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PNE 83967 (Ed . 13 - July 2015 io)

Durability of concrete
Determination of the potential reactivity of concrete dosages versus
the arid-alkali reaction
Semi-accelerated method of concrete prisms
INDEX
1. Scope and field of application or n
2. Rules for consultation
3. Principle of m ethod
4. Equipment and reagents
1. Molds
2. Balance
3. Comparator
4. Container
5. C a m r
5. Test procedure
1. Preparation or n materials
2. Or n test preparation
3. Manufac specimen or n or n s of hormig
4. Conservation or n of specimens
5. Release and initial steps
6. Weight measurements and longitudinal expansion or n
6. Test duration or n
7. Or expression of the results
8. Or interpretation of results n
9. Essay report

1. SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION TION

The present document defines the procedure for evaluating the potential reactivity of a
concrete dosage versus the arid-alkali reaction, in which one or more aggregate
fractions have been classified as potentially reactive, according to the UNE standard
146508. Also this method Is applicable to concrete that will be exposed to
environments that may favor the risk of arid-alkali reaction.

This test procedure allows the testing of aggregates with a maximum size of 25 mm,
where appropriate, the granulometry, as indicated in the test procedure.

Where mixtures of aggregates are used in which some have been classified as
potentially reactive, according to standard UNE 146508, the effectiveness of this
aggregate mixture shall be checked in advance in accordance with UNE 83968. And,
when using binders with substitution of Part of the cement by pozzolanic additions
(such as microsilice or fly ash), or cements with suitable additions, the efficacy of
these cements will be verified according to the norm UNE 83969.

2. RULES FOR CONSULTATION

UNE 146508, Tests
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UNE 146508, Tests of aggregates. Determination of the potential reactivity alkali-

silica and alkali silicate of the aggregates. Accelerated mortar test method

UNE 146509, Tests of aggregates. Determination of the potential reactivity of

aggregates with alkalis. Method of concrete prisms

UNE-EN 932-1, Tests to determine the general properties of aggregates. Part 1,

Sampling Method

UNE-EN 933-1, Test to determine the geometric properties of the aggregates. Part 1:
Determination of particle size distribution. Sieving method

UNE-EN 12350-2, Tests of fresh concrete. Part 2: Settlement Test

UNE-EN 196-2, Cement test methods. Part 2: Chemical analysis of cements

UNE-EN 12390-2, Tests of hardened concrete. Part 2: Fabrication and curing of test
specimens for resistance testing.

3. BASIS

The susceptibility of the concrete dosage with respect to the arid-alkali reaction is
measured by determining the expansion in three concrete prisms of dimensions 75 mm
× 75 mm and a minimum length of 275 mm, which are tested in a chamber a (60 ± 2) °
C in a moisture saturated atmosphere and measuring the variation in length at different
test ages up to 20 weeks.

4. EQUIPMENT AND REAGENTS

4.1 Molds

Molds for manufacturing prismatic specimens with dimensions 275 mm x 75 mm x 75

mm. They must be of steel or rigid material that is not attackable by the cement paste
and sufficiently rigid to avoid deformations.

The external faces of the molds will allow them to perpendicularly attach to them
cylindrical indices of about 6 mm in diameter so that they are inserted in the center of
the square sides of 75 mm side of the specimens. During the concreting of the mold
and until the end of its setting each index is normally kept in position by means of a
screw that threads and adjusts it against the wall of the mold. The indexes must be
stainless steel or other material that remains unaltered during the test.

The indices will be the same and the length of the part that is embedded in the concrete
will be less than or equal to 10 mm. Their outer ends will allow, directly or through a
threaded part, a correct coupling with the contact points of the measuring equipment
(see 4.3)

The distance between the inner ends of the indices or terminals of each specimen shall
be measured with an accuracy of 1 mm, notching the value of the length L c.

On the inner faces of the molds a product can be applied that allows to easily demold
the specimens, avoiding to cover the indices. This product should not affect the setting
of the concrete or leave residues that could inhibit the penetration of water in the
specimen.

4.2 Scale

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Scale that allows weighing up to 30 kg with an accuracy of ± 1g.

4.3 Measuring equipment

Equipment for measuring the variation in length of the specimen, comprising a frame
to which a comparator graduated in units of 0.001 mm is set with an accuracy of ±
0.005 mm. The photographs show two types of frames used frequently.

Figure 2. Example of measuring equipment.

To adjust the zero of the comparator before each measurement, a reference bar with the
appropriate terminals will be used to couple it between the base of the frame and the
contact tip of the comparator. It will also be used to check the zero after taking
measurements. The length of this bar will be approximately 275 mm, depending on the
configuration of the equipment and the length of the terminals used to carry out the
measurements.

