A reação álcali-agregado no concreto é um fenômeno que tem como causa uma reação química que ocorre entre os hidróxidos alcalinos provenientes do cimento e alguns minerais reativos presentes no agregado. Esta reação pode causar a deterioração do concreto, pois os seus subprodutos podem tornar-se expansivos na presença de umidade, originando fissuração, diminuição da resistência, aumento da permeabilidade e, eventualmente, a ruptura da estrutura. O uso de adições minerais em concretos suscetíveis à reação álcali-agregado tem sido apontado como uma alternativa eficiente na prevenção da reação expansiva, juntamente com o uso de agregados não reativos e a limitação dos teores de álcalis no cimento ou concreto. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal a investigação do processo de deterioração do concreto devido à reação álcali-sílica, principalmente no que se refere ao tipo ou mineralogia do agregado e à utilização de cinza de casca de arroz, como substituição parcial do cimento Portland. Desta forma, o programa de pesquisa compreendeu, a realização de ensaios de expansão acelerada em barras de argamassa (ASTM C1260/94) moldadas com cimento Portland tipo CP-I S 32, com teores de 12,5; 25 e 50% de dois tipos de cinza de casca de arroz, em substituição parcial ao cimento, e quatro diferentes tipos de agregados (basalto B, basalto BGO, granito e riodacito). A microestrutura dos materiais utilizados e das barras submetidas ao ensaio acelerado foi avaliada através de técnicas analíticas e experimentais, tais como, petrografia, difração de raios x, porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão (MEV e MET), com microanálise por detecção de energia dispersiva (EDS). Os resultados obtidos no ensaio acelerado comprovaram a potencialidade reativa das rochas analisadas e identificaram uma correlação entre o tipo de rocha e o teor de cinza de casca de arroz. A análise da microestrutura indicou que existe uma reação química da CCA com o meio alcalino utilizado no ensaio que acaba interferindo na formação e na relação C/S dos produtos expansivos resultantes da reação álcali-sílica. / The alkali-aggregate reaction in concretes is a phenomenon caused by a chemical reaction that occurs between alkaline hydroxides from Portland cement and some reactive minerals from aggregates. Such reaction can cause severe concrete deterioration, as its by-products can become expansive in the presence of water, originating fissuration, strength reduction, permeability increase, and eventually, the failure of concrete structures. The use of mineral admixtures in concretes susceptible to the alkali-aggregate reaction has been pointed out as an efficient alternative to prevent concrete expansion, along with the use of non-reactive aggregates and the limitation of the alkali amount in cement or concrete composition. In this context, the main purpose of the present work was the investigation of concrete deterioration due to the alkali-silica reaction, focusing the aspects related to the type or mineralogy of the aggregate and the utilization of rice husk ash as partial substitution of Portland cement. The research program comprised initially accelerated expansion tests carried out in mortar bars (ASTM C 1260/94), which were molded using CP-I S 32 Portland cement, 12.5, 25, and 50% contents of two types of rice husk ash, as partial replacement to the cement, and four different types of rock aggregates (basalt B, Basalt BGO, granite, and rhyodacite). Also, the microstructure of the concrete mixtures investigated, after being submitted to expansion in the accelerated tests, were evaluated through experimental and analytical techniques such as petrography, mercury intrusion porosimetry, x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and energy dispersive detection (EDS). The results obtained have proved the reactivity potential of the investigated rock aggregates and identified a correlation between type of aggregate and rice husk ash content. The microstructure analysis indicated that the occurrence of a chemical reaction involving the rice husk ash in the alkaline environment established in the tests, had a significant effect on the amount of expansive by-products as C/S relation resulting from alkali-silica reactions.

