Alkali Testing for Concrete Aggregates
Alkali Testing for Concrete Aggregates
(OP)
I work on a government contract with the FAA and the DoD. We are currently installing a radar facility in Pensacola Florida. We specify that all aggregate be tested for Alkali reactivity per ASTM C227. Our contractor is claiming that if he uses a Type I cement, that he would not have to "worry" about this testing. Has anyone run into this? Is there any circumstance where this testing would be a waste of time?





RE: Alkali Testing for Concrete Aggregates
We do work nationwide and get this comment occasionally. We're inclined to trust local suppliers until they burn us. However, I don't think type I cement has anything to do with it. Low alkali (<.6%) cement helps. Fly ash helps.
RE: Alkali Testing for Concrete Aggregates
RE: Alkali Testing for Concrete Aggregates
RE: Alkali Testing for Concrete Aggregates
He should be able to get the info readily from his supplier.
RE: Alkali Testing for Concrete Aggregates
He should be able to get the info readily from his supplier.
The type of cement has little to do with the reactivity problem, except that the alkali content in other types can be a bit lower. Type I will cause as much problem as any other type, moreso in some cases. Yes, fly ash helps.