Aggregate Alkali-Silica-Reactivity and Mitigative Measures

Alkali-Silica-Reactivity (ASR) is a well-documented issue with aggregate used in concrete throughout New Mexico. Historically, inexpensive coal fly ash (FA), a waste byproduct of power generation with pozzolanic properties, has been relied on as an effective means of mitigating ASR. As more and more coal-fired power plants are retired and replaced by natural gas power plants and renewable energy sources, FA is no longer a reliable and readily available source of material for mitigating ASR. Natural pozzolans currently used for ASR mitigation, such as pumicite and metakaolin, are available but are costly. New Mexico has many undeveloped sources of alternative natural pozzolans which could be utilized with proper characterization and become a significant economic contribute to the state’s economy. Establishing a statewide alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) database based on detailed ASR testing is required to provide high quality concrete with excellent long-term performance necessary for the construction of highly safe and durable concrete transportation structures. It is expected future changes to concrete specifications will reduce supply burdens and costs for quality concrete, while at the establishing local sources for alternative pozzolans, benefiting local economies, as well as concrete suppliers and customers.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $399,451.00
• Contract Numbers:

  R924050

  C06467

• Sponsor Organizations:

  New Mexico Department of Transportation

  1120 Cerrillos Road
  P.O. Box 1149
  Sante Fe, NM  United States  87504-1149

  Texas State University, San Marcos

  JCK Building, Suite 489
  San Marcos, TX  United States 
• Project Managers:

  Moya, Abigail

• Performing Organizations:

  Texas State University, San Marcos

  JCK Building, Suite 489
  San Marcos, TX  United States 
• Principal Investigators:

  Wan, Zhe

• Start Date: 20240510
• Expected Completion Date: 20280510
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alkali aggregate reactions; Alkali silica reactions; Building materials; Databases; Fly ash; Paving materials; Pozzolan
• Geographic Terms: New Mexico
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01962504
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: New Mexico Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: R924050, C06467
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 5 2025 1:32PM