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Concrete Structures and the Aggressive Environments: Experimental and

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Conference Paper · August 2019

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 Concrete Structures and the Aggressive Environments: Experimental and
Numerical Simulation.
Bouabdallah Fouzia 1*, Habita Mohamed Fouzi 2, Ferhoune Noureddine3
1
Civil Engineering Department at Larbi Ben M’Hidi University (LBMU); Soils and Hydraulics
laboratory SHL at Badji Mokhtar University (BMAU), Algeria
2
Civil Engineering Department at Badji Mokhtar University (BMAU), Annaba, Algeria
3
Civil Engineering Department at Larbi Ben M’Hidi University (LBMU), Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria
1bouabdallah23@yahoo.fr,2fouzihabita@gmail.com,3ferhoune.noureddine@gmail.com

Abstract
Recently, some African countries and Algeria are beginning research in the attacks field from an alkalized
environment to the hydraulic constructions' concrete, which is known as the alkali-aggregate-reaction (AAR's
pathology); or the concrete's cancer. AAR requires such an over-alkalized medium, a concrete made with reactive
aggregates (siliceous, dolomitic) and a high hygrothermal factor (HR > 80 %; T > 20 ° C) which is in favour of
the AAR accelerating. The concrete mega-structures durability is seriously threatened, as early aging symptoms
of this concrete occur. No doubt; these physical degradations mechanically influence the structures. In this context,
this article aims to study experimentally and numerically the mechanical appearance along 3 months of testing (B
& C) concretes with 1.25 and 2.5 % in Na2Oeq comparing by a reference concrete (A) without additional alkalis.
Dolomitic aggregates are used; they give an alkali carbonate reaction (ACR) little studied comparing to alkali
silica reaction (ASR) obtained from siliceous aggregates. The free software Matlab is used for the numerical study
of the (stress, strain) measured in the laboratory of both tested elements: beams and core samples. So; the
compressed zone in the unreinforced concrete beams and the direct compression of the cores extracted from these
beams after being tested (Four-points). A numerical model Wen is used for compression in the bending and simple
compression tests. The results show that this model gives strong and weak points which differ from the concrete
elasticity to elastoplasticity depending on the environment aggressiveness degree and the material itself.
Key words: Concrete, Structure, Aggressive Environment, Alkali- Aggregate- Reaction AAR, Experimental,
Numerical, Matlab, Wen model.

1. Introduction
After Stanton's observations in 1942 at (California, USA), the pathological symptoms study appropriate to the
alkali-aggregate-reaction (AAR) took the international community occupation. This pathology kind (AAR) that
occurs between a hydraulic concrete aggregates in front of a basic medium, in the high humidity presence (RH>
85 %) and temperature of (T > 20 ° C). Alterations, whose the aspect is physical lead to falls and changes in the
mechanical characteristics of this concrete kind. In a massive building, the concrete expansion stresses, reinforced
concrete, prestressed concrete and mortar generate changes and damages considerably with respect to stresses,
strains, elastic modulus (E), Poisson's ratio (ν) … etc. (Larive, 1997; Mohamed, 2004)
In this context, this paper is intended to focus on a comparative study between numerical and experimental
simulation using the software (Matlab) given the enormous advantage that digitization has with respect to the cost,
the reduced time, the results close to reality to facilitate understanding of the AAR mechanism ... etc. For this
reason; in the laboratory of the Annaba University we have adopted a reduced beam models without reinforcement
120 x 20 x 15 cm (6 beams), the dolomitic aggregates are highly responsive to the ACR hazards, which is one of
the AAR types. Three program series whose Dreux Gorisse's formulation is that of (A, B and C) concretes , which
are followed according to the standards ASTM, ACNOR and AFNOR with two different dopings in alkali of (B
and C) concrete to 1.25 and 2.5 % Na2Oeq and the control concrete (A) with low alkali. The conditions are
favourable for the AAR experimental acceleration of the (B and C) concretes, and the time factor remains 3 months
for the tests.
However, concrete with AAR presents the researchers occupation in the experimental and numerical field to try
to understand the mechanical behaviour of this material. The numerical modelling is complicated in general, few
of the formulas that exist to really express the behaviour of the concrete Alkali Reactive (B, C), the product gel,
the cracks ... etc. The Wen model remains among the rarest models in this field that one tries to apply with a
concrete of which its components are local (Mohamed, 2004). The experimental results obtained essentially by
mechanical tests of the four-point bending and others of the direct compression will then be treated numerically
by a numerical model simulating the curves (Stress-Strain) in the unreinforced concrete beams and the core
samples (Ø10, H20) cm taken from these beams. The used software is available free of charge (Matrix Laboratory:
Matlab Release 2015a) (Matlab, 2015). This numerical validation concerns the mechanical aspect only by
comparing the control concrete (A) to concretes with AAR concretes (B and C) over 3 months.

