Tensile behavior of expansion and undercut anchors in concrete affected by alkali-silica reaction

This thesis addresses the tensile capacity and load-deflection behavior of wedge-type expansion and undercut anchors in concrete affected by alkali-silica reaction (ASR). ASR is a chemical reaction that occurs between alkalis in the cement and silica in the aggregates. The reaction occurs with the presence of moisture, forming a gel which expands and causes micro-cracking in the concrete. Researchers conducted 85 static unconfined tensile tests on control and ASR-affected specimens. The results indicate that anchors in concrete cracked due to ASR perform like anchors in concrete cracked due to other mechanisms. Up to a threshold value of the Comprehensive Crack Index (CCI) of at least 1.5 mm/m, all cracking, regardless of cause, has the same effect on the tensile breakout capacity of mechanical and undercut anchors.