Effects of the use of crystallizing admixtures on mortar alkali-aggregate reactions and absorption

• Published in: Revista ALCONPAT Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 1 - 17
• Main Authors: Vilela, H. T. P., Teixeira Filho, M. G., Campos Neto, T. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Asociación Latinoamericana de Control de Calidad, Patología y Recuperación de la Construcción A.C 01-04-2021
• Subjects: Engineering, Civil; mortars; reacción álcali-agregado; morteros; reação álcali-agregado; alkali-aggregate reaction; aditivo cristalizante; argamassas; crystallizing admixture
• ISSN: 2007-6835; 2007-6835
• DOI: 10.21041/ra.v11i1.461

Abstract This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using different levels of crystallizing admixture in preventing the alkali-aggregate reaction in mortars. The analysis was carried out by means of expansion tests of mortar bars by the accelerated method in parallel with mechanical performance, capillarity, porosity and void index tests. The presence of alkaline products in the admixture composition significantly increased initial expansions within the first week. Regarding the mechanical performance, water absorption and void results, the product was satisfactory, improving mortar properties. In general, the results attest to the effectiveness of the admixture in sealing voids and pores, but not in inhibiting the alkali-aggregate reaction.