Designation: C 1293 – 06

Standard Test Method for

Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-
Silica Reaction1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 1293; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* C 227 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the sus- Cement-Aggregate Combinations (Mortar-Bar Method)
ceptibility of an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with C 289 Test Method for Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of
pozzolan or slag for participation in expansive alkali-silica Aggregates (Chemical Method)
reaction by measurement of length change of concrete prisms. C 294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con-
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the crete Aggregates
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the C 295 Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- for Concrete
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- C 490 Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and
hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause Concrete
chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.2) C 494/C 494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the Concrete
standard. The inch-pound values in parentheses are for infor- C 511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
mation only. Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
2. Referenced Documents C 618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates C 702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to
C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Testing Size
Aggregates C 856 Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened
C 138/C 138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Concrete
Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete C 989 Specification for Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace
C 143/C 143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic- Slag for Use in Concrete and Mortars
Cement Concrete C 1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement Mixtures
C 157/C 157M Test Method for Length Change of Hard- C 1260 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of
ened Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method)
C 192/C 192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
Test Specimens in the Laboratory 2.2 CSA Standards:4
CSA A23.2-14A Potential Expansivity of Aggregates (Pro-
cedure for Length Change due to Alkali-Aggregate Reac-
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee C09 on Concrete and tion in Concrete Prisms at 38 °C)
Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.26 on CSA A23.2-27A Standard Practice to Identify Degree of
Chemical Reactions.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2006. Published September 2006. Originally Alkali-Reactivity of Aggregates and to Identify Measures
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as C 1293 – 05. to Avoid Deleterious Expansion in Concrete
2
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, CSA A23.2-28A Standard Practice for Laboratory Testing
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 5060 Spectrum Way,
the ASTM website. Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6, Canada, http://www.csa.ca.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 C 1293 – 06
to Demonstrate the Effectiveness of Supplementary Ce- aggregate with the tested amount of pozzolan or slag is
menting Materials and Lithium-Based Admixtures to Pre- potentially alkali-reactive. Supplemental information should be
vent Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete developed to confirm that the expansion is actually due to
alkali-silica reaction. Petrographic examination of the concrete
3. Terminology prisms should be conducted after the test using Practice C 856
3.1 Terminology used in this standard is as given in Termi- to confirm that known reactive constituents are present and to
nology C 125 or Descriptive Nomenclature C 294. identify the products of alkali-silica reactivity. Confirmation of
alkali-silica reaction is also derived from the results of the test
4. Significance and Use methods this procedure supplements (see Appendix X1).
4.1 Alkali-silica reaction is a chemical interaction between 4.8 If the supplemental tests show that a given aggregate is
some siliceous constituents of concrete aggregates and hy- potentially deleteriously reactive, additional studies may be
droxyl ions (1).5 The concentration of hydroxyl ion within the appropriate to evaluate preventive measures in order to allow
concrete is predominantly controlled by the concentration of safe use of the aggregate. Preventive measures are mentioned
sodium and potassium (2). in the Appendix to Specification C 33.
