Investigation of the Alkali-Silica effect on structural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams using the finite element method

Many structures, such as dams, bridges and hydraulic structures, suffer deterioration induced by the alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), which impairs the durability and safety of installations. ASR is an internal chemical reaction between certain forms of siliceous aggregates and alkaline pore solution in concrete. The result is a more or less crystallised silico-alkaline product which can exert pressure on the surrounding matrix. ASR induces concrete expansion and generally leads to loss of strength and cracking. The structural behaviour of concrete which has been effected by the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is difficult to model due to various random parameters that govern this chemical process. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of ASR on the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams using three an experimental model, conventional structural analysis and the finite element method. For this purpose, 100 x 150 x 1100-mm concrete beams were built in the laboratory and reinforced with different ratios of compression and tension bars. Then ASR and creep strains were modelled by reducing the elastic modulus of the concrete and applying an equivalent tension force. For the purposes of verifying the numerical methods involved, fourteen beams were conditioned in a suitable environment using similar dimensions and loading systems. Experimental results on reactive concrete samples were simulated so as to test whether the model was capable of describing the behaviour of affected reinforced concrete beams under service loads. The comparison revealed that the finite element model had good compatibility with the acquired test results.