A model to determine the alkali concentration of cement pore solution as a function of the binder composition

Author:E.?Coppens?a,?Q.T.?Phung?b,?E.?Valcke?b

Journal:

Construction and Building Materials
Volume 419, 15 March 2024, 135415

Abstract:This paper presents a simple polynomial model predicting the alkali concentration in concrete pore solution as a function of the cement composition, the total alkali content and the water-to-cement ratio. The model was designed to assess the risk of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete rubble from the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. The influence of various factors on alkali concentration in the cement pore solution, such as the origin of the binder (ordinary Portland cements from different sources), the water-to-binder ratio, and the amount of ground granulated blast furnace slag was investigated. The polynomial model was derived and validated using experimental data. Further validation was based on literature data which confirmed its predictive accuracy. The model provides valuable insights into the alkali concentration of concrete pore solution and its potential impact on ASR.