Alguns materiais, constituídos quase que exclusivamente por sílica, são empregados, de forma suplementar ao cimento Portland, por promoverem melhorias ao concreto, devido aos seus efeitos físicos e pozolânicos, além de atenderem a questões ambientais. No entanto, essa sílica pode gerar produtos indesejados na presença de álcalis, sendo este fenômeno conhecido como reação álcali sílica (RAS). Na presença de água, esses produtos são capazes de expandir no interior da massa de concreto, provocando fissuras internas e externas e, em casos mais graves, a degradação do elemento estrutural. Com a finalidade de evitar essa manifestação patológica, o presente trabalho propõe-se avaliar o potencial reativo frente à RAS da sílica ativa e dois tipos de cinzas da casca do arroz (CCA), uma comercial e outra residual. Nessa investigação foram adotados os teores de 5 a 50 %, utilizados como substituição parcial ao cimento Portland padrão. Os métodos de ensaio adotados nesta pesquisa foram o método acelerado em barras de argamassa segundo a NBR 15577 - 4/5, e dois novos métodos acelerados (cubos de pasta e prismas). O métodos acelerado em cubos de pasta avaliou a resistência à compressão, enquanto o método em prismas de pasta avaliou a variação dimensional. Os resultados obtidos em barras de argamassa apontaram que ambas as CCA investigadas, foram reativos frente à RAS. No entanto, o teor de 50 %, em ambas as CCA, se mostrou inócuo para essa reação. A sílica ativa foi considerada inócua em todos os teores avaliados. O aditivo superplastificante empregado não foi eficiente em reduzir a expansão provocada pela CCA. Os ensaios que avaliaram a expansão em prismas de pasta apresentaram uma ótima correlação positiva com o método normalizado em barras de argamassa. Nos prismas de pasta com 25 % de CCA industrial foram identificados os compostos franzinite, chessexite e thaumasite. Estes compostos apresentaram morfologia de acículas ora tortuosas ora delgadas e retilíneas compondo todas as amostras coletadas dessa pasta. A análise termogravimétrica apontou o alto poder adsorvente de água dessa pasta. Em conclusão, o ensaio em prismas de pastas a 48°C com 1,25 % de Na2Oeq demonstrou ser um método prático laboratorialmente e apresentou um grande potencial para avaliar os materiais suplementares ao cimento Portland frente a RAS, além de facilitar identificação dos produtos que provocaram expansão. / Some materials, consisting almost exclusively for silica, are employed, supplementary form to Portland cement, for promoting improvements to concrete, due to their physical and pozzolanic effects and environmental issues. However, this silica may generate unwanted products in presence of alkalis. This phenomenon is known as alkali-silica reaction (ASR). In the presence of water, these products are able to expand inside concrete, generating internal and external cracks and, in severe cases, structural element degradation. In order to prevent this pathologic manifestation, the aim of the present study was to evaluate reactive potential in ASR of fume silica and two types of rice husk ash (RHA), a manufacturing and residual. Levels of 5 to 50 % were used as partial replacement to standard Portland cement. In the present study, accelerated method in mortar bars according to NBR 15577 - 4/5 and two new accelerated methods (pastes cubes and prisms) were used. Accelerated method in paste cubes evaluated compressive strength, while method in paste prims evaluated dimensional change. Results in mortar bars demonstrated, both RHA, were reactive to ASR. However, level of 50 %, both RHA, was innocuous to ASR. Fume silica was innocuous to ASR at all levels evaluated. Superplasticizer additive was not effective to reduce to expansion caused by RHA. In the cubes assay was possible to evaluate the reactive potential to ASR by analysis of variation coefficient. Results demonstrated a positive correlation between expansion in paste prism and standard method in mortar bars. In the paste prism with 25 % of RHA manufacturing were identified compounds of franzinite, chessexite and thaumasite. These compounds presented morphology of needles sometimes tortuous and sometimes thin and straight in all samples. Thermogravimetric analysis showed the high adsorbent power of water in this paste. In conclusion, paste prims assay at 48ºC with Na2Oeq 1.25 % demonstrated to be a practical laboratory method and presented a great potential to evaluate additional material to Portland cement in front of ARS, and this assay facilitates the identifications of products that cause expansion.

