ASTM C1293-08b(2015)

Standard Test Method for Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Alkali-silica reaction is a chemical interaction between some siliceous constituents of concrete aggregates and hydroxyl ions (1).5 The concentration of hydroxyl ion within the concrete is predominantly controlled by the concentration of sodium and potassium (2).  
4.2 This test method is intended to evaluate the potential of an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan or slag to expand deleteriously due to any form of alkali-silica reactivity (3,4).  
4.3 When testing an aggregate with pozzolan or slag, the results are used to establish minimum amounts of the specific pozzolan or slag needed to prevent deleterious expansion. Pozzolan or slag from a specific source can be tested individually or in combination with pozzolan or slag from other sources.  
4.4 When selecting a sample or deciding on the number of samples for test, it is important to recognize the variability in lithology of material from a given source, whether a deposit of sand, gravel, or a rock formation of any origin. For specific advice, see Guide C295.  
4.5 This test method is intended for evaluating the behavior of aggregates in portland cement concrete with an alkali (alkali metal oxide) content of 5.25 kg/m3 or in concrete containing pozzolan or slag with an alkali content proportionally reduced from 5.25 kg/m3 Na2O equivalent by the amount of pozzolan or slag replacing portland cement. This test method assesses the potential for deleterious expansion of concrete caused by alkali-silica reaction, of either coarse or fine aggregates, from tests performed under prescribed laboratory curing conditions that will probably differ from field conditions. Thus, actual field performance will not be duplicated due to differences in concrete alkali content, wetting and drying, temperature, other factors, or combinations of these (5).  
4.6 Results of tests conducted on an aggregate as described herein should form a part of the basis for a decision as to whether precautions should be ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the susceptibility of an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan or slag for participation in expansive alkali-silica reaction by measurement of length change of concrete prisms.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. When combined standards are cited, the selection of measurement system is at the user's discretion subject to the requirements of the referenced standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.2)

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2015
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.50 - Aggregate Reactions in Concrete

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1293-08b - Standard Test Method for Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Replaced By: ASTM C1293-18 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Referred By: ASTM C1866/C1866M-22 - Standard Specification for Ground-Glass Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C1709-22 - Standard Guide for Evaluation of Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials (ASCM) for Use in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C1778-22 - Standard Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D7705/D7705M-12(2019) - Standard Test Method for Alkali Resistance of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Matrix Composite Bars used in Concrete Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C1293 − 08b (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-
Silica Reaction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1293; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* C138/C138MTestMethodforDensity(UnitWeight),Yield,
and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the sus-
C143/C143MTest Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
ceptibilityofanaggregateorcombinationofanaggregatewith
Concrete
pozzolan or slag for participation in expansive alkali-silica
C150Specification for Portland Cement
reaction by measurement of length change of concrete prisms.
C157/C157MTest Method for Length Change of Hardened
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
C192/C192MPracticeforMakingandCuringConcreteTest
standard. When combined standards are cited, the selection of
Specimens in the Laboratory
measurement system is at the user’s discretion subject to the
C227 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of
requirements of the referenced standard.
Cement-Aggregate Combinations (Mortar-Bar Method)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
C289Test Method for Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4
Aggregates (Chemical Method) (Withdrawn 2016)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
C294Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
crete Aggregates
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh
C295GuideforPetrographicExaminationofAggregatesfor
hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause
Concrete
chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure. )
C490PracticeforUseofApparatusfortheDeterminationof
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Concrete
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
C494/C494MSpecification for Chemical Admixtures for
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Concrete
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
C511Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
2. Referenced Documents
C618Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C29/C29MTest Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
C702PracticeforReducingSamplesofAggregatetoTesting
and Voids in Aggregate
Size
C33Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C856Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened
C125Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
Concrete
gregates
C989SpecificationforSlagCementforUseinConcreteand
Mortars
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee C09 on Concrete and
C1240Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.50 on
Mixtures
Aggregate Reactions in Concrete.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2015. Published October 2015. Originally
C1260Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Ag-
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as C1293–08b. DOI:
gregates (Mortar-Bar Method)
10.1520/C1293-08BR15.