The reading obtained when measuring a specimen with this equipment is the difference
between the distance between the measuring contact points of this one and those of the
reference bar used to regulate the zero.

4.4 Container

Container of a non-deformable material (plastic or metal) with a capacity of 22 to 25

liters, with hermetic lid. The measurements will be adequate to allow free circulation
of moisture between the test pieces. The lid shall be leaktight enough to prevent water
loss through evaporation and shall have a curved inner surface to prevent condensed
water from falling on the specimens causing alkali leaching.

At the bottom of the container there will be about 35 mm of water in order to keep the
ambient humidity in saturation during the test.

Some 50 mm above the bottom will have a perforated grid or sheet so that the
specimens can be placed upright without leaning on the indices, it must be rigid
enough not to deform with the weight of the specimens. To keep the specimens in a
vertical position, a grid placed at about 200 mm from the base can be used. An
example container is shown in Figure 2.

1. Curved inner cover

2. Top
3. Close Herm icfoot
4. Transport Handles
5. Subjection or intermediate n of
specimens
6. Waterproof Wall
7. P ROBETA of hormig or n
8. Grid or perforated plate
9. Water

Figure 2. Example of container (dimensions in millimeters).

4.5 Camera

Climate chamber or stove serving to ensure that the temperature of the container is
maintained at (60 ± 2) ° C and a relative humidity of (95 ± 5)% to minimize possible
loss of moisture in the container.

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Containers shall not be in contact with any of the walls, nor submerged in whole or in
part in water.

5. TEST PROCEDURE

5.1 Preparation of materials

The composition of the concrete mixture, in terms of type of materials (aggregates,

cement, water, additives, etc.) and dosage, will be the one used on site; Guaranteeing
the representativeness of each material, in terms of provenance and characteristics.

Where mixtures of aggregates are used, in which some have been classified as
potentially reactive, according to UNE standard 146508, the effectiveness of this
aggregate mixture according to UNE 83968 shall be checked beforehand. And when
using binders with substitution of Part of the cement by pozzolanic additions (such as
microsilice or fly ash), or cements with suitable additions, the efficacy of these
cements will be verified according to the norm UNE 83969.

When appropriate, the granulometry of the coarse aggregate with a size greater than 25
mm is also adjusted, eliminating that fraction or grinding it to reduce its size. It shall
be replaced by the immediately smaller size fraction, if it is of the same nature. If it is
of different nature, it will be crushed to the size of the granulometric fraction
immediately below to reduce its size. In any case, the gravel / sand ratio of the initial
dosage will be maintained.
NOTE: In the case that during the service life of the work could produce an additional input to alkalis
hardened concrete, it is recommended that an assay in parallel by adjusting the alkali content of the
mixture to 1.25% of Na 2 O eq (The calculation of the supplemental alkalis will be carried out according
to the norm UNE 146509), which would provide additional information on the behavior of the concrete.

5.2 Preparation of the test

The dosages of the components and the manufacture of the concrete will be
representative of the works, especially with regard to the incorporation of additives.

The kneading conditions should be recorded in the report (especially the mixing speed
and kneading times).

The dosage of the concrete mixture, the possible additions of alkalis and additives and
their basic characteristics (water / cement ratio, consistency, etc.) should be recorded in
the test report.

5.3 Manufacture of concrete specimens

Prisms molds of 75mm × 75mm and a minimum length of 275mm will be used.

As indicated in section 4.1, the distance between the inner ends of the indices or
terminals each specimen is measured, scoring the value of the length L c with an
accuracy of 1 mm

The filling of the mold will be done in two layers taking special care in the index area,
to ensure compactness.

The compaction will be carried out on a vibratory table or with external vibration. The
vibration time will be adjusted according to the consistency of the concrete, the
vibration will stop when the grout begins to appear. For self-compacting concrete, the
filling will be done only once and vibration will not be applied. The manufacturing
conditions of the test specimens shall be recorded in the test report.

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After compacting the last layer the exposed surface of the concrete will be smoothed,
using a metal ruler with a thickness of more than 2 mm or suitable tool.

5.4 Preservation of specimens

The test pieces were kept in their molds (24 ± 2) at a temperature of (20 ± 2) ° C and a
relative humidity of (95 ± 5)%.

5.5 Unmolding and initial measurements

During demolding, each specimen shall be identified with a consecutive number, the
top and bottom of each specimen shall be identified and an observation face shall be
marked, which shall be marked in front of the operator, when measurements of length
are made. Immediately after the weight of each specimen, or M (n), where "n" is the
number of test pieces are determined. And corresponding to the initial length of each
specimen, or L (n), as described in section 5.6, where "n" is the number of probe
reading is performed. The weight is determined with a precision ± 1g and the length
variation in comparison with measuring units and 0,001 mm with an accuracy of ±
0.005 mm.