A reação álcali-agregado no concreto é um fenômeno que tem como causa uma reação química que ocorre entre os hidróxidos alcalinos provenientes do cimento e alguns minerais reativos presentes no agregado. Esta reação pode causar a deterioração do concreto, pois os seus subprodutos podem tornar-se expansivos na presença de umidade, originando fissuração, diminuição da resistência, aumento da permeabilidade e, eventualmente, a ruptura da estrutura. O uso de adições minerais em concretos suscetíveis à reação álcali-agregado tem sido apontado como uma alternativa eficiente na prevenção da reação expansiva, juntamente com o uso de agregados não reativos e a limitação dos teores de álcalis no cimento ou concreto. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal a investigação do processo de deterioração do concreto devido à reação álcali-sílica, principalmente no que se refere ao tipo ou mineralogia do agregado e à utilização de cinza de casca de arroz, como substituição parcial do cimento Portland. Desta forma, o programa de pesquisa compreendeu, a realização de ensaios de expansão acelerada em barras de argamassa (ASTM C1260/94) moldadas com cimento Portland tipo CP-I S 32, com teores de 12,5; 25 e 50% de dois tipos de cinza de casca de arroz, em substituição parcial ao cimento, e quatro diferentes tipos de agregados (basalto B, basalto BGO, granito e riodacito). A microestrutura dos materiais utilizados e das barras submetidas ao ensaio acelerado foi avaliada através de técnicas analíticas e experimentais, tais como, petrografia, difração de raios x, porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão (MEV e MET), com microanálise por detecção de energia dispersiva (EDS). Os resultados obtidos no ensaio acelerado comprovaram a potencialidade reativa das rochas analisadas e identificaram uma correlação entre o tipo de rocha e o teor de cinza de casca de arroz. A análise da microestrutura indicou que existe uma reação química da CCA com o meio alcalino utilizado no ensaio que acaba interferindo na formação e na relação C/S dos produtos expansivos resultantes da reação álcali-sílica. / The alkali-aggregate reaction in concretes is a phenomenon caused by a chemical reaction that occurs between alkaline hydroxides from Portland cement and some reactive minerals from aggregates. Such reaction can cause severe concrete deterioration, as its by-products can become expansive in the presence of water, originating fissuration, strength reduction, permeability increase, and eventually, the failure of concrete structures. The use of mineral admixtures in concretes susceptible to the alkali-aggregate reaction has been pointed out as an efficient alternative to prevent concrete expansion, along with the use of non-reactive aggregates and the limitation of the alkali amount in cement or concrete composition. In this context, the main purpose of the present work was the investigation of concrete deterioration due to the alkali-silica reaction, focusing the aspects related to the type or mineralogy of the aggregate and the utilization of rice husk ash as partial substitution of Portland cement. The research program comprised initially accelerated expansion tests carried out in mortar bars (ASTM C 1260/94), which were molded using CP-I S 32 Portland cement, 12.5, 25, and 50% contents of two types of rice husk ash, as partial replacement to the cement, and four different types of rock aggregates (basalt B, Basalt BGO, granite, and rhyodacite). Also, the microstructure of the concrete mixtures investigated, after being submitted to expansion in the accelerated tests, were evaluated through experimental and analytical techniques such as petrography, mercury intrusion porosimetry, x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and energy dispersive detection (EDS). The results obtained have proved the reactivity potential of the investigated rock aggregates and identified a correlation between type of aggregate and rice husk ash content. The microstructure analysis indicated that the occurrence of a chemical reaction involving the rice husk ash in the alkaline environment established in the tests, had a significant effect on the amount of expansive by-products as C/S relation resulting from alkali-silica reactions.

