en.Wedoany.com Reported - The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates is currently reviewing a new standard proposal numbered WK91683. This proposal aims to establish a set of specifications for assessing the risk of Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR) in concrete through a unified standard.
Alkali-aggregate reaction refers to an expansive chemical reaction between alkali metal ions in concrete pore solution and reactive components in aggregates, which can cause cracking in structures or floors. Anthony Bentivegna, an ASTM C09 member and head of Durability Engineers in Michigan, stated that the broader goal of this standard is to enhance the durability and reliability of concrete infrastructure, including bridges, pavements, buildings, hydraulic facilities, energy facilities, and marine structures.
Founded in 1898 and headquartered in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA, ASTM International is one of the world's most authoritative standards development organizations, with technical standards covering metals, construction, petroleum, environment, and other fields. ASTM Committee C09 is a professional technical committee responsible for developing standards related to concrete and concