Finite Element Analysis of Cracked Concrete Structures Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2024
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Alkali-Silica reaction in concrete, often referred to as concrete cancer, is a problem causing significant loss in the structural integrity of concrete structures. This chemical reaction produces a gel-like by-product that expands and forms pressure, leading to crack formation. This process decreases the mechanical properties of concrete, reducing its lifespan and affecting its durability and strength. It is considered a dangerous distress mechanism affecting global concrete infrastructure.
ASR can be minimized by using supplemental cementitious materials or non-reactive aggregates. Diagnosing ASR for existing structures and minimizing restoration costs is crucial. However, proper techniques are needed to quantify damage and know the capacity of ASR-affected concrete members. This helps structural engineers develop macro models and compute flexural capacity, enabling effective management and restoration solutions for infrastructure.
Many approaches have been employed to thoroughly understand the ASR mechanism and expansion. However, to this date, the ASR mechanism remains limitedly understood. Practicing engineers need a knowledge base to check and analyse an ASR affected beam. A modelling method is required such that engineers can consider ASR effects in designing a beam. For this understanding, an important question needs to be addressed: How can material properties be used to introduce ASR effects in a concrete beam model? And how to develop a modelling technique using material properties to assess the Ultimate Flexural capacity of the ASR-affected beam. To understand the influence of ASR reaction on the strength capacity of concrete members, it is important to develop a model to obtain ASR effects and the extent of strength reduction.
The importance and the need for research in modelling ASR-affected concrete beam are evident. To overcome this problem, a modelling technique is developed, and macro-scale beam models are prepared using finite element software. By defining the material properties, ASR effects are introduced & the degradation in the strength is investigated. Using the Australian Code for Concrete Structures AS3600, the beam models are designed, and flexural capacity is checked. The results obtained from the model are then compared to the experimental data. This research builds a modelling technique for a beam model that shows how the Alkali-Silica Reaction effects are introduced and how the model helps assessing the flexural capacity of an ASR affected concrete beam.
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