A reação álcali-silica (RAS) ocorre entre certas formas de sílica, estruturalmente distorcidas ou amorfas, e soluções de hidróxido alcalino, como KOH e NaOH. O produto da RAS é um gel de silicato e álcalis, susceptível de expansão pela absorção de água. Quando a RAS ocorre nos agregados minerais utilizados no concreto, o processo de reação e expansão do gel compromete a resistência mecânica da estrutura. Neste trabalho, foram estudados os efeitos sobre o gel de dois processos propostos respectivamente para mitigar a expansão e prevenir a ocorrência da RAS: o tratamento do gel com LiNO3 e a aplicação de metiltrimetoxisilano (MTMS, Si(OCH3)3CH3). Também foi analisada a reatividade de minerais utilizados como agregados (basalto, granito e quartzito), simulando a RAS em condições de laboratório. Utilizando técnicas de ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) de 29Si, 7Li, 23Na, 13C e 1H, foi analisada a estrutura do gel, dos minerais e dos produtos resultantes dos tratamentos e de ataques com soluções alcalinas. Os resultados mostram que a estrutura de silicatos no gel é lamelar formada principalmente por silicatos do tipo Q3 e a aplicação de soluções de LiNO3 provoca uma transformação para um silicato de tipo linear. Esta alteração, eliminado os espaços interlamelares capazes de absorver água e causar expansão coletiva da estrutura, explica o efeito observado de redução da expansão pelos tratamentos com Li. Por outro lado, após exposição ao MTMS não foi detectada interação dos silicatos pertencentes ao gel com os grupos SiCH3, indicando autocondensaçao dos silanos. Com relação ao ataque dos minerais reativos, foram detectadas mudanças na distribuição de espécie de silicatos Qn nas três rochas. No basalto e no granito existe um aumento da fração de espécies Q1 e Q4 com relação ao mineral original. No quartzito as diferenças são maiores em magnitude e dependem dos parâmetros do ataque: temperatura e tempo de ataque. O aumento da temperatura dissolve os silicatos amorfos de conectividade baixa e média (Q0, Q1 e Q2) e produz um silicato altamente conexo formado por espécies Q3 e Q4. O aumento do tempo de ataque à temperatura ambiente não produz transformações apreciáveis na parte amorfa, mas sim dissolução de silicatos Q4 pertencentes a grãos de quartzo de maior tamanho. / The alkali-silica reaction (ASR) occurs between structurally distorted or disordered silica and aqueous solutions of alkaline hydroxides, as KOH or NaOH. The product of the ASR is an alkali-silicate gel, which may expand upon water absorption. When the ASR occurs in mineral aggregate used in concrete, the process of reaction and expansion cause the decrease in the mechanical resistance of the structure. In this work, a structural study was carried out to analyze the effect on the gel of two processes proposed respectively to mitigate the expansion and prevent the ASR: the treatment with LiNO3 and the application of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTSM, Si(OCH3)3CH3). Also, the reactivity of three minerals (basalt, granite and quartzite) commonly used as aggregates was analyzed, simulating the ASR in laboratory conditions. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques of 29Si, 7Li, 23Na, 13C e 1H in the solid state were applied to analyze the structure of the gel, the minerals and the products resulting from treatments and the attack with alkaline solutions (KOH). The results show that the silicate network in the gel is a lamellar structure, composed mainly by Q3 silicates, which is transformed into a linear structure upon the treatment with LiNO3 solutions. This modification, eliminating the inter-lamellar spaces capable to host water and cause the collective expansion of the structure, explain the reduction in the expansion observed in mortar or concrete structures treated with Li. On the other hand, after exposing gel samples to MTMS aqueous solutions, no interaction of the silicate groups in the gel with SiCH3 groups were detected, indicating auto-condensation of silane in these samples. With respect to the attack of the reactive minerals, some changes were detected in the distribution of Qn silicate species in the three rocks. In attacked basalt and granite there is an increase in the fraction of Q1 and Q4with respect to the original minerals. In attacked quartzite the differences are mores strong and depend on the reaction parameters: temperature and time of attack. The increment in temperature dissolve the amorphous silicates of low and medium connectivity (Q0, Q1 and Q2) resulting in a highly connected silicate with Q3 and Q4. Conversely, no appreciable transformation in the amorphous silicates were observed during longer attack times at room temperature, but the dissolution of bigger silica particles with well defined Q4 species was observed.

The alkali-silica reaction is one of the most damaging chemical reactions taking place in concrete, which can cause fatal damage. ASR originates under following conditions: high moisture (> 80 %), sufficient amount of alkaline ions (Ca2+ , Na+ , K+ ) and use of reactive aggregates (low crystaline or deformed quartz, amorphous SiO2). Reactive aggretates react with high alkaline pore solution and produce hydrofile gels. These gels absorb water and swell. Dilatometric test methods are commonly used to evaluate the reactivity of aggregates. The principle of dilatometric test methods is simple. Mortar or concrete prisms are created in a laboratory, then they are stored in the special environment, which accelerates the inception of ASR. The creation and expansion of alkali-silica gels cause prism's length changes. The major goal of this diploma thesis was to evaluate the alkali-silica reactivity potential of quartz-rich rocks using microscopic (polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy combined with SEM/BSE image analysis) and dilatometric (ASTM C1260, RILEM AAR-4.1) methods. Rocks were assessed as reactive, potentially reactive and non-reactive by the ASTM C1260 method. The reactivity of aggregates was connected with the amount of cryptocrystaline matrix, grain size, shape of grain boundaries,...