1
2. Literature Review
Despite alteration processes, rocks are generally stable under (acidic) natural environmental conditions. However,
some mineral phases present within these rocks can become chemically unstable when placed under the particular
chemical conditions of concrete (generally pH > 13). The AAR damage occurrence is less than 5 years to more
than 25 years, it depends on several factors: the type and level of aggregate reactivity (non-reactive, moderately
reactive or highly reactive) ; the alkali content and the concrete mix proportions (the cement components and the
cement alkali content have an effect on the pH of the interstitial solution); and exposure conditions (moisture
availability is critical to generate excessive expansion associated with AAR). (Fournier, 2006; Villeneuve, 2011)
European and American countries identify hundreds of AAR pathological cases in structures of great importance:
Dam, bridges and viaduct, tunnel, etc. In France dozens of bridges affected by this problem declared by the LCPC
in 1992 (Chambon Dam, Millaud Viaduct ...) (Habita, 1992). Notably, in Canada, AAR is among the first
pathologies that threaten the concrete structures durability (Beauharnois Dam in Montreal and Mactaquac Dam in
New Brunswick, the Medicine Hat Bridge in Alberta and other road structures in Quebec (Fournier, 2006).
Nowadays, some African countries are taking charge of this research field as in: South Africa, Algeria and
Cameroon with rehabilitation works on structures affected by AAR, laboratory or numerical simulation (Comby
Peyrot, 2006; Guillemot, 2013; Habita et al, 2011; Swamy, 1992).
For multidisciplinary numerical simulation, computer or numerical simulations are necessary to determine in each
case their epistemic status and their credibility. For these reasons and for economic reasons, the coming years will
see more empirical computer simulation development. (Phan and Varenne, 2010)

3. Research Methodology
3.1 AAR experimental simulation in the unreinforced concretes beams
For very good preventive solutions in the case of alkali- reaction, it is convenient to carefully determine the
concrete components, add mineral additions or additives. Unfortunately the prevention with AAR affected
constructions has not always existed, or is not always properly implemented. There is currently no treatment
methodology that is sufficiently effective to completely repair diseased structures, or even to stop the disorders
evolution. For existing structures, some temporary repair solutions that dominate as the coating (paints, semi-
permeable, waterproof...), the stress release, or the composites use ... etc. (Fournier, 2006). But for the designs to
be carried out, a method which presents the basis of the investigation resides in the detection of the potential
aggregate reactivity to the AAR as those proposed by ACNOR and ASTM CSA A23.2-25A or ASTM C 1260...
etc. (Fournier, 2006)
3.1.1 Materials and beams with an unreinforced concrete
A Portland cement CPJ 42.5 MPa is chosen as binder of the Hadjar-Essoud cement work (Skikda city- Algeria),
according to NF P 15-467 the chemical components are (%): ‘CaO 56-63; SiO2 19-27 ; Al2O3 4-6 ; Fe2O3 2.5-3.5;
MgO 1-2; K2O 0.3-0.6; Na2O 0.1-0.16; SO3 2-3; CaOL 0.5-2.5’ (AFNOR-467, 1985), and physical proprieties
are: ‘Initial and Final setting time 100-170 and 180-270 minutes; Hot-Expanding 0.3-5 ; Density 0.05-3.12 g/cm³ ;
Mortar Shrinkage μm/m ≤ 800’. And the mechanical proprieties are: ‘Compression test 7j > 22; 28j > 42.5 MPa’.
The ratios are: Water/Cement is 0.4 and Cement/Granulate is 1 / 2.25.
The cement content of Na2Oeq is low 0.3%; the NaOH and KOH solution is added to the mixing water which
gives an overbased internal medium in concretes. So, the concretes (A, B and C) have respectively (0.3, 1.25 and
2.5) % of Na2Oeq, it means that (A) is the reference concrete without alkali addition and the (B, C) concretes are
doped with alkalis according to the equivalence formula Eq. (1): (Bouabdallah et al, 2016; Fournier, 2006):
Na2Oeq (%) = [Na2O % + 0.658 x K2O %] (1)
(A) : Reference concrete without alkali addition in (%) (0.3 Na 2Oeq).
(B) : Doped concretes with content alkalis in (%) (1.25 Na2Oeq).
(C) : Doped concretes with content alkalis in (%) (2.5 Na2Oeq).
Limestone aggregates (gravels and crashed sands) of the Bouhachana quarry (Guelma city- Algeria), with a
high level of reactivity face to AAR problems, they are dolomitic and classed as alkali carbonate reaction (ARC)
(Bouabdallah et al, 2016). The gravels are (15/25; 5/15) and the sands are 0/5 (modulus of fineness MF 2.75), with
2.753; 3.087 and 2.778 g/cm³ of the density successively. These aggregates classifications and grading curve are
standardised with (AFNOR EN 933 – 2) (AFNOR NF P18 – 301) (AFNOR NF P18 – 309) (AFNOR NF P18 –
554) (AFNOR NF P18 – 555) (AFNOR NF P18 – 304).
The concrete formulation is according with Dreux Gorisse's method for the three concrete kinds: (A) reference
concrete and (B and C) alkali-reactive concretes (Table1). The AAR experimental study is done by comparing the
produced elements (cores and beams) for all concretes (A, B and C) along three months of test for (1 and 3 age
months). The produced concrete is vibrated, measured by applying for the Abrams’s slump test (8 to 9) then