D75Practice for Sampling Aggregates
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1293 − 08b (2015)
2.2 CSA Standards: whether precautions should be taken against excessive expan-
CSA A23.2-14APotential Expansivity of Aggregates (Pro- sion due to alkali-silica reaction. Results of tests conducted on
cedure for Length Change due toAlkali-Aggregate Reac-
combinations of an aggregate with pozzolans or slag should
tion in Concrete Prisms at 38 °C)
formapartofthebasisforadecisionastowhetherthespecific
CSA A23.2-27AStandard Practice to Identify Degree of
pozzolanorslag,whenusedintheamounttested,waseffective
Alkali-Reactivity ofAggregates and to Identify Measures
in preventing excessive expansion. These decisions should be
to Avoid Deleterious Expansion in Concrete
made before a particular aggregate is used in concrete con-
CSAA23.2-28AStandardPracticeforLaboratoryTestingto
struction. Criteria to determine the potential deleteriousness of
Demonstrate the Effectiveness of Supplementary Cement-
expansions measured in this test are given in Appendix X1.
ing Materials and Lithium-Based Admixtures to Prevent
4.7 Whentheexpansionsinthistestmethodaregreaterthan
Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete
the limit shown in X1.2, the aggregate or combination of
3. Terminology
aggregate with the tested amount of pozzolan or slag is
potentiallyalkali-reactive.Supplementalinformationshouldbe
3.1 Terminology used in this standard is as given in Termi-
developed to confirm that the expansion is actually due to
nology C125 or Descriptive Nomenclature C294.
alkali-silicareaction.Petrographicexaminationoftheconcrete
4. Significance and Use
prisms should be conducted after the test using Practice C856
to confirm that known reactive constituents are present and to
4.1 Alkali-silica reaction is a chemical interaction between
some siliceous constituents of concrete aggregates and hy- identifytheproductsofalkali-silicareactivity.Confirmationof
droxyl ions (1). The concentration of hydroxyl ion within the alkali-silica reaction is also derived from the results of the test
concrete is predominantly controlled by the concentration of methods this procedure supplements (see Appendix X1).
sodium and potassium (2).
4.8 If the supplemental tests show that a given aggregate is
4.2 This test method is intended to evaluate the potential of
potentially deleteriously reactive, additional studies may be
an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan or
appropriate to evaluate preventive measures in order to allow
slag to expand deleteriously due to any form of alkali-silica
safe use of the aggregate. Preventive measures are mentioned
reactivity (3,4).
in the Appendix to Specification C33.
4.3 When testing an aggregate with pozzolan or slag, the
4.9 Thistestmethoddoesnotaddressthegeneralsuitability
results are used to establish minimum amounts of the specific
ofpozzolansorslagforuseinconcrete.Thesematerialsshould
pozzolan or slag needed to prevent deleterious expansion.
complywithSpecificationC618,SpecificationC989,orSpeci-
Pozzolan or slag from a specific source can be tested individu-
fication C1240.
ally or in combination with pozzolan or slag from other
sources.
5. Apparatus
4.4 When selecting a sample or deciding on the number of
samples for test, it is important to recognize the variability in 5.1 The molds, the associated items for molding test
lithologyofmaterialfromagivensource,whetheradepositof specimens, and the length comparator for measuring length
sand, gravel, or a rock formation of any origin. For specific
change shall conform to the applicable requirements of Test
advice, see Guide C295.
Method C157/C157M and Practice C490, and the molds shall
have nominal 75-mm square cross sections.