Many highway and hydraulic structures in North America have been reported to be affected by alkali aggregate reaction (ASR). It is anticipated that most of these structures will be demolished as they approach the end of their service lives. Recycling demolished concrete as aggregates in new concrete is an option that not only reduces the amount of construction demolition waste (CDW) disposed in landfills but also lessens the consumption of non-renewable resources such as natural aggregates. However, the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in new concrete requires detailed research to make sure that the durability of the recycled material is not compromised, especially if the RCA had been previously affected by ASR. In this research project, coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is reclaimed and processed from distinct members (i.e. foundation blocks, bridge deck and columns) of an ASR-affected overpass after nearly 50 years of service. RCA concrete mixtures incorporating 50 and 100% replacement are manufactured and stored in conditions enabling further ASR development. Mechanical (i.e. Stiffness Damage Test - SDT) and microscopic (Damage Rating Index - DRI) analyses are performed at a fixed “secondary” induced expansion of 0.12%. Results show that the overall performance of the ASR-affected recycled mixtures depends upon the “past” condition of the RCA particles. Moreover, the DRI was able to capture the “past” and “secondary” induced expansion and damage of affected RCA while the SDT only detected the “secondary” distress development. Lastly, an adapted version of the DRI was proposed to further evaluate the overall damage of recycled concrete along with properly displaying “past” and “secondary” induced distress.

For repairing concrete transportation infrastructure, such as pavements and bridges, much importance is placed on early-age strength gain as this has a major impact on scheduling and opening to traffic. However, the long-term performance and durability of such repair materials are often not satisfactory, thus resulting in future repairs. This research project focuses on the evaluation of the durability of various rapid-setting cementitious materials. The binders studied in this project include calcium aluminate cement (CAC), calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA), Type III portland cement, alkali-activated fly ash (AAFA) , and various prepackaged concrete materials. In addition, selected CAC and CSA mixtures were further modified with the use of a styrene-butadiene latex. The durability aspects studied include freezing-and-thawing damage and the implications of air entrainment in these systems, alkali-silica reaction, sulfate attack, and permeability of the concrete matrix and potential corrosion. / text

Alkali Silica Reaction in concrete is a chemical deterioration process occurring between alkalis in cement paste and reactive aggregates. ASR increases expansion and cracking as well as other durability problems such as freezing and thawing. It is most probable that concrete structure will collapse unless mechanical, mineral, or chemical preventive measures are taken against ASR or this problem is realized and solved in the design stage of the concrete structure or later on. Rather than ordinary preventive measures in which mineral admixtures are used, mechanical ones were investigated in this study. In the experiment done by using the accelerated mortar bar method, reinforced concrete specimens on which pre-stressing force was applied were examined. The effects of reinforcement ratio and pre-stressing force on ASR based expansion and cracking were studied. Expansion and cracking developments in time were followed, and the connection between these phenomena and the energy produced by ASR was made. By applying the same mechanical preventive measures on the specimens prepared by using different reactive aggregates, the effectiveness of these methods with respect to the degree of v ASR was investigated. Also, the methods in question were compared with traditional preventive measures (fly ash). The investigation results show that reinforcement and pre-stressing force play a significant role in diminishing the effects of ASR.Keywords:Alkali-Silica Reaction, Reinforced Concrete Specimen, Pre-stressed Concrete, Mechanical Preventive Measures, Energy of ASR

The use of recycled aggregates in concrete opens a whole new range of possibilities in the reuse of materials in the building industry. This could be an important breakthrough for our society in our endeavours towards sustainable development. The trend of the utilisation of recycled aggregates is the solution to the problem of an excess of waste material, not forgetting the parallel trend of improvement of final product quality. The utilisation of waste construction materials has to be related to the application of quality guarantee systems in order to achieve suitable product properties. Therefore the complete understanding of the characteristics of new material becomes so important in order to point out its real possibilities. The studies on the use of recycled aggregates have been going on for 50 years. In fact, none of the results showed that recycled aggregates are unsuitable for structural use. Only having inadequate number of studies in durability aspects, made recycled aggregates