2
demoulded after about 24 to 48 casting hours to be cured for 30 minutes at 23 ° C [AFNOR NF P18 – 405]
[AFNOR NF P18 – 451] [ACNOR CSA A23.2-5C] (Table 1)

Table1. Concretes formulation, element Types, mechanical tests and conservation condition, according to ASTM
ACNOR &AFNOR standards
Concrete Element Type Mechanical Tests Concrete Alkali Sample Conservation Conservation
Type (cm) Kg/m3 Na2Oéq Appointmen (Age months) Condition
% t T (°C) RH %
Core sample Simple compression 3A 1
(Ø10, h20) NF P 18-406
3 specimens CSA A23.2-9C
A Beam 4-points bending 0.3 2A 3 Ambient 100
120 x 20 x 15 ACNOR.2-8C

350 (Dreux Gorisse's formulation)

1 element ASTM C78-02
NF P 18-407
Core sample Simple compression 3B 1
(Ø10, h20) NF P 18-406
3 specimens CSA A23.2-9C
B Beam 4-points bending 1.25 2B 3 40 100
120 x 20 x 15 ACNOR.2-8C
1 element ASTM C78-02
NF P 18-407
Core sample Simple compression 3C 1
(Ø10, h20) NF P 18-406
3 specimens CSA A23.2-9C
C Beam 4-points bending 2.5 2C 3 40 100
120 x 20 x 15 ACNOR.2-8C
1 element ASTM C78-02
NF P 18-407

3.1.2 Conservation conditions for the AAR Acceleration

The "Aging method" is chosen to accelerate the ACR based on two hygrothermal parameters which are (RH
100 %, T 40 ° C) for (B, C) concretes, and (RH 100 %, T 20 ° C) for (A) concrete. It’s applied for three months
for all six beams produced with (A, B and C) concretes. (Table 1)

3.1.3 Mechanical Tests

3.1.3.a Bending test for beams
A destructive test on hard material for the flexural strength is used for the mechanic study of the (A, B and C)
concretes, it’s a destructive test on hard material for the flexural strength determination of concrete (Using Simple
Beam with Third-Point Loading) according to (Bending or four-points bending test) (ASTM C78-02) (ACNOR.2-
8C). The strains are measured manually from the data-bridges (10 bridges) at the beam middle section with 3 to 4
gauges placed transversely by 3 cm spacing over the high beam. A static load is applied to failure on the beams,
with a bending machine (statically loaded) and the stages of startup process is constant (1 KN). (Table 1) (Figure
1)

Figure 2. Four-Points Bending test and Strain Measurement in 120 × 20 × 15 cm Beams According to
ACNOR and ASTM Standards.
3.1.3.b Core samples and simple compression test
After the four-point bending test adaptation to the 120 x 20 x 15 cm with unreinforced concrete beams (A, B
and C), the half-beams underwent the coring operation according to information test NF P 18-405. The crushing
of these cores (Ø10, H20) cm is done by the simple compression test on a hard material in accordance with the
codes ASTM-C 39, NF P 18-406 and CSA A23.2 -9C. And for the instantaneous elastic modulus determination

3
(Eij) for the concrete, one measured the strains which correspond to the loading applied until the failure. This strain
is determined from the strain comparators establishment at the specimen peripheral section. So we placed 03
sensors fixed at 120 ° to the lateral section in the central half vertically (at the periphery). In addition, 02 sensors
are placed in the horizontal direction for the Poisson's ratio determination (ν). It should be mentioned that the
precision indicated for these extensometers is of the order of 1/100 (to one hundredth). And reading is done
manually for each loading stage during the compression test using a hydraulic machine (bearing 10 KN), the
loading is static at a constant speed. Figure 2 shows the system device developed for crushing core specimens and
the simple compression test.

(1) Unreinforced concrete beams 120 x 20 x 15 cm after NF P 18-407 test, (2) The cores crushing according to NF P 18-406.
applying and coring according to NF P 18-405.
Figure 2. Specimen preparation and the simple compression test applied on cores (Ø10, H20) cm.
The expansion test of Alkali-reactive concretes was necessary adapted to be used for Wen model in the
numerical simulation. So this test is established according to (AFNOR NF P 18-587, 1990) (ASTM1105-95)
(ACNORCSA A.2-14A, 1994) on core samples. The measurements are taken in longitudinal direction for 3
months, once each week for the first storage month, and beyond one aging month it is done once per month.
3.2 Unreinforced concrete beams and core samples and the AAR numerical simulation
Once, obtain the experimental results by means of mechanical tests (four-point bending test) for the beams 120 x
20 x 15 cm without reinforcement and the direct compression for the cores (Ø10, H20) cm. A numerical model
simulating the curves (Stress-Strain) is used and validated by the Matlab software (v 2015a), while comparing the
reference concrete (A) to the concrete attacked by AAR (B and C) for 3 months of testing. This mechanical
behaviour is studied and numerized according to the algorithm presented in figure 3, whether for beams or cores,
whose formulas will be detailed later; It's to note that the software is available for free (Matrix Laboratory: Matlab,
versions R2015a). (Matlab, 2015)
(Stress – Strain)
(1 & 3 age months) - Concretes (A, B et C).
Matlab Software

