Mitigation of Alkali- Silica reactions in concrete pavements using supplementary cementitious materials

Long-lasting and durable concrete pavements are vital for the country's social, economic and highway development. The alkali silica reaction (ASR) is a global problem that affects concrete durability, and individual component reactivity that has a significant impact on the global concrete industry. When alkalis in cement react with reactive siliceous minerals in aggregate, this reaction is known as ASR. This study looks into the efficiency of SCMs such as silica fume (SF), palm kernel shell ash (PKSA), and crushed clay brick (CCB) in combating the threat of ASR in concrete. SCMs were gathered as waste, dried, and then burned for 90 min at 850 °C in an electric furnace. Using a water cement ratio of 0.55 and a 1:1:2 mix ratio with 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 30 % SCMs (SF, PKS, CCB) substitution, concrete samples measuring 150 × 30 × 30 mm were made and cured in one molar of NaOH solution for accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) evaluation after 14 and 56 days. The reactivity of concrete was determined using experimental and statistical methods and modelling. The findings indicate that utilizing SF and PKSA to minimize Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) in concrete is effective, as it lowers concrete expansion and reactivity. The core composite design study discovered that SF and PKSA significantly impact reducing ASR effects in concrete, but CCB has no effect. According to the study, SF and PKSA may be utilized to partially replace cement in concrete pavement construction on roads.