Effect of anions on behavior of mortar exposed to alkali–silica reaction

Abstract To investigate the effect of alkali–silica reaction (ASR) on concrete structures in saline and alkaline service environments, mortar containing reactive aggregates is immersed in 5% and 10% NaCl solutions, 5% and 10% NaOH solutions, and deionized water for 210 d. The mortar’s mechanical properties and durability are thereafter tested, and their relationships are analyzed. The results show that external hydroxyl ions negatively affect the aforementioned properties, whereas the effect of chloride ions is minimal. Based on the linear relationship between compressive strength and water permeability, this study proposes a method to evaluate the ASR deterioration of concrete structures.