WEN 2000 MODEL LAW BEHAVIOUR « COMPRESSED OR

1. Données TENSION ZONE ... »
ɛ ex, Egel , ɛ o (compression, ..), β, εα o, Ä, ƒ′αo , ƒ′𝑐 1. Données
E c, E, α, C2 ɛ experimental = x ∈ R
2. Program Validation (Run)
σ experimental = y ∈ R
σWen ; ε exp ou bien ε Wen

3. Graphical Representation (Plot) 2. Graphical Representation (Plot)

Numerical curve (σWen, ɛWen) Experimental curve (σ, ɛ)

1. Comparison of experimental and numerical curves

2. Gap Calculation
Figure 3. Algorithm of the WEN-2000 model program used for curves (Compression stress - Strain) of (A, B and
C) concretes with 1 and 3 months age, executed by Matlab software (v 2015.a)
It is a (Wen - 2000) model that describes the mechanical behaviour of the Alkali-reactive concrete, which is
based on the mechanical damage fundamentals. Before this concrete failure, the expression of the Stress-Strain
curve for uniaxial compression is as follows (Mohamed, 2004):

4
 𝐸𝑐’
𝜎 ≤ 𝜎𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 ; 𝜎 = 𝐸 (1 + 𝑐 2 | 𝜀| 𝛼 − 1 )𝜀 ; and 𝐸 = 𝐸𝑐’ (2; 3 and 4)
1+(𝜀𝑒𝑥𝑝 )
𝐸𝑔
The tangent elastic modulus (E) of the affected concrete by AAR:
σ, σultimate : (Calculated Compression; Ultimate Compression) stress
Ec’ : Tangential elasticity modulus of the concrete before the AAR beginning.
Eg : nominal elastic modulus of the gel (from 60 to 120 N / mm²).
εexp, ε: are respectively the (Expansion in the change direction), and the (Concrete's mechanical strain.
(α and C2) are given by equations as following:
1 1−𝛼 ƒ′𝛼0
𝛼 = ƒ′
; 𝐶2 = 𝜀𝛼0 (1 − ); ƒ′𝛼𝑜 = ƒ′𝑐 − Ä 𝜀𝑒𝑥𝑝 (5; 6 and 7)
(1− 𝛼𝑜 ) 𝐸 𝜀𝛼0
𝐸𝜀𝛼0
ƒαo΄, εαo are respectively the (Compressive strength) and the (Strain at the peak of the Alkali-reactive concrete's stress).
ƒc΄, εo are respectively the (Compressive strength) and the (Ultimate strain of the concrete before the AAR detection).
Ä: the stress reduction factor; between 1200 and 1500 N / mm².
β: the strain factor approximately equal to (0.5).
Considering the expression of (E) in Eq. (4), the stress and strain of the Alkali-reactive concrete Eqs. (8 and 10)
can be written as (Mohamed, 2004):
1 𝐸𝑔 1+ 𝐶2 | 𝜀 |𝛼 − 1
𝜺 𝜶𝒐 = 𝜀 𝑜 + [𝛽 + (1 − 𝛽)𝑒 −1000 𝜀 𝑒𝑥𝑝 ]𝜀 𝑒𝑥𝑝 ; 𝜺𝒆𝒙𝒑 = 𝐸𝑔 ( ) − ( ) and 𝝈 = 𝐸𝑐 𝜀 [ 𝐸 ] (8; 9 and 10)
𝐸 𝐸𝑐′ 1+𝜀𝑒𝑥𝑝 𝑐′
𝐸𝑔

4. Results
Bending in beams 120 x 20 x 15 cm is elaborate according to ASTM C78-02 and CSA A23.2-8C, it can be studied
through the tension zone, compressed cross-section areas and the slope of each corresponding curve, which
correlates indirectly with (Young's modulus). However, according to these regulations the tensile stress is
estimated at (-0.6) that the compressive stress, knowing that:
(A): Reference's unreinforced concrete; it is not attacked by the AAR.
(B; C): respectively are unreinforced concretes with 1.25 and 2.5 % in the Na2Oeq; it is attacked by the AAR.
4.1 Experimental Curves (Compression Stress - Strain)
4.1.1 Bending test and beams 120 x 20 x 15 cm of 1 and 3 age months
(Etg 3A; Eij 3A) = (15 753; 15 385) MPa (Etg 2A; Eij 2A) = (40 000; 12 500) MPa;
(Etg 3B; Eij 3B) = (20 849; 21 368) MPa (Etg 2B; Eij 2B) = (24 082; 11 117) MPa
(Etg 3C; Eij 3C) = (83 396; 100 000) MPa (Etg 2C; Eij 2C) = (12 525; 1 513.3) MPa
3,0
1,6
2,5
Stress σ (MPa)

Stress σ (MPa)

