Suitability of two rapid test methods for determining the alkali reactivity of sands

Five sands were used in a study to determine their reactivity potential. They were used either in mortar bars or in concrete prisms containing non-reactive coarse aggregate, at various alkali levels, and subjected to accelerated test procedures. Microstructural studies have indicated that the mechanisms operating in the test procedures could be different. Although some of the sands had petrographic features that could indicate potential reactivity, no controlled long-term experimental or field data are available related to the service performance of the sands in concrete structures.