Task and description

1. Survey and characterization of mineral admixtures with pozzolanic activity

Bibliographic research on national mineral resources, industrial waste and sub-products as sources of pozzolanic materials.

Selection and characterization of pozzolanic materials, using several instrumental techniques including chemical (XRF, AAS), physical, mineralogical (XRD, TGA-DTA) and microstructural analysis ( OM, SEM / EDS).

2. Methodologies for the diagnosis and prognosis of internal expansive reactions in existing concrete structures

Literature review to systematize the international recommendations for the diagnosis and prognosis of RAS and DEF in concrete.

Selection of case studies based on type of aggregate used and the geographical location of structures for its diagnostic and prognostic.

3. Formulation and characterization of concrete mixes with mineral admixtures.

Formulation of the concrete compositions with the pozzolanic materials previously selected.

Studies of reactivity, including:

• alkali reactivity of aggregates of different type, with particular emphasis on granitoid rocks;

• sulfatic reactivity of different cement types.

4. Experimental study of concrete mixes with mineral admixtures

Characterization of the concrete formulations in different conditions of exposure (natural and accelerated).

Definition of the minimum contents of mineral admixtures to be used as partial cement replacement in concrete mixtures for ASR and DEF inhibition.

5. Modelling of the ASR and DEF effects

Critical evaluation of kinetic models for the ASR and DEF, creation of an improved and more specific model.

6. Recommendations for the diagnosis, prognosis and mitigation of ASR and DEF

Publication of national guidelines related to the themes of the project, including:

• Diagnosis and prognosis of internal expansive reactions in concrete;

• Mitigation measures to avoid expansive reactions in concrete structures.

7. Construction of a technical and educational web page

Interactive web page organized into three main areas:

• Area for the project EXREACT partners with information about the materials studied, the characterization of concrete structures affected by IER and the results and research progresses made;

• Area dedicated to the general public, with information on national and European legislation; guides related to the degradation of concrete by internal expansive reactions; latest scientific developments in this area;

• Area dedicated to technical support for diagnosis and prognosis of these reactions in concrete structures and mitigation measures to prevent its occurrence in the future.

8. Seminar Organisation