Mechanisms of Alkali-Silica Reaction Inhibition in Concrete Using Composite Solid-Waste Mineral Admixtures as Fly-Ash Replacements

doi:10.16552/j.cnki.issn1001-1625.2026.0120

Abstract

Abstract:

To address the challenges associated with the uneven regional distribution of fly ash resources and the limited availability of a stable local supply for dam construction， this study developed a composite solid-waste mineral admixture derived by solid wastes from engineering-side areas as a substitute for fly ash to mitigate alkali-silica reaction （ASR） in concrete while enabling in situ resource utilization of solid wastes. The reaction activity and mitigation effectiveness were evaluated through activity index， hydration heat， and expansion rate， while the underlying suppression mechanisms were elucidated by combining pore-solution ionic analysis with backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy. The influence on material performance was further assessed using compressive strength testing， mercury intrusion porosimetry， and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrate that the composite solid-waste mineral admixture exhibits a lime consumption activity of up to 52.3%， comparable to that of fly ash. A composite solid-waste mineral admixture replacement level of not less than 20% is sufficient to control ASR expansion below the specified limit. Pore-solution ionic analysis result reveals a mitigation mechanism characterized by the reduction of alkali metal ions and the modulation of aluminum species. Thermogravimetric and porosity results indicate that， under the same mix proportion， Ca（OH）₂ is continuously consumed and the pore structure gradually densifies with curing age. Overall， this study provides a low-carbon mitigation strategy for ASR control in concrete in regions with constrained fly ash supply.

Key words: composite solid-waste mineral admixture, alkali-silica reaction, issueary cementitious material, pore structure, fly ash replacement, mortar-bar expansion

CLC Number:

TU525

XU Qing, YANG Shuqing, FENG Wei, LI Lin, CUI Hongzhi. Mechanisms of Alkali-Silica Reaction Inhibition in Concrete Using Composite Solid-Waste Mineral Admixtures as Fly-Ash Replacements[J]. BULLETIN OF THE CHINESE CERAMIC SOCIETY, 2026, 45(8): 2760-2769.

Figures/Tables 10

Fig.1 Particle size distribution of B-SCMs and cement

Table 1 Main chemical composition of raw materials of B-SCMs and cement

Material	Mass fraction/%
Material	SiO₂	Al₂O₃	CaO	TiO₂	Fe₂O₃	MgO	K₂O	Na₂O
B-SCMs	45.34	25.26	15.18	4.24	3.31	2.92	1.57	0.35
Cement	20.29	3.77	62.08	0.28	4.43	3.75	0.77	0.38
Fly ash	44.98	29.77	4.45	3.28	10.06	0.95	2.35	1.67
Carbon slag	60.53	29.68	0.46	0.88	3.64	1.30	2.77	0.36
Granulated blast furnace slag	22.71	15.60	28.19	21.52	1.19	7.13	0.36	0.42
Stainless steel slag	25.34	8.20	45.88	4.12	2.78	7.83	0.43	0.47

Fig.2 Pozzolanic activity of B-SCMs and FA

Fig.3 Effect of B-SCMs replacement levels on hydration heat evolution of cement paste

Fig.4 Expansion rate of alkali-silica reaction of mortar bar under different conditions

Fig.5 Expansion of specimens versus curing age under ASTM C1260

Fig.6 Elemental content determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for solid-waste powder with different proportion

Fig.7 Compressive strength of solid-waste powder with different proportion

Fig.8 Porosity evolution law of solid-waste powder with different proportion

Fig.9 DTG curves of cementitious systems with different B-SCMs replacement levels at different curing ages

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