4.5 This test method is intended for evaluating the behavior
ofaggregatesinportlandcementconcretewithanalkali(alkali
5.2 The storage container options required to maintain the
metal oxide) content of 5.25 kg/m or in concrete containing
prisms at a high relative humidity are described in 5.2.1.
pozzolan or slag with an alkali content proportionally reduced
5.2.1 Recommended Container—The recommended con-
from 5.25 kg/m Na O equivalent by the amount of pozzolan
tainers are 19 to 22-L polyethylene pails with airtight lids and
or slag replacing portland cement. This test method assesses
approximate dimensions of 250- to 270-mm diameter at
the potential for deleterious expansion of concrete caused by
bottom,290to310mmattop,by355to480mmhigh.Prevent
alkali-silica reaction, of either coarse or fine aggregates, from
significant loss of enclosed moisture due to evaporation with
tests performed under prescribed laboratory curing conditions
airtight lid seal. Place a perforated rack in the bottom of the
that will probably differ from field conditions. Thus, actual
storagecontainersothattheprismsare30to40mmabovethe
field performance will not be duplicated due to differences in
bottom. Fill the container with water to a depth of 20 65mm
concrete alkali content, wetting and drying, temperature, other
above the bottom. A significant moisture loss is defined as a
factors, or combinations of these (5).
loss greater than 3% of the original amount of water placed at
4.6 Results of tests conducted on an aggregate as described
the bottom of the pail. Place a wick of absorbent material
herein should form a part of the basis for a decision as to
around the inside wall of the container from the top so that the
bottom of the wick extends into the water (See Note 1).
Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 5060 Spectrum Way,
5.2.2 Alternative Containers—Alternative storage contain-
Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6, Canada, http://www.csa.ca.
6 ers may be used. Confirm the efficiency of the alternative
Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof
this test method. storage container with an alkali-reactive aggregate of known
C1293 − 08b (2015)
expansion characteristics. The expansion efficiency is con- protective equipment including: full-face shields, rubber
firmed when expansions at one year obtained using the aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH (Check periodically
alternative container are within 10% of those obtained using for pinholes.).)
the recommended container. Alternative storage containers
6.2 Water:
must contain the required depth of water. When reporting
6.2.1 Use potable tap water for mixing and storage.
results, note the use of an alternative container, if one is used,
together with documentation proving compliance with the
7. Materials
above.
7.1 Cement—Use a cement meeting the requirements for a
TypeIPortlandcementasspecifiedinSpecificationC150.The
NOTE 1—Polypropylene geotextile fabric or blotting paper are suitable
materials for use as the wick.
cement must have a total alkali content of 0.9 6 0.1% Na O
equivalent (Na O equivalent is calculated as percent NaO+
2 2
5.3 The storage environment necessary to maintain the 38.0
0.658×percentK O).Determinethetotalalkalicontentofthe
°C reaction accelerating storage temperature consistently and
cement either by analysis or by obtaining a mill run certificate
homogeneously is described in 5.3.1.
from the cement manufacturer. Add NaOH to the concrete
5.3.1 Recommended Environment—The recommended stor-
mixingwatersoastoincreasethealkalicontentofthemixture,
age environment is a sealed space insulated so as to minimize
expressed as Na O equivalent, to 1.25% by mass of cement
heat loss. Provide a fan for air circulation so the maximum
(see Note 3).
variation in temperature measured within 250 mm of the top
NOTE 3—The value of 1.25% Na O equivalent by mass of cement has
and bottom of the space does not exceed 2.0 °C. Provide an
been chosen to accelerate the process of expansion rather than to
insulatedentrydoorwithadequatesealssoastominimizeheat
reproduce field conditions. At the 420 kg/m cement content, this
loss.Racksforstoringcontainerswithinthespacearenottobe
corresponds to an alkali level of 5.25 kg/m .
closer than 30 mm to the sides of the enclosure and are to be
7.2 Aggregates:
perforated so as to provide air flow. Provide an automatically
7.2.1 To evaluate the reactivity of a coarse aggregate, use a
controlled heat source to maintain the temperature at 38.0 6
nonreactive fine aggregate. A nonreactive fine aggregate is
2.0 °C (see Note 2). Record the ambient temperature and its
defined as an aggregate that develops an expansion in the
variation within the space to ensure compliance.