4.2 This test method is intended to evaluate the potential of 4.9 This test method does not address the general suitability
an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan or of pozzolans or slag for use in concrete. These materials should
slag to expand deleteriously due to any form of alkali-silica comply with Specification C 618, Specification C 989, or
reactivity (3,4). Specification C 1240.
4.3 When testing an aggregate with pozzolan or slag, the
results are used to establish minimum amounts of the specific 5. Apparatus
pozzolan or slag needed to prevent deleterious expansion. 5.1 The molds, the associated items for molding test speci-
Pozzolan or slag from a specific source can be tested individu- mens, and the length comparator for measuring length change
ally or in combination with pozzolan or slag from other shall conform to the applicable requirements of Test Method
sources. C 157/C 157M and Practice C 490, and shall have square cross
4.4 When selecting a sample or deciding on the number of sections of 75.0 6 0.7 mm (3.00 6 0.03 in.).
samples for test, it is important to recognize the variability in 5.2 The storage container options required to maintain the
lithology of material from a given source, whether a deposit of prisms at a high relative humidity are described in 5.2.1.
sand, gravel, or a rock formation of any origin. For specific 5.2.1 Recommended Container—The recommended con-
advice, see Guide C 295. tainers are 19 to 22-L (5 to 5.8-gal) polyethylene pails with
4.5 This test method is intended for evaluating the behavior airtight lids and approximate dimensions of 250- to 270-mm
of aggregates in portland cement concrete with an alkali (alkali (9.8- to 10.6-in.) diameter at bottom, 290 to 310 mm (11.4 to
metal oxide) content of 5.25 kg/m3 (8.85 lb/yd3) or in concrete 12.2 in.) at top, by 355 to 480 mm (14.0 to 18.9 in.) high.
containing pozzolan or slag with an alkali content proportion- Prevent significant loss of enclosed moisture due to evapora-
ally reduced from 5.25 kg/m3 (8.85 lb/yd3) Na2O equivalent by tion with airtight lid seal. Place a perforated rack in the bottom
the amount of pozzolan or slag replacing portland cement. This of the storage container so that the prisms are 30 to 40 mm
test method assesses the potential for deleterious expansion of (1.2-1.6 in.) above the bottom. Fill the container with water to
concrete caused by alkali-silica reaction, of either coarse or a depth of 20 6 5 mm (0.8 6 0.2 in.) above the bottom. A
fine aggregates, from tests performed under prescribed labora- significant moisture loss is defined as a loss greater than 3 % of
tory curing conditions that will probably differ from field the original amount of water placed at the bottom of the pail.
conditions. Thus, actual field performance will not be dupli- Place a wick of absorbent material around the inside wall of the
cated due to differences in concrete alkali content, wetting and container from the top so that the bottom of the wick extends
drying, temperature, other factors, or combinations of these (5). into the water (See Note 1).
4.6 Results of tests conducted on an aggregate as described 5.2.2 Alternative Containers—Alternative storage contain-
herein should form a part of the basis for a decision as to ers may be used. Confirm the efficiency of the alternative
whether precautions should be taken against excessive expan- storage container with an alkali-reactive aggregate of known
sion due to alkali-silica reaction. Results of tests conducted on expansion characteristics.6 The expansion efficiency is con-
combinations of an aggregate with pozzolans or slag should firmed when expansions at one year obtained using the
form a part of the basis for a decision as to whether the specific alternative container are within 10 % of those obtained using
pozzolan or slag, when used in the amount tested, was effective the recommended container. Alternative storage containers
in preventing excessive expansion. These decisions should be must contain the required depth of water. When reporting
made before a particular aggregate is used in concrete con-
struction. Criteria to determine the potential deleteriousness of
expansions measured in this test are given in Appendix X1.
4.7 When the expansions in this test method are greater than 6
The sole source of supply of non-reactive aggregates and alkali-silica reactive
the limit shown in X1.2, the aggregate or combination of aggregates of known expansion characteristics (6) known to the committee at this
time is The Petrographer, Engineering Materials Office, Ministry of Transportation,
1201 Wilson Ave., Downsview, Ontario, Canada, M3M1J8.. If you are aware of
alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
5
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
this test method. responsible technical committee 1, which you may attend.

