Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Expression of Cementitious Pore Solution and the Analysis of Its Chemical Composition and Resistivity Using X-ray Fluorescence
Published on: September 23, 2018
The effect of paste composition, aggregate mineralogy and temperature on the pore solution composition and the extent
Mahsa Bagheri1, Barbara Lothenbach2, Karen Scrivener1
1Laboratory of Construction Materials, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The reaction kinetics of the alkali silica reaction depends on the composition of the pore solution. The evolution of the pore solution composition in different cement pastes and concretes was studied. Pastes containing silica fume or metakaolin had the lowest amount of alkalis in the pore solution. In addition, metakaolin increased the aluminium concentrations. The lowest expansion was measured for the concretes made of blended cement pastes with low alkali and hydroxide content in their pore solution, for the duration of the present study, no additional aluminium effect was observed due to the already low pH. Addition of 400 mM of Li slowed down expansion rate of concrete prisms at 40 and 60 °C, however, similar expansion was observed for samples with and without Li at 60 °C after 1 year. Temperature, alkali concentration and pH of pore solution all have a major effect on ASR expansion.
Related Concept Videos
Pore Size Distribution
Adequate...
Porosity and Absorption of Aggregate
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the...
Porosity in Cement Paste
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...
Alkali Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
Unsoundness of Aggregate due to Volume Change
Soundness of Cement