1,2 2,0
3A 2A
3B
0,8 3C 1,5 2B
2C
1,0
0,4
0,5
0,0 Strain ε 0,0 Strain ε
1 0 4E-05 8E-05 0,00012 0,00016 2 0,0000 0,0002 0,0004 0,0006 0,0008
Figure 4. (Compression Stress-Strain) Curves by the Four-points bending test on Beams (120 x 20 x 15) cm
produced with (A, B and C) Concretes at 1 and 3 age months.
4.1.2 Compression test and cores (Ø10, H20) cm of 1 and 3 age months
(σmax; Eij 3A1)= (30;18 454.68) MPa (σmax; Eij 2A1)= (22.5; 16 145.57) MPa
(σmax: Eij 3B4)= (21; 9 439.60) MPa (σmax; Eij 2B4) = (15.25; 11 961.36) MPa
(σmax; Eij 3C4= (16; 3 868.07) MPa (σmax; Eij 2C4)= (14; 4 509.33) MPa
30 25
25 20
Stress σ (MPa)

Stress σ (MPa)

20
15
15
10
10 3B4 2B4
3C4 5 2C4
5 3A1 2A1
0 0 Strain ε
Strain ε
0,0000

0,0007

0,0014

0,0021

0,0028

0,0035

0,0042

0,0049

0,0056

0,0000
0,0005
0,0010
0,0015
0,0020
0,0025
0,0030
0,0035
0,0040
0,0045
0,0050

1 2
Figure 5. (σ comp – ε) curves of curves of the simple compression test with cores (Ø10, H20) cm in (A, B and C)
concretes of 1 and 3 age months
4.2 Numerical curves (Stress – Strain)

5
4.2.1 Bending test and beams 120 x 20 x 15 cm of 1 and 3 age months
x 10
9
Figure 51 : Courbe Contrainte –Déformation: Modèle de Wen et l’essai expérimental des poutres 120 x 20 x 15 cm de 28 jours x 10
9
Figure 52 : Ecart entre le modèle de Wen et l’essai expérimental des poutres 120 x 20 x 15 cm de 28 jours
Compression Stress MPa (x109)

12 12
3A 3A

Compression Stress MPa (x109)

3B 3B
3C 3C
10 A Wen 10
B Wen
C Wen

8 8
Contrainte MPa

Contrainte MPa
6 6

4 4

2 2

0 0

-2 -2
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
Déformation -4

Experimental Strain 10-4 Experimental Strain 10-4

x 10 Déformation -4
x 10

Figure 6. Compressed zone in (Four-points bending test) Figure 7. Matlab Plot (v 2015a) of Gap between Wen
on Beams (120 x 20 x 15) cm with Unreinforced Concretes model -2000 and the Compressed zone in (Four-points
(A, B and C) at 1 month Age Represented by Wen Model - bending test) on Beams (120 x 20 x 15) cm with
2000 and Matlab Plot (v 2015a). Unreinforced Concretes A, B and C at 1 month Age.
Figure 53 : Courbe Contrainte –Déformation: Modèle de Wen et l’essai expérimental des poutres 120 x 20 x 15 cm de 3 mois Figure 54 : Ecart entre le modèle de Wen et l’essai expérimental des poutres 120 x 20 x 15 cm de 3 mois
2.5
2A
0.2
Experimental Strain 10-3 2A
2B 2B
Compression Stress MPa

2C 0 2C
A Wen
B Wen
Compression Stress MPa
2 C Wen
-0.2

-0.4

1.5
Contrainte MPA

Contrainte MPa

-0.6

-0.8
1

-1

0.5 -1.2

-1.4

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 -1.6
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Experimental Strain 10-3
Déformation
x 10
-3
Déformation
x 10
-3

Figure 8. Compressed zone in (Four-points bending Figure 9. Matlab Plot (v 2015a) of Gap between Wen
test) on Beams (120 x 20 x 15) cm with Unreinforced Model -2000 and the Compressed zone in (Four-points
Concretes (A, B and C) at 3 Age Months Represented by bending test) on Beams (120 x 20 x 15) cm with Unreinforced
Wen Model -2000 and Matlab Plot (v 2015a). Concretes A, B and C in 3 Age Months.

4.2.2 Compression test and cores (Ø10, H20) cm of 1 and 3 age months
Figure 55 : Courbe Contrainte –Déformation: Modèle de Wen et l’essai expérimental des carottes (?10, H20) cm de 28 jours Figure 56 : Ecart entre le modèle de Wen et l’essai expérimental des carottes (?10, H20) cm de 28 jours
90 60

80
50
Compression Stress MPa

Compression Stress MPa

70

3A
40
3B 3A
60 3C 3B
A Wen 3C
B Wen
Contrainte MPa
Contrainte MPa

30
50 C Wen

40
20

30
10

20

0
10

0 -10
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5

Experimental Strain
Déformation

10-3
x 10
-3
Experimental Strain 10-3 Déformation
x 10
-3

Figure 10. Simple Compression test on core samples (Ø10, Figure 11. Matlab Plot (v 2015a) of Gap between Wen
H20) cm with Concretes (A, B and C) at 1 age month model -2000 and the . Simple Compression test on core
Represented by Wen Model -2000 and Matlab Plot (v samples (Ø10, H20) cm with Concretes (A, B and C) at 1
2015a). age month.