2
 C 1293 – 06
results, note the use of an alternative container, if one is used, from the cement manufacturer. Add NaOH to the concrete
together with documentation proving compliance with the mixing water so as to increase the alkali content of the mixture,
above. expressed as Na2O equivalent, to 1.25 % by mass of cement
NOTE 1—Polypropylene geotextile fabric or blotting paper are suitable
(see Note 3).
materials for use as the wick. NOTE 3—The value of 1.25 % Na2O equivalent by mass of cement has
5.3 The storage environment necessary to maintain the 38.0 been chosen to accelerate the process of expansion rather than to
reproduce field conditions. At the 420 kg/m3 (708 lb/yd3) cement content,
°C (100.4 °F) reaction accelerating storage temperature con-
this corresponds to an alkali level of 5.25 kg/m3 (8.85 lb/yd3).
sistently and homogeneously is described in 5.3.1.
5.3.1 Recommended Environment—The recommended stor- 7.2 Aggregates:
age environment is a sealed space insulated so as to minimize 7.2.1 To evaluate the reactivity of a coarse aggregate, use a
heat loss. Provide a fan for air circulation so the maximum nonreactive fine aggregate. A nonreactive fine aggregate is
variation in temperature measured within 250 mm (9.8 in.) of defined as an aggregate that develops an expansion in the
the top and bottom of the space does not exceed 2.0 °C (3.6 accelerated mortar bar, (see Test Method C 1260) of less than
°F). Provide an insulated entry door with adequate seals so as 0.10 % at 14 days (see X1.6 for interpretation of expansion
to minimize heat loss. Racks for storing containers within the data). Use a fine aggregate meeting Specification C 33 with a
space are not to be closer than 30 mm (1.2 in.) to the sides of fineness modulus of 2.7 6 0.2.
the enclosure and are to be perforated so as to provide air flow. 7.2.2 To evaluate the reactivity of a fine aggregate, use a
Provide an automatically controlled heat source to maintain the nonreactive coarse aggregate. Prepare the nonreactive coarse
temperature at 38.0 6 2.0 °C (100.4 6 3.6 °F) (see Note 2). aggregate according to 7.2.3.6 A nonreactive coarse aggregate
Record the ambient temperature and its variation within the is defined as an aggregate that develops an expansion in the
space to ensure compliance. accelerated mortar bar (see Test Method C 1260) of less than
0.10 % at 14 days (see X1.6 for interpretation of expansion
NOTE 2—It has been found to be good practice to monitor the efficiency data). Use a coarse aggregate meeting Specification C 33. Test
of the storage environment by placing thermocouples inside dummy
the fine aggregate using the grading as delivered to the
concrete specimens inside a dummy container within the storage area. The
storage room described in Test Method C 227 generally will be satisfac- laboratory.
tory. 7.2.3 Sieve all coarse aggregates to which this test method
is applied and grade in accordance with the requirements in
5.3.2 Alternative Storage Environment—Use of an alterna-
Table 1. Coarse aggregate fractions larger than 19.0-mm
tive storage environment is permitted. Confirm the efficiency
(3⁄4-in.) sieve are not to be tested as such. When petrographic
of the alternative storage container with an alkali-reactive
examination using Guide C 295 reveals that the material
aggregate of known expansion characteristics.6 The expansion
making up the size fraction larger than the 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.)
efficiency is confirmed when expansions at one year obtained
sieve is of such a composition and lithology that no difference
using the alternative storage environment are within 10 % of
should be expected compared with the smaller size material,
those obtained using the recommended environment. When
then no further attention need be paid to the larger sizes. If
reporting the results, note the use of an alternative storage
petrographic examination suggests the larger size material to
environment, if one is utilized, together with documentation
be more reactive, the material should be studied for its effect in
proving compliance with the above.
concrete according to one or the other alternative procedures
6. Reagents described herein:
7.2.3.1 Proportional Testing—Crush material larger than
6.1 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)—USP or technical grade
the 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) sieve to pass the 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) sieve.
may be used. (Warning—Before using NaOH, review: (1) the
Grade the material passing the 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) sieve as per
safety precautions for using NaOH; (2) first aid for burns; and
the Table 1 grading, and proportionally add back to the original
(3) the emergency response to spills as described in the
minus 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) grading so as to include the oversized
manufacturers Material Safety Data Sheet or other reliable
material in a mass proportion equal to its original grading
safety literature. NaOH can cause severe burns and injury to
percentage.
unprotected skin and eyes. Always use suitable personal
7.2.3.2 Separated Size Testing—Crush material larger than
protective equipment including: full-face shields, rubber
the 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) sieve to pass the 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) sieve,
aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH (Check periodically
grade that material as per Table 1 and test in concrete as a
for pinholes.).)
separate aggregate.
6.2 Water:
7.3 Concrete Mixture Proportions—Proportion the concrete
6.2.1 Use potable tap water for mixing and storage.
mixture to the following requirements:
7. Materials
7.1 Cement—Use a cement meeting the requirements for a TABLE 1 Grading Requirement
Type I Portland cement as specified in Specification C 150. The Sieve Size
Mass (%)
cement must have a total alkali content of 0.9 6 0.1 % Na2O Passing Retained
equivalent (Na2O equivalent is calculated as percent Na2O + 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) 12.5-mm (1⁄2-in.) 33
12.5-mm (1⁄2-in.) 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.) 33
0.658 3 percent K2O). Determine the total alkali content of the 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.) 4.75-mm (No. 4) 33
cement either by analysis or by obtaining a mill run certificate

