Monitoring alkali-silica reaction in structures

A large number of structures along motorway A59 are experiencing cracking due to alkali-silica reaction, ASR. From recent investigations, it appears that this cracking varies from innocuous to cracking that has led to structurally undesirable situations. For this reason, some structures have been structurally reinforced. With regard to the remaining structures, a range of measures are currently being taken to ensure that the amount of ASR-induced cracking will not increase. Current experiences of rehabilitation of structures affected by ASR are rather limited. Therfore, the Civil Engineering Division of the Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management decided to monitor the structural behaviour of two viadcuts on highway A59. This paper summarizes the final results of this pilot project, which started in 1998.