The specimens shall be immersed in water for (30 ± 5) minutes at (20 ± 2) ° C, then
excess water is removed from the surface with a damp cloth. A new weight and length
measurement will be performed to verify the initial readings. Specimens should not be
out of water for more than 5 minutes. In the case of discrepancy these new measures as
M or (n) and L or (n) will be taken.

After weighing and measuring all the specimens, they are introduced into the container
(4.4) which is placed in the chamber (4.5).

5.6 Measurements of weight and longitudinal expansion

To carry out the measurement at each age the following procedure will be followed:

Remove from the Camera sealed containers with the samples to be measured,
without opening;
Take them into the measurement with controlled conditions (20 ± 2) ° C;
Ensure sealing of the lid of the container with a wide tape to avoid desecaci or n;
Keep container in the room as for (24 ± 2) hours;
Set the zero indicator reading the reference bar;
Remove the sealing from the containers;
It measures make l as indicated sec ú n AHEAD or n, in less than 2 minutes per
test tube, to minimize desecaci or n:

1. To remove a specimen container, taking care to close the lid immediately;

2. Remove excess surface water with pa ñ ú O medo and determine the mass M t
(n) of the test piece where "n" is the number of probe n and u "t" is the age of the
extent weeks;
3. Carefully clean the measurement terminals;
4. Perform the corresponding read length, coloc to Ndolo always in the same
position or n (top and bottom) and GIR to Ndolo on s í same. Note the extent L t
(n), where "n" is the number of probe n and u "t" is the age of the extent weeks.
In successive measures the specimen must always be oriented to the same side
to the operator;
5. Reintroducing the specimen in the container;
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the remaining specimen s the same container;

Check the zero

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Check the zero comparator with the reference bar at the end of each series of
readings. If a difference greater than 5 microns is observed in the length of the
reference bar, repeat measurements of the specimens the container immediately,
discarding the above.

A pply steps 1 through 5 for the next container, if any.

At the end of the measurements, check water levels in the container and the
curing device, refilling if necessary, and place the container in the Camera.

6 TEST DURATION

The duration of the test will be 20 weeks. The measures of mass and expansion will be
performed at least at the following ages: 0, 4, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 weeks. Intermediate
measurements may be performed, allowing a minimum of two weeks to pass between
successive measurements to avoid many changes in temperature and effective test
time, for example at 2, 6, 14 and 18 weeks.

7 EXPRESSION OF RESULTS

Calculations for each "n" specimen and for each age "t", are performed as follows:

The longitudinal expansion or n of each specimen was expressed in% to three

decimal places:

Where L t (n), is corresponding to the length of the specimen at a time reading n t

L 0 (n), is corresponding to the initial length of the specimen n reading (see
5.5)
L c, is the distance between the inner ends of the indices or terminals (4.1)

The expansion or n average of the three samples at each age to express in%, to
two decimal places.

The variation or dough n each express pr obeta in%, to two decimal places:

Where, M t (n), it is the mass of the specimen n at time t

M 0 (n), is the initial mass of the specimen n (see 5.5)

The variation or n average mass of three pr l s obetas to be expressed in%, with

one decimal.

It is verified that the specimens do not lose weight relative to the initial weight M0 (n),
as this indicates a possible Drying of the sample and affect the test results. In this case
the test can not be considered valid.

8. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The dosage of concrete tested will be classified as non-reactive, in relation to the

processes of arid-alkali expansion, if it simultaneously meets the following
requirements:

The longitudinal expansion or n average of three samples It is less than 0.02%

after 20 weeks, and ning o n individual value exceeds 0.025%.
T he increases the longitudinal expansion or n prom or edi of the three
specimens (%) In the periods between weeks 8 to 12, 12 to 16 and 16 to 20
satisfy the following two conditions:
T wo of these means increments are less than 0.0025%
The sum of t he three means increments is less than 0.01%
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9. TEST REPORT

The results will be graphically detailed representing the curves of% longitudinal
expansion as a function of time and% of weight variation as a function of time, of each
specimen and the mean values.

The test report shall state:

Details regarding the dosificaci or n tested

type and character í sticas hormig components tested or n
deviations from the test procedure
the correctness or n, where appropriate, of granulometr í to aggregates
manufac conditions or n or n hormig
the torque or ny meters manufac curing of the specimen s
num é result of expansion or rich n of each sample and average at end of test
Actual rating or n or n hormig relationship with potential reactivity or na
any other relevant information or n.

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