3
 C 1293 – 06
7.3.1 Cementitious Materials Content—420 6 10 kg/ Example B (20 % of cement is replaced
m3(708 6 17 lb/ yd3). by pozzolan)

7.3.1.1 When evaluating the susceptibility of an aggregate Cementitious materials = 420 kg

content of 1 m3 concrete
to expansive alkali-silica reaction, use cement as 100 % of the Cement content of = 420 kg 3 0.8
cementitious material. concrete (20 % by mass pozzolan)
= 336 kg
7.3.1.2 When evaluating combinations of aggregate with Amount of alkali in the concrete = 336 kg 3 0.90 %
pozzolan or slag, replace cement with the desired amount of = 3.02 kg
Specified amount of alkali in concrete = 336 kg 3 1.25 %
pozzolan or slag on a percent by mass basis. = 4.20 kg
7.3.2 Volume of Coarse Aggregate Per Unit of Volume of Amount of alkali to be added to concrete = 4.20 kg – 3.02 kg
= 1.18 kg
Concrete—Use a coarse aggregate oven-dry-rodded unit vol-
ume of 70 6 0.2 % for all classes of aggregates (for example, The difference (1.18 kg) is the amount of alkali, expressed as Na2O
equivalent, to be added to the mix water.
low density, normal, and high density).
Amount of NaOH required for Example B:
7.3.3 Water-Cementitious Materials Ratio (w/cm)—
1.18 3 1.291 5 1.523 kg/m3 (3)
Maintain w/cm in the range of 0.42 to 0.45 by mass. Adjust the
w/cm within this range to give sufficient workability to permit 8. Sampling
satisfactory compaction of the concrete in the molds. If
necessary to obtain sufficient workability within the specified 8.1 Obtain the aggregate sample in accordance with Practice
w/cm range, use of a high-range water reducer (HRWR), D 75 and reduce it to test portion size in accordance with
meeting the requirements of Specification C 494/C 494M Type Practice C 702.
F is permitted. If, within the specified w/cm range, specimens
9. Specimen Preparation
representative of the concrete mixture cannot be fabricated due
to excessive bleeding or segregation, the use of a viscosity- 9.1 Mixing Concrete:
modifying admixture (VMA) is permitted. Report the w/cm 9.1.1 General—Mix concrete in accordance with the stan-
ratio used and the amount, if any, of HRWR or VMA. dard practice for making and curing concrete test specimens in
the laboratory as described in Practice C 192/C 192M.
7.3.4 Admixture (NaOH)—Dissolve in the mixing water and 9.1.2 Slump—Measure the slump of each batch of concrete
add as required to bring the alkali content of the concrete immediately after mixing in accordance with Test Method
mixture, expressed as Na2Oe = % Na2O + 0.6583 % K2O, up C 143/C 143M.
to 1.25 % by mass of cement (see Note 4). Use no other 9.1.3 Yield, and Air Content—Determine the yield, and air
admixture in the concrete except as permitted in the section on content of each batch of concrete in accordance with Test
Water-Cementitious Materials Ratio. Method C 138. Concrete used for slump, yield, and air content
tests may be returned to the mixing pan and remixed into the
NOTE 4—Example calculations for determining the amount of NaOH to
be added to the mixing water to increase the alkali content of the cement
batch.
from 0.90 % to 1.25 %: 9.2 Prepare three specimens of the type required for con-
Example A (Cement Only)
crete in Test Method C 157/C 157M from one batch of con-
crete (see Note 5).
Cementitious materials = 420 kg
content of 1 m3 concrete NOTE 5—It has been found useful to cast an additional (4th) prism that
Cement content of concrete = 420 kg
can be removed from the test and used for petrographic examination at any
Amount of alkali in the concrete = 420 kg 3 0.90 %
= 3.78 kg time.
Specified amount of alkali in concrete = 420 kg 3 1.25 % 9.3 Initial Conditioning—Cure, store, and remove molds in
= 5.25 kg
Amount of alkali to be added to concrete = 5.25 kg − 3.78 kg accordance with Test Method C 157/C 157M.
= 1.47 kg
10. Procedure
The difference (1.47 kg) is the amount of alkali, expressed as Na2O equivalent,
to be added to the mix water. Factor to convert Na2O to NaOH: 10.1 Initial Comparator Reading—Follow the procedure of
since Test Method C 157/C 157M, except do not place in saturated
(Na2O + H2O → 2 NaOH)
lime water. Make initial length reading at the time of removal
Compound Molecular Weight
Na2O 61.98
from the mold at an age of 23.5 6 0.5 h. Thereafter, keep the
NaOH 39.997 specimens at 38.0 6 2 °C (100.4 6 3.6 °F) in storage
containers in accordance with 5.2.
Conversion factor: 10.2 Subsequent Comparator Readings—Stand the speci-
2 3 39.997/61.98 5 1.291; (1) men on end. Specimens shall not be in contact with water in the
reservoir within the storage container. Seal the container and
Amount of NaOH required in Example A: place container in a 38.0 6 2 °C (100.4 6 3.6 °F) storage
1.47 3 1.291 5 1.898 kg/m3 (2) environment. At no time should the storage container be in
contact with the walls or floor of the 38.0 6 2 °C (100.4 6 3.6

