Modeling of flexural strength degradation induced by alkali-silica reaction

Abstract Flexural strength is an important design parameter for concrete structures which is seriously affected by alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Predicting the effect of ASR on flexural strength is relevant. In this paper, a microporomechanical model was proposed to describe the flexural strength degradation induced by ASR. The damage process of ASR was represented by crack propagation in this model. The undrained condition of cracks was considered for the filling effect of ASR gels. To validate this model, the flexural strength of mortar fully immersed in 5% and 10% NaOH solutions was tested. The calculations showed good agreement with the experimental results.