to be preferred just as stuffing material for road construction. My thesis, aimed to focus on the possibility of the structural use of recycled aggregate concrete based on a better understanding of its microstructure.To begin with the characteristics of the aggregates were established, to study their possible application in concrete production. After analysis, the dosage procedure was carried out in order to produce four concrete mixtures using different percentages of recycled coarse aggregates (0% (HC), 25% (HR25), 50% (HR50) and 100% (HR100)) with the same compression strength. Raw coarse aggregates (granite) and sand (crushed limestone) were used in the different concrete mixes.Macroscopic and microscopic examination were carried out in HC, HR25, HR50 and HR100 concretes in order to observe the durability effects. The macroscopic examination determined the aggregates distribution, composition, the contaminants and aureoles around adhered mortar. Microscopic examination was carried out by Optical light transmitted microscope Leica Leitz DM-RXP, using Fluorescence Thin Sections, in order to analyse the cement paste, the new and old interfacial transition zones, secondary reactions as well as damage. Original aggregates and cement paste, interfacial transition zones and alkali silica gel produced due to reactive aggregates present in adhered mortar were analysed by SEM and EDX-maps. Beside macro and micro observations, shear failure behaviour of recycled aggregate concretes was studied. Shear failure test was found more appropriate, as concrete properties had more influence in this type of failure behaviour compared to the flexural failure where the reinforcement plays the important role. Sixteen beam specimens were cast and the structural behaviour of these beams was analysed using four different transversal reinforcements for each kind of concrete. An analytical prediction of the experimental results are carried out using a numerical model (Modified Compression Field Theory), using the codes AASHTO LRFD, CSA, Eurocode-2 and expressions proposed in the Spanish code EHE-99.Organic and inorganic compounds were found to be released from waste materials through leaching and dispersed into the soil and surface water. The leaching of these compounds were measured employing different codes, the two Dutch codes (NEN 7341 and 7345) and the European Normative (EN 12457-2).Some recommendations are given as to the aggregates characteristics to be used in concrete mixes, taking into account the European standards for recycled aggregates. Also suggestions are made for the production process of concrete using recycled aggregate. Mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete are studied and they are compared with that of conventional concrete. Based on the durability of the concrete, some suggestions are proposed with respect to possible alkali silica reaction between new cement and original fine aggregates. It is also determined that the effect of the use of recycled aggregate on the beams' shear strength depend on the percentage of coarse aggregate substituted. The applicability of concrete recycled aggregate with respect to its environmental behaviour is demonstrated. In conclusion, some suggestions for future studies are made which would help us in the evolution of our understanding in this field.

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a common deterioration mechanism responsible for numerous concrete durability issues. Since ASR was first discovered in the 1940's, a significant number of investigations have been carried out in order to understand its mechanisms. However, due to the complexity of the reaction and to the numerous factors that affect its development, many aspects still remain unexplained. The research described in this document was funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and it focused on a specific type of reactive aggregates, known as 'pessimum'; they present an unexpected behavior with respect to the relation between the amount of material present in the mixture and the extent of ASR related damage. The main objective of this investigation was to determine a method for identifying aggregates that exhibit the 'pessimum' behavior by means of a short-term testing regime. Modified versions of the Accelerated Mortar Bar Test (AMBT) and the Concrete Microbar Test (CMBT) were considered for this purpose. In addition, the behavior of a selected group of 'pessimum' aggregates in the Concrete Prism Test (CPT) and the Chemical Method was evaluated. The petrographic characteristics for a reduced number of the aggregates studied were linked to their performance in the ASR tests. The results obtained from the experimental program conducted were combined with results from previous investigations performed at UT Austin to draw conclusions about the overall behavior of ‘pessimum’ aggregates. ‘Pessimum’ aggregates were successfully identified with a modification proposed to the AMBT. As for their behavior, it was found that depending on the amount of reactive constituents present in each test, these aggregates are classified as reactive (for low chert contents) or as non-reactive (for chert contents above the 'pessimum' proportion). Whether these aggregates will generate durability problems depends on the amount of reactive silica in the concrete mixture. / text