Multi-scale analysis of alkali–silica reaction (ASR): Impact of alkali leaching on scale effects affecting expansion tests

Alkali–silica reaction expansions are disturbed by a variety of mechanisms (alkali leaching, ASR-gel permeation through cracks, chemical conditions in pore solution water and its dependence on temperature). An important consequence is the difficulty of using the expansion test on specimens to analyse the behaviour of ASR-damaged structures. The paper focuses on the influence of leaching: alkali transport and consumption are modelled using a multi-scale approach (aggregate and concrete scales). The evaluation of the alkali concentration below which expansion stops is needed to perform relevant analysis in various alkali conditions and this alkali threshold is quantified according to calcium concentration and temperature. The impact of the coupling between alkali transport in aggregate and silica reactivity is also studied. Lastly, the consequences of leaching on ASR-expansion are analysed in two case studies drawn from the literature.