4
 C 1293 – 06
°F) storage environment and there shall be an adequate flow of 12.1.8 The w/cm based on saturated, surface dry (SSD)
air around the container. aggregates,
10.2.1 When the specimens are 7 days old, take a compara- 12.1.9 The slump, with mass yield and air content of the
tor reading after removal of the container and contents from the concrete batched,
storage environment according to 10.2.2. Subsequent readings 12.1.10 The average length change in percent at each
are required at the ages of 28 and 56 days, as well as 3, 6, 9, reading of the prisms along with the individual length change
and 12 months when testing an aggregate for susceptibility to in percentage for each prism,
expansive alkali-silica reaction and additionally at 18 and 24 12.1.11 Any significant features revealed by examination of
months when testing combinations of aggregates with poz- the concrete prisms either during the test or at the end of the
zolans or slag. Additional readings beyond those required for test (for example, cracks, gel formation, or peripheral reaction
the specific application are suggested at 6-month intervals. rims on aggregate particles), and
10.2.2 Remove the containers holding the prisms from the 12.1.12 Type of storage container and 38.0 6 2.0 °C (100.4
38.0 6 2.0 °C (100.4 6 3.6 °F) temperature environment and 6 3.6 °F) storage environment used to store the concrete
place in a moist cabinet or moist room that is in compliance prisms if they differ from those specified in 5.2.1 and 5.3.1.
with Specification C 511 for a period 16 6 4 h before reading. 13. Precision and Bias
10.3 Fabricate all specimens placed in a given storage
13.1 Multi-Laboratory Precision:
container at the same time so that all specimens in that
13.1.1 Average Expansion Less Than 0.014 %—The multi-
container are due for comparator reading at the same time.
laboratory standard deviation of a single test result (mean of
10.4 Identify the specimens so as to place the specimens in
measurements of three prisms) for average expansion less than
the comparator with the same end up. After the comparator
0.014 % has been found to be 0.0032 % (CSA A23.2-14A).4
reading of the prism, replace the specimen in the storage
Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests in different
container but invert the upper end as compared with the
laboratories on the same aggregate should not differ by more
previous storage period. In this way the prisms are not stored
than 0.009 %, nineteen times out of twenty.
through two consecutive storage periods with the same ends
13.1.2 Average Expansion Greater Than 0.014 %—The
up.
multi-laboratory coefficient of variation of a single test result
(mean of measurements of three prisms) for average expansion
11. Calculation
greater than 0.014 % has been found to be 23 % (CSA A23.2-
11.1 Calculate the change in length between the initial 14A).4 Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests in
comparator reading of the specimen and the comparator different laboratories on the same aggregate should not differ
reading at each time interval to the nearest 0.001 % of the from each other by more than 65 % of their average, nineteen
effective gage length and record as the length change of the times out of twenty.
prism for that period. Calculate the average length change in 13.2 Within-Laboratory Precision:
percentage for the group of prisms at the age. 13.2.1 Average Expansion Less Than 0.02 %—For average
11.2 Data from at least three bars must be available at any expansions of less than 0.02 %, the multi-specimen, within-
age to constitute a valid test at that age. laboratory standard deviation has been found to be 0.0025 %
(CSA A23.2-14A). Therefore, the range (difference between
12. Report highest and lowest) of the three individual prism measurements
12.1 Report the following information: used in calculating an average test result should not exceed
12.1.1 Type and source of coarse and fine aggregates, 0.008 %, nineteen times out of twenty.
12.1.2 Type and source of portland cement, 13.2.2 Average Expansion Greater Than 0.02 %—For aver-
age expansions of more than 0.02 %, the multi-specimen,
12.1.3 The alkali content of the cement as percent potas-
within-laboratory coefficient of variation has been found to be
sium oxide (K2O), sodium oxide (Na2O), and calculated
12 % (CSA A23.2-14A). Therefore, the range (difference be-
percent NaOe,
tween highest and lowest) of the three individual prism
12.1.4 Type, source, and amount (percent by mass of
measurements used in calculating an average test result should
cementitious material) of any pozzolan or slag used,
not exceed 40 % of the average, nineteen times out of twenty.
12.1.5 The amount, if any, of high-range water reducer or 13.3 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material for
viscosity-modifying admixture used, determining the bias of this test method, no statement is being
12.1.6 Concrete mixture proportions based on SSD aggre- made.
gates, and corrected for yield,
12.1.7 The amount of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) added to 14. Keywords
the mixing water, expressed as percent sodium oxide (Na2O) 14.1 aggregate; alkali-silica reactivity; concrete; length
equivalent by mass of the cement, change; pozzolan; slag

