Performance of RC columns affected by ASR. I: Accelerated exposure and damage

In Texas, a number of RC bridges have developed early cracking. Most of this deterioration has been identified or suspected to be from alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and in some cases from delayed ettringite formation (DEF). An area of concern for the Texas DOT is the performance of columns, and specifically their lap-splice regions, which have varying levels of cracking primarily from ASR but also possibly from DEF. Therefore, a research program was carried out (1) to evaluate the experimental behavior of a typical column using large-scale specimens under varying levels of premature concrete deterioration and (2) to develop an analytical model that can evaluate the behavior of the column based on calibration with the experimental behavior. This paper provides a brief overview of ASR and DEF; documents the design, construction, curing conditions, and instrumentation of 16 large-scale specimens; and presents the findings on the specimen dimensional changes and cracking that occurred during the deterioration (exposure) phase.