accelerated mortar bar, (see Test Method C1260) of less than
NOTE2—Ithasbeenfoundtobegoodpracticetomonitortheefficiency
0.10% at 14 days (see X1.6 for interpretation of expansion
of the storage environment by placing thermocouples inside dummy
data). Use a fine aggregate meeting Specification C33 with a
concretespecimensinsideadummycontainerwithinthestoragearea.The
fineness modulus of 2.7 6 0.2.
storage room described in Test Method C227 generally will be satisfac-
7.2.2 To evaluate the reactivity of a fine aggregate, use a
tory.
nonreactive coarse aggregate. Prepare the nonreactive coarse
5.3.2 Alternative Storage Environment—Use of an alterna- 7
aggregate according to 7.2.3. A nonreactive coarse aggregate
tive storage environment is permitted. Confirm the efficiency
is defined as an aggregate that develops an expansion in the
of the alternative storage container with an alkali-reactive
accelerated mortar bar (see Test Method C1260) of less than
aggregate of known expansion characteristics. The expansion
0.10% at 14 days (see X1.6 for interpretation of expansion
efficiency is confirmed when expansions at one year obtained
data). Use a coarse aggregate meeting Specification C33. Test
using the alternative storage environment are within 10% of
the fine aggregate using the grading as delivered to the
those obtained using the recommended environment. When
laboratory.
reporting the results, note the use of an alternative storage
7.2.3 Sieve the coarse aggregate and recombine in accor-
environment, if one is utilized, together with documentation
dance with the requirements in Table 1. Select the Table 1
proving compliance with the above.
gradingbasedontheas-receivedgradingofthesample.Coarse
aggregate fractions larger than 19.0-mm sieve are not to be
6. Reagents
tested as such. When petrographic examination using Guide
C295 reveals that the materia
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1293 − 08b C1293 − 08b (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-
Silica Reaction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1293; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the susceptibility of an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan
or slag for participation in expansive alkali-silica reaction by measurement of length change of concrete prisms.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
When combined standards are cited, the selection of measurement system is at the user’s discretion subject to the requirements
of the referenced standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and
tissue upon prolonged exposure. )
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
C157/C157M Test Method for Length Change of Hardened Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete
C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
C227 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Cement-Aggregate Combinations (Mortar-Bar Method)
C289 Test Method for Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Aggregates (Chemical Method)
C294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Concrete Aggregates
C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete
C490 Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and Concrete
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic
Cements and Concretes
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
C856 Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete
C989 Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures
C1260 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method)
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.26 on Chemical
Reactions.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2008Aug. 1, 2015. Published January 2009October 2015. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as
C1293 – 08a.C1293 – 08b. DOI: 10.1520/C1293-08B.10.1520/C1293-08BR15.
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing,Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1293 − 08b (2015)
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
2.2 CSA Standards:
CSA A23.2-14A Potential Expansivity of Aggregates (Procedure for Length Change due to Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in
Concrete Prisms at 38 °C)
CSA A23.2-27A Standard Practice to Identify Degree of Alkali-Reactivity of Aggregates and to Identify Measures to Avoid
Deleterious Expansion in Concrete
CSA A23.2-28A Standard Practice for Laboratory Testing to Demonstrate the Effectiveness of Supplementary Cementing
Materials and Lithium-Based Admixtures to Prevent Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete
3. Terminology
3.1 Terminology used in this standard is as given in Terminology C125 or Descriptive Nomenclature C294.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Alkali-silica reaction is a chemical interaction between some siliceous constituents of concrete aggregates and hydroxyl ions
(1). The concentration of hydroxyl ion within the concrete is predominantly controlled by the concentration of sodium and
potassium (2).