6
 Figure 57 : Courbe Contrainte –Déformation: Modèle de Wen et l’essai expérimental des carottes (dia10, H20) cm de 3 mois Figure 58 : Ecart entre le modèle de Wen et l’essai expérimental des carottes (dia10, H20) cm de 3 mois
70 50

2A 2A
2B 2B
2C 2C
60 40
A Wen
Compression Stress MPa

Compression Stress MPa

B Wen
C Wen

50 30

Contrainte MPa
Contrainte MPa

40 20

30 10

20 0

10 -10

0 -20
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5

Experimental Strain 10-3

Déformation -3
x 10 Experimental Strain 10-3
Déformation
x 10
-3

Figure 12. Simple Compression test on core samples Figure 13. Matlab Plot (v 2015a) of Gap between Wen
(Ø10, H20) cm with Concretes (A, B and C) at 3 age model -2000 and the . Simple Compression test on core
Months Represented by Wen Model -2000 and Matlab samples (Ø10, H20) cm with Concretes (A, B and C) at 3 age
Plot (v 2015a). Months.

4.3 Experimental curves (Expansion – Time)

Concrete B [1.25 % Na2Oeq; 40°C T & 100 % RH]

Concrete C [2.5 % Na2Oeq; 40°C T; 100 % RH]
0,40 Concrete A [Ambient T; 100 % RH]
Expansion (%)

0,30
2A
0,20 2B
PLD or LDC Expansion Limit
/Canda 0,12 % after 1 year
2C
0,10 ( High Reactivity)

ASTM & AFNOR Limit 0,4% after 1 year

(Reactive)
0,00
0 3 6 9 Time
12 (Month)
15
-0,10
Figure 14. Expansion test on cylindrical specimens Ø11, H22) cm; until 3 age months, according to standard
codes AFNOR NF P 18-587; ASTM1105-95; ACNOR.CSA 23.2-14A.

5. Discussion
5.1 (Stress- Strain) curves in Beams and Wen model
• One Age Month Test
For the 120 x 20 x 15 cm beams of 1 age month, figure 4.1 shows experimental curves (σ comp - ε) in the
compressed zone, they are increasing for all concrete types (A, B and C) . With a superiority to the concrete (C)
compared to the (A and B) concretes; it means that the reference concrete curve (A) has a curvilinear shape and it
usually remains a good mechanical behaviour. The extreme compressive stress at failure is 1.5 MPa, however, the
extreme strain reached 0.12 ‰, the elastic zone is limited by a stress of 1.0 MPa, and the corresponding elastic
strain is 0.07 ‰, as well as for the slope (the indirect elastic modulus) which is 15 385 MPa.
For (B) concrete curve has a linear and curvilinear form; the extreme compressive stress is 1.6 MPa, however the
extreme strain reached 0.16 ‰, the elastic compressed zone is limited by a stress of 0.8 MPa, and a strain of 0.04
‰, thus for the indirect elastic modulus which is E=21 368 MPa. It exceeds the curve (A) since (B) concrete is
more compact because of the filled pores with the formed gel due to AAR.
For the concrete curve (C) with a linear and curvilinear shape, the extreme compressive stress is 1.2 MPa, but
the extreme strain obtained does not exceed 0.02 ‰, but the slope of this curve is insignificant E = 100 000MPa.
The curve (C) is the strongest, it shows that the concrete does not preserve the formed gel, because the gel amount
is intensive and mobile, hence the cracks formation due to the gel movement through the outer concrete surface.
The behaviour of this curve is difficult to understand, it is possible to have a material whose plastification is
increasing which requires the use of other physico-mechanical or even chemical parameters over time, such as the
cracking state, discoloration ... etc.
There is a huge change in σcomp, ε and E between the alkaline doped concretes (B and C), the overdose in
alkaline explodes the material while reducing its mechanical performance. It is found that in concrete based on
local materials, the 1.25 % Na2Oeq dose is optimal for the reactivity detection with respect to the AAR; thus
improving its quality mechanically. Hence, the over-alkalized medium has a blocking effect on the formation
reactions (CSH and CAH) which are the first responsible for the mechanical strength evolution of a concrete during
the time on the one hand. On the other hand, it leads to the intensive gel formation (additional quantity) which

7
destroys the internal concrete texture; when it exits the outside instead of filling the voids (pores, cavities and
cracks).