5
 C 1293 – 06
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. Interpretation of Results

X1.1 The question of whether or not criteria based on the dure(s) be performed concurrently with this test method and
results obtained using this test method should be used for any discrepancies between the results explained. Care should
acceptance of materials for use as concrete aggregate will be be exercised in the interpretation of these other test method
dealt with, if deemed appropriate, in Specification C 33. results (9-14).
X1.2 Work has been reported from which it may be inferred X1.6 The use of this test method should especially be
that an aggregate might reasonably be classified as potentially considered when other test methods may be inadequate. Some
deleteriously reactive if the average expansion of three con- examples of such problems are as follows: The potential
crete specimens is equal to or greater than 0.04 % at one year reactivity of various varieties of quartz may not be accurately
(7) (CSA A23.2-27A-00 Table 1). determined by Test Method C 227 since the test method may
produce a false-negative result (3). False-negative results are
X1.3 It is reasonable to conclude that the amount of possible with a number of aggregates such as slow-late
pozzolan or slag used in combination with an aggregate is at expanding argillaceous greywackes, strained quartz and micro-
least the minimum needed to prevent excessive expansion in crystalline quartz associated with strained quartz (3,4,13).
field concrete if the average expansion is less than 0.04 % at False-negative results are also possible due to storage condi-
two years (CSA A23.2-28A-02). tions (9), reactive aggregate levels far above or below pessi-
mum (3) or insufficient alkali to accelerate the test (3). The
X1.4 A history of satisfactory field performance in concrete
potential reactivity of various varieties of quartz may not be
is the best method of evaluating the potential for an aggregate
accurately determined by Test Method C 1260 since the test
to cause premature deterioration of concrete due to alkali-silica
method may produce a false-positive result with a number of
reaction. When field performance of an aggregate in concrete is
marginally reactive aggregates (13). Test Method C 1260 may
to be accepted, the following conditions should be met (8):
also give a false-negative result with aggregates suspected of
X1.4.1 The cement content and alkali content of the cement containing deleterious strained quartz (14).
should be the same or higher in the field concrete than is
proposed in the new structure. X1.7 If the data generated with other test methods and
X1.4.2 The concrete examined should be at least 10 years supplemented with information from this test method judge an
old. aggregate to be “not potentially deleteriously alkali-silica
X1.4.3 The exposure conditions of the field concrete should reactive,” no restrictions are usually required with the use of
be at least as severe as those in the proposed structure. that aggregate in order to protect against expansion due to
alkali-silica reaction (7) (see Note X1.1).
X1.5 This test method supplements the results of other test
methods. The results of the other test methods are usually X1.8 Additional interlaboratory testing data is provided in
reported before the results of this test method are available. Ref (15).
Standards that this test method supplements include: Test NOTE X1.1—In critical structures such as those used for nuclear
Method C 227, Guide C 295, Test Method C 289, and Test containment or large dams, where slight expansions cannot be tolerated, a
Method C 1260. It is recommended that the relevant proce- lower expansion limit may be required.

