Moretti Sanchez, Leandro Francisco (University of Ottawa)|Moretti Sanchez, Leandro Francisco (Université d’Ottawa)

Purpose

The main objective of this research program & collaboration between uOttawa and GHD is to develop a finite element analysis (FEA) model to assess concrete infrastructure affected by alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), especially dams. This project will include a critical assessment of some of the currently most used FEA models in both academia and practice to assess AAR expansion & damage development in concrete. Advantages and limitations of each of them will be evaluated and discussed and a practical, yet fundamental AAR model will be proposed, accounting for the physicochemical and anisotropic effects of the phenomenon and presenting valuable outcomes such as AAR actual induced expansion and damage (i.e. diagnosis) as well as the potential for further distress of affected concrete (i.e. prognosis) over the service life of the structure.