Wen-2000 introduces both the Young's modulus associated with the AAR gel (E g) to numerize the stress
experimental curve and the reactive alkali concrete's elastic modulus. Expansions due to AAR in the loading
direction are also used (Figure 14).
And we obtained in figure 6 the (Compression Stress-Experimental Strain) curves results simulated numerically
by the Wen model associated with concretes (A, B and C) whose age is 1 month. Figure 7 shows the gap between
the Wen model and the compressed zone results of the four-point bending test in beams (120 x 20 x 15 cm), still
at 01 age month. It can be seen that at the beginning the Wen model gives results that are close and compatible
with those of the experimental tests for concretes (A and C) (very weak gap), the gap is enlarged with the strain
increase only for the concrete (B). It can be said that this model is not very representative (weak with a constant
gap), it remains far from the experimental results especially for concrete (B). The numerical validation of this
program by Matlab (v 2015a) does not even show the experimental results (Experimental Stress-Strain) given the
large gap dominance of concrete (B), but the same program gives graphical representations' better results at 3 age
months.
• Three Age Months Test
For 120 x 20 x 15 cm beams of 3 age months; the figure.4.2 presents increasing experimental curves (σ comp - ε)
for all concrete types (A, B and C) in the still compressed zone. The superiority is to the reference concrete (A)
compared to concrete (B and C); it means that for the beams of three (3) age months there is a large variation
compared to 1 month. Where the law behaviour (σcomp - ε) represents for alkali-reactive concrete (B) a similar
start to that of (A), along the bending test. Concrete (A) keeps a good mechanical behaviour always, totally superior
to concretes (B and C), the reference concrete curve (A) has a linear and curvilinear shape, the extreme compressive
stress is 2.3 MPa, but the extreme strain reached is 0.7 ‰, the elastic zone is limited by a stress of 1.2 MPa, and
the elastic strain is about 0.1 ‰, as well as for the slope E = 12 500 MPa.
Curve (B) has a linear shape almost but (C) is linear then curvilinear, it is respectively for these concretes (B and
C) that the extreme compressive stress does not exceed 0.8 and 1.5 MPa, or the extreme strain reached is 0.06 and
0.76 ‰, as well as for E which is 11 117 and 1 513 MPa. Although these concretes are in very advanced crack
conditions, we can’t talk about elastic stress or elastic strain. This is particularly true of the gel formed after 3
months of preservation and that is coming out to the outside; thus creating voids’ volume (network of cracks). The
curve (C) is the weakest, it shows that the concrete affected by the ACR with different consultations in Na 2Oeq
does not produce the same gel amount, it does not keep the same percentage by the way, its kinetics vary from one
concrete to another. It can be shown that this depends essentially on the alkali concentration when the concrete
volume and the storage conditions applied, thus the aggregates used are all the same for these concretes (B and C).
Hence it is confirmed that the cracks' formation due to mobile gel to the outer surface is expressed by the voids'
volume created more importantly in (C) than in (B), so the mechanical effect of the formed gel is greater especially
in (C).

The Wen model for the (Compression Stress- Experimental Strain) curve 3 age months gives results even better
than at 01 month age a shape is similar to the experimental curves in (Figure 8). Figure 9 shows the gap between
the Wen-2000 model and the compressed zone in the four-point bending test of beams, where it is clear that the
difference between the experimental test curve and the Wen model is minimized for the concrete (A); possibly for
the reactive concrete (B) but not (C) which in turn always has a slightly higher gap.
In the extreme stress case, the gap is relatively weak, especially at the curves beginning (A, B and C). The gap
increases slowly and remains almost minimal along the beams loading, but it reaches a significant rate only in (C)
at the end.
5. 2 (Stress- Experimental Strain) curves in core samples and Wen model
• One Age Month Test
For cores (Ø10, H20) cm of 01 age month, figure 5.1 presents the law behaviour determination of the experimental
curves (σ comp - ε) which are increasing for all concrete types (A, B and C). With the superiority to reference
concrete (A) comparing to (B and C) concretes, this means that the curve (A) has a parabola-rectangle shape and
keeps a good mechanical behaviour like a normal concrete, the extreme compressive stress is 30 MPa, the extreme
strain reaches 5 ‰, as well as the modulus of elasticity, which is 18 455 MPa. The elastic stress and the elastic
strain are about (18 MPa and 1.3 ‰).
For the concrete curve (B) takes the curvilinear shape, with an extreme compression stress and strain of 21 MPa
and 3 ‰; an elastic modulus of E = 9 440 MPa only. For the concrete curve (C) the curvilinear shape is slightly
present, its extreme compressive stress is 16 MPa, its extreme strain corresponding to 3.9 ‰ whose Young's
modulus is E = 3 868 MPa. Stresses and elastic strains if they can be read, they rotate around (6 and 3) MPa, (0.6
and 0.8) ‰ respectively for (B and C) concretes.

8
The order (A, B then C) confirms the previous results of the beams at the 3 age months; not of 1 month regarding
the gel effect, and its role in the mechanical performance participation.

The Wen's model results are represented in the figures 10 and 11 in the case of the (Compression Stress-
Experimental Strain) curves of core samples with 01 month age. Wen program gives a more representative plot
than that of 01 month beams, this model and the experimental results are convergent for all the concretes (A, B
and C). It is noted that the divergence only appears in concrete (A) particularly in the rectangle part of the
experimental curve (parabola-rectangle); otherwise this difference shows a huge coincidence at the abscissa axis
level and a very weak gap to the affected concretes (B and C).

