ABSTRACT
ASR is a chemical reaction between reactive silica found in certain aggregates and the hydroxides of alkali metals. Stanton first described the general features of alkali silica reaction (Stanton, T.E., 1940). This reaction results in formation of hygroscopically expansive gel. Due to expansion, stresses are induced on the surrounding hardened cement paste resulting in micro cracking and volumetric expansion (Nizar et al. 2004, Chiara, 1995, and Berube et al. 2004). Chemical admixtures such as lithium salts have been found to inhibit ASR (McCoy and Caldwell, 1951). Various lithium bearing compounds have been investigated for practical use as ASR suppressing agents (Ramyar et al. 2004, Hudec and Banahene, 1993, Stark, 1994, and Prezzi, et al. 1998). Getting lithium into hardened concrete is a continuing challenge that is limited by long processing time and poor penetration. The current study examines the use of silica nanoparticles as lithium carriers that can permit high speed electrokinetic transport.
