Role of Aggregate Reactivity, Binder Composition, and Curing Temperature on the Delayed Ettringite Formation and Associated Durability Loss in Concrete

Abstract The durability of concrete is critical to its worldwide use as a structural material for buildings and infrastructure, with the lifetime service of concrete greatly affecting its economic, environmental, and social costs. Causes of durability loss in some concrete structures can be attributed to the alkali–silica reaction (ASR) and delayed ettringite formation (DEF). Both are chemical reactions that have the potential to cause expansion and strength loss in affected elements. Significant overlap exists in the factors contributing to ASR and DEF in concrete structures, with widely reported evidence of deleterious DEF frequently occurring in conjunction with mild or moderate ASR. For precast concrete, experiments in mortars have provided limits in the alkali and sulfate content of the binder and maximum curing temperatures used to minimize DEF risk. The role of other constituents in concrete specimens, notably the aggregate, has been overlooked. We investigated the role of reactive aggregates and ASR in the susceptibility of concrete to deleterious DEF.