• Three Age Months Test

For the cores (Ø10, H20) cm of 3 age months; figure 5.2 presents the experimental curves' behaviour law (σ comp
- ε) determination which are increasing for all concrete types (A, B and C). With the superiority of reference
concrete (A) than concretes (B and C); this means that the concrete curve (A) has a curvilinear shape. The
maximum compression stress and strain achieved were 22.5 MPa, 3.7 ‰, and E = 16 146 MPa as the indirect
modulus of elasticity. Both elastic Stress and strain do not exceed 15 MPa and 1 ‰.
For the concrete curve (B) is almost completely linear; the compression limit stress is only 8 MPa, the extreme
strain obtained is almost 0.9 ‰, and the Young's modulus is E = 11 961 MPa. The second curve (C) shows a
curvilinear shape also at a large radius, but its compressive stress and its extreme strain displays 14 MPa and 4.5
‰, the elastic modulus thus is only E = 4 509 MPa. It is confirmed for these cores of 3 months as for the beams
of 3 age months; that one can speak more about the Young's modulus than it is for (B nor C).
The order is always maintained A, B and C except that the curve (B) approximates to that of the concrete (C), like
that of the 3 months beams' curve. It’s clearly seen the residual strains presence due to volume effects in respect
to the AAR between (core and beam), the different loading type between (bending and simple compression), in
addition to the gel effect.
It should be mentioned that each beam is made separately, but it has put in the same experimental protocol
(vibration time, moulding, coring... etc.). Conservation was the same in both places: the first one was for concrete
(B and C) and the second one was for (A). It is for this reason that we find sometimes; that the concrete (A) stresses
of 1 month exceed those of 3 age months.

Figure 13 is the gap between the Wen-2000 model and the simple compression test on core samples (Ø10, H20)
cm of 3 age months. It is clear that the difference between the experimental test curve and that of the Wen model
has increased for the healthy concrete (A), possibly with the reactive concretes B and C. The gap is compatible at
the beginning of the strain curve; but it diverges to reach a high level of values with approximately> 0.5 to 1 ‰
until core failure. (Figures 12 and 13)

6. Conclusions
The experimental protocol presented for concrete without reinforcement in order to detect the mechanical effect
in case of AAR due to the over-alkalized aggressive environment presence; by choosing specimens, and beam
models suitable for numerical modelling. Local materials are selected to produce concrete with extreme reactivity.
Alkali doping is correctly calculated, the ACR chemical reactions' acceleration conditions have succeeded in
simulating the AAR phenomenon at the Algerian laboratories. It is found that in hydraulic concrete based on local
materials, the 1.25 % Na2Oeq dose is optimal for the reactivity detection in local concrete against the of an over-
alkalized aggressive environment attacks; which leads usually to the AAR problem. Only one aspect (mechanical)
is studied to valorise the damages occurred due to the ACR during tests of 03 age months.
The cores' (Ø10, H20) cm results and the beams of 01 and 3 age months, whose figures of the experimental
curves' behaviour law determination (σ comp - ε) are different one from the other, they are all increasing with
different order and divergent maximums of (stress, strain). The elasticity is clearly observed only in the reference
concrete (A) without AAR attack; otherwise the alkali reactive concretes do not maintain the classification's same
order. The maximum compression stress and strain, are associated with concrete (A) at 30 MPa and 5 ‰ obviously
with cores of 01 age month. In contrast, concrete beams (B) have a minimum stress of 0.8 MPa and the lowest
strain is 0.06 ‰ (at 3 age months).
But the highest Young's modulus is calculated in the beam of 1 age month in concrete (B), with E = 21 368 MPa,
and the lowest E = 1 513 MPa in the concrete beam (C) of 3 months.
It is impossible to follow or measure the voids created volume by the evolutionary and permanent AAR cracks,
given the impediment that posed by the gel movement that clogs these cracks. Likewise, the formed gel level is
non-quantitative, especially when it is as a fine powder in the concrete elements skin (fragile and weak material)
and in the conservation conditions' presence (water, vapour, T °...). It was found that at 3 months and when
mechanically comparing concretes (B and C) at different concentration in Na2Oeq, the crack formation due to the

9
 solid gel of the AAR mobile towards the outer surface is expressed by the voids created volume by more importantly
manner in (C) than in (B), so this gel is more intensive, mobile and destructive especially in (C).
The residual deformations presence with cores of only 3 age months amounts to the combination of: the volume
effect with respect to the ACR between (core and beam), the loading type effect (bending, simple compression), in
addition to the gel effect. But sincerely, it is necessary to envisage a whole in-depth study to understand the
mechanism which makes appear such strains under such multiparametric conditions: Specimen type, 3 age months
in particular, the rate and type of alkalis, loading type.

Numerically, one can extract as strong points for the Wen 2000 model which adapts better in the case of the simple
compression, then in indirect compression of the bending test's zone compressed. Especially for cores whose strains
and compression stresses are strong compared to the beams’ low values. It is therefore estimated that 75 % is the
successful percentage of the numerical validation program envisaged by the Matlab software (v 2015a). The weak
points of the Wen 2000 model reside in the multi aspects (physico-mechanical), the representation of the curves
(Stress-Experimental strain) is good only in elasticity where the curves have a linear form. The curvilinear part
poses a problem from which it always diverges; it seems that factors and corrections must be introduced at the
nonlinear or elastoplastic formulas level.

References
Journal
Bouabdallah, F., Habita, M.F., Kherici Bousnoubra, H. and Rehamnia, (2016), “Monitoring of the Concrete
Deteriorations in Structural Elements Affected by Alkali Aggregate Reaction AAR”, Journal of Civil Engineering
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Swamy, R.N. (1992), The Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete, Blackie, pp. 1-349
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engineering & construction materials, International seminar, Rabat, Morocco, pp. 1-6.
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Fournier, B. (2006), Alkali Aggregate Reactions in concrete - Review of Basic concepts and Engineering
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