Utilisation of alkali-sensitive aggregates for concrete pavements by internal hydrophobisation

 
In order to avoid the increased ASR damage to concrete pavements in the German motorway network in the future, the ARS 04/2013 introduced mandatory suitability tests to exclude alkali-sensitive aggregates in new construction measures. This resulted in a significant reduction of suitable aggregates. Against this background, borderline alkali-sensitive aggregates are to be made usable by adding an internal water repellent agent during concrete casting. The ASR avoidance strategy is based on the significant reduction of the penetration of water and de-icing salt solution into the concrete pavement. Laboratory tests show that, with a suitable active ingredient, the ASR damage process can be significantly reduced with internal hydrophobisation. The disadvantage is that this is associated with a deterioration of the mechanical properties and the resistance to freeze-thaw with de-icing salt. The aim of the ongoing research is to reduce these disadvantages through targeted modification of the hydrophobising agent and air-entraining agent.