REFERENCES

(1) Diamond, S., “Alkali Reactions in Concrete-Pore Solution Effects,” and Field Expansion of Alkali-Carbonate Reactive Concrete,” Pro-
Proceedings, 6th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reac- ceedings, 9th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction
tion in Concrete, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1983, pp. 155–166. in Concrete, Concrete Society, Slough, U.K., 1992, pp. 877–884.
(2) Diamond, S., “ASR—Another Look at Mechanisms,” Proceedings, (6) Rogers, C. A., “General Information on Standard Alkali-Reactive
8th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, Kyoto, Aggregates from Ontario, Canada,” Ontario Ministry of Transporta-
Japan, 1989, pp. 83–94. tion, Engineering Materials Office, 1988, p. 59.
(3) Grattan-Bellew, P. E., “Test Methods and Criteria for Evaluating the (7) Grattan-Bellew, P. E., “Reevaluation of Standard Mortar Bar and
Potential Reactivity of Aggregates,” Proceedings, 8th International Concrete Prism Tests,” Materiaux et Constructions, Vol 16, No. 94,
Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, Kyoto, Japan, 1989, pp. 1983, pp. 243–250.
279–294. (8) British Cement Association, “The Diagnosis of Alkali-silica Reac-
(4) Grattan-Bellew, P. E., “Microcrystalline Quartz, Undulatory Extinction tion,” British Cement Association, Crowthorne, Berks, RG1 6YS,
and Alkali-Silica Reaction,” Proceedings, 9th International Confer- United Kingdom, Second edition, 1992.
ence on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete, Concrete Society, (9) Rogers, C. A., and Hooton, R. D., “Reduction in Mortar and Concrete
Slough, U.K., 1992, pp. 383–394. Expansion with Reactive Aggregates Due to Leaching,” Cement,
(5) Rogers, C. A., and Hooton, R. D., “Comparison Between Laboratory Concrete and Aggregates, CCAGDP, Vol 13, 1991, pp. 42–49.

6
 C 1293 – 06
(10) Bérubé, M. A., and Fournier, B., “Accelerated Test Methods for Research, Vol 21, 1991, pp. 853–862.
Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity,” Advances in Concrete Technology, (13) Hooton, R. D., “New Aggregate Alkali-Reactivity Test Methods,”
Malhotra, V. M., ed., Canada Communication Group, Ottawa, 1992, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Research and Development
pp. 583–627. Branch Report MAT-91-14, November, 1991.
(11) Sorrentino, D., Clément, J. Y., and Goldberg, J. M., “A New (14) Kerrick, D. M., and Hooton, R. D., “ASR of Concrete Aggregate
Approach to Characterize the Chemical Reactivity of the Aggre- Quarried from a Fault Zone: Results and Petrographic Interpretation
gates,” Proceedings, 9th International Conference on Alkali- of Accelerated Mortar Bar Test,” Cement and Concrete Research, Vol
Aggregate Reaction in Concrete, Concrete Society, Slough, U.K., 22, 1992, pp. 949–960.
1992, pp. 1009–1016. (15) Fournier, B. and Malhotra, V.M., “Interlaboratory Study on the CSA
(12) Fournier, B., and Bérubé, M. A., “Application of the NBRI Acceler- A 23.2-14A Concrete Prism Test for Alkali-Silica Reactivity in
ated Mortar Bar Test to Siliceous Carbonate Aggregates Produced in Concrete”, Proceedings, 10th International Conference on Alkali-
the St. Lawrence Lowlands (Quebec, Canada), Part 1: Influence of Aggregate Reaction in Concrete”, CSIRO, Melbourne, Australia,
Various Parameters on the Test Results, Cement and Concrete 1996, pp. 302-309.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C 1293 – 05, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved September 1, 2006)

(1) Revised Sections 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 12, 14, and Appendix X1.

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C 1293 – 01, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved May 1, 2005)

(1) Revised Sections 5 and 6.

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