Potential for Development of Alkali-Silica Reaction in the Presence of Airfield Deicing Chemicals

Abstract

This paper focuses on some preliminary studies conducted to investigate the role of alkali-based airfield deicers in causing alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in airfield pavement concrete. A modified ASTM C 1260 test procedure was used in this study, in which mortar bars prepared with reactive aggregate were immersed in deicer soak solution instead of 1 N sodium hydroxide solution. In addition, standard ASTM C 1260 tests were also conducted on mortar bar containing reactive aggregate. Expansion of mortar bars subjected to deicer solutions in the modified ASTM C 1260 test was either equivalent or significantly greater than expansion of mortar bars exposed to the 1 N sodium hydroxide soak solution in the standard test. Based on the findings from this study, it appears that the alkali-based airfield deicers have considerable potential in initiating and accelerating ASR. In parallel studies with a non-reactive aggregate, no significant expansions were observed either in the standard or the modified ASTM C 1260 test.