Use of dynamic nondestructive test methods to monitor concrete deterioration due to alkali-silica reaction

The use of dynamic nondestructive test methods such as pulse velocity and dynamic modulus to monitor the initiation and progress of concrete deterioration due to alkali-silica reactions(ASR) is described. The tests reported cover a range of parameters: two different types of reactive aggregates: varying environments; concretes without and with mineral admixtures such as fly ash, ground-granulated blast-furnace slag, and silica fume; and concrete beams with and without reinforcement. The results show that both pulse velocity and dynamic modulus are sensitive to material and structural changes arising from ASR and that they can respond reliably to changes prior to first crack, at first crack and the progress of deterioration with time in concrete both with and without cementitious materials other than portland cement. With engineering judgement, pulse-velocity measurements can be used confidently to assess structural deterioration due to ASR.