Alkali–Silica Reactivity Potential of Aggregates from Different Sources in Pakistan

Muhammad Yousaf, Muhammad Shajih Zafar (), Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Usama, Muhammad Usman Yousaf, Gianluca Scaccianoce, Laura Cirrincione and Marco Vocciante ()
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Muhammad Yousaf: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Muhammad Shajih Zafar: Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy
Muhammad Usman: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Muhammad Usama: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Muhammad Usman Yousaf: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Gianluca Scaccianoce: Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Bld. 9, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Laura Cirrincione: Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Bld. 9, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Marco Vocciante: Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-29

Abstract: This paper aims to support stakeholders in the sustainable construction sector by exploring the potential of unexamined aggregates from five distinct origins: the Jandol River, the Swat River, the Panjkorha River, the Kitkot Drain, and the Shavey Drain situated in Malakand division, North Waziristan, Pakistan, concerning Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) prior to their incorporation into large-scale construction practices. Petrographic examination for the determination of the mineralogical composition of all collected aggregates revealed that aggregates stemming from the Swat River, Panjkorh River, Kitkot Drain, and Shavey Drain exhibited no reactive minerals. In contrast, those from the Jandol River showed reactive mineral content. Physical analysis of the aggregates revealed that Jandol River aggregates had superior resistance to impact, crushing, and abrasion, having values of 18.53%, 18.53%, and 20.10%, respectively. Moreover, the chemical analysis exhibited the highest silica content (SiO 2 ) in Jandol River aggregates, i.e., 94.7%, respectively. Samples in the form of cubes, prisms, and mortar bars were prepared to study both the mechanical properties and the expansion tendencies of specimens prepared from different aggregate sources. Validation of the reactive nature of the Jandol River aggregates was corroborated by the expansion results obtained from the mortar bars and the reduction in compressive strength and flexure strength by 8.2% and 9.2%, respectively, after 90 days, higher than that of aggregates exposed to ASR sourced from the other four origins. It can be asserted that aggregates from the Jandol River source are more susceptible to ASR as compared to other aggregates. To mitigate the potential of ASR, various strategies, such as using low reactivity, natural, or processed aggregates; low alkali-containing cement; inducing pozzolanic substances in concrete; etc., are recommended. Simultaneously, an economic feasibility study and environmental assessments are recommended as future developments.

Keywords: circular economy; alkali–silica reactivity; petrographic analysis; sustainable concrete (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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