4.2 This test method is intended to evaluate the potential of an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan or slag
to expand deleteriously due to any form of alkali-silica reactivity (3,4).
4.3 When testing an aggregate with pozzolan or slag, the results are used to establish minimum amounts of the specific pozzolan
or slag needed to prevent deleterious expansion. Pozzolan or slag from a specific source can be tested individually or in
combination with pozzolan or slag from other sources.
4.4 When selecting a sample or deciding on the number of samples for test, it is important to recognize the variability in
lithology of material from a given source, whether a deposit of sand, gravel, or a rock formation of any origin. For specific advice,
see Guide C295.
4.5 This test method is intended for evaluating the behavior of aggregates in portland cement concrete with an alkali (alkali
metal oxide) content of 5.25 kg/m or in concrete containing pozzolan or slag with an alkali content proportionally reduced from
5.25 kg/m Na O equivalent by the amount of pozzolan or slag replacing portland cement. This test method assesses the potential
for deleterious expansion of concrete caused by alkali-silica reaction, of either coarse or fine aggregates, from tests performed
under prescribed laboratory curing conditions that will probably differ from field conditions. Thus, actual field performance will
not be duplicated due to differences in concrete alkali content, wetting and drying, temperature, other factors, or combinations of
these (5).
4.6 Results of tests conducted on an aggregate as described herein should form a part of the basis for a decision as to whether
precautions should be taken against excessive expansion due to alkali-silica reaction. Results of tests conducted on combinations
of an aggregate with pozzolans or slag should form a part of the basis for a decision as to whether the specific pozzolan or slag,
when used in the amount tested, was effective in preventing excessive expansion. These decisions should be made before a
particular aggregate is used in concrete construction. Criteria to determine the potential deleteriousness of expansions measured
in this test are given in Appendix X1.
4.7 When the expansions in this test method are greater than the limit shown in X1.2, the aggregate or combination of aggregate
with the tested amount of pozzolan or slag is potentially alkali-reactive. Supplemental information should be developed to confirm
that the expansion is actually due to alkali-silica reaction. Petrographic examination of the concrete prisms should be conducted
after the test using Practice C856 to confirm that known reactive constituents are present and to identify the products of alkali-silica
reactivity. Confirmation of alkali-silica reaction is also derived from the results of the test methods this procedure supplements (see
Appendix X1).
4.8 If the supplemental tests show that a given aggregate is potentially deleteriously reactive, additional studies may be
appropriate to evaluate preventive measures in order to allow safe use of the aggregate. Preventive measures are mentioned in the
Appendix to Specification C33.
4.9 This test method does not address the general suitability of pozzolans or slag for use in concrete. These materials should
comply with Specification C618, Specification C989, or Specification C1240.
5. Apparatus
5.1 The molds, the associated items for molding test specimens, and the length comparator for measuring length change shall
conform to the applicable requirements of Test Method C157/C157M and Practice C490, and the molds shall have nominal 75-mm
square cross sections.
Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6, Canada, http://www.csa.ca.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this test method.
C1293 − 08b (2015)
5.2 The storage container options required to maintain the prisms at a high relative humidity are described in 5.2.1.
5.2.1 Recommended Container—The recommended containers are 19 to 22-L polyethylene pails with airtight lids and
approximate dimensions of 250- to 270-mm diameter at bottom, 290 to 310 mm at top, by 355 to 480 mm high. Prevent significant
loss of enclosed moisture due to evaporation with airtight lid seal. Place a perforated rack in the bottom of the storage container
so that the prisms are 30 to 40 mm above the bottom. Fill the container with water to a depth of 20 6 5 mm above the bottom.
A significant moisture loss is defined as a loss greater than 3 % of the original amount of water placed at the bottom of the pail.
Place a wick of absorbent material around the inside wall of the container from the top so that the bottom of the wick extends into
the water (See Note 1).
