time before designing the concrete mix. The results indicate that carbonate aggregates may contain silica and have alkali reactivity potential, necessitating the use of ASR testing methods as well. In addition, the results demonstrate that petrographic analysis is an effective and valuable method for identifying minerals with alkali reactivity potential.
Keywords
Carbonate aggregate including silica
Aggregate Alkali Reactivity (AAR)
Petrography according to ASTM C 295
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