ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses various strategies for preventing alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete, including avoiding reactive aggregates, controlling the alkali content of the concrete, using mineral additions or ‘supplementary cementing materials’ (SCMs), and the use of lithium-based compounds. The chapter does not discuss methods for preventing alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR). Strategies for controlling ASR are reported as not generally effective for preventing ACR and, consequently, alkali-carbonate reactive rocks that produce expansion should not be used in concrete. ‘So-called alkali-carbonate reaction’ is discussed in Chapter 3.