5.2.2 Alternative Containers—Alternative storage containers may be used. Confirm the efficiency of the alternative storage
container with an alkali-reactive aggregate of known expansion characteristics. The expansion efficiency is confirmed when
expansions at one year obtained using the alternative container are within 10 % of those obtained using the recommended
container. Alternative storage containers must contain the required depth of water. When reporting results, note the use of an
alternative container, if one is used, together with documentation proving compliance with the above.
NOTE 1—Polypropylene geotextile fabric or blotting paper are suitable materials for use as the wick.
5.3 The storage environment necessary to maintain the 38.0 °C reaction accelerating storage temperature consistently and
homogeneously is described in 5.3.1.
5.3.1 Recommended Environment—The recommended storage environment is a sealed space insulated so as to minimize heat
loss. Provide a fan for air circulation so the maximum variation in temperature measured within 250 mm of the top and bottom
of the space does not exceed 2.0 °C. Provide an insulated entry door with adequate seals so as to minimize heat loss. Racks for
storing containers within the space are not to be closer than 30 mm to the sides of the enclosure and are to be perforated so as to
provide air flow. Provide an automatically controlled heat source to maintain the temperature at 38.0 6 2.0 °C (see Note 2). Record
the ambient temperature and its variation within the space to ensure compliance.
NOTE 2—It has been found to be good practice to monitor the efficiency of the storage environment by placing thermocouples inside dummy concrete
specimens inside a dummy container within the storage area. The storage room described in Test Method C227 generally will be satisfactory.
5.3.2 Alternative Storage Environment—Use of an alternative storage environment is permitted. Confirm the efficiency of the
alternative storage container with an alkali-reactive aggregate of known expansion characteristics. The expansion efficiency is
confirmed when expansions at one year obtained using the alternative storage environment are within 10 % of those obtained using
the recommended environment. When reporting the results, note the use of an alternative storage environment, if one is utilized,
together with documentation proving compliance with the above.
6. Reagents
6.1 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)—USP or technical grade may be used. (Warning—Before using NaOH, review: (1) the safety
precautions for using NaOH; (2) first aid for burns; and (3) the emergency response to spills as described in the manufacturers
Material Safety Data Sheet or other reliable safety literature. NaOH can cause severe burns and injury to unprotected skin and eyes.
Always use suitable personal protective equipment including: full-face shields, rubber aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH
(Check periodically for pinholes.).)
6.2 Water:
6.2.1 Use potable tap water for mixing and storage.
7. Materials
7.1 Cement—Use a cement meeting the requirements for a Type I Portland cement as specified in Specification C150. The
cement must have a total alkali content of 0.9 6 0.1 % Na O equivalent (Na O equivalent is calculated as percent Na O + 0.658
2 2 2
× percent K O). Determine the total alkali content of the cement either by analysis or by obtaining a mill run certificate from the
cement manufacturer. Add NaOH to the concrete mixing water so as to increase the alkali content of the mixture, expressed as
Na O equivalent, to 1.25 % by mass of cement (see Note 3).
NOTE 3—The value of 1.25 % Na O equivalent by mass of cement has been chosen to accelerate the process of expansion rather than to reproduce
3 3
field conditions. At the 420 kg/m cement content, this corresponds to an alkali level of 5.25 kg/m .
7.2 Aggregates:
7.2.1 To evaluate the reactivity of a coarse aggregate, use a nonreactive fine aggregate. A nonreactive fine aggregate is defined
as an aggregate that develops an expansion in the accelerated mortar bar, (see Test Method C1260) of less than 0.10 % at 14 days
(see X1.6 for interpretation of expansion data). Use a fine aggregate meeting Specification C33 with a fineness modulus of 2.7 6
0.2.
The sole source of supply of non-reactive aggregates and alkali-silica reactive aggregates of known expansion characteristics (6) known to the committee at this time
is The Petrographer, Engineering Materials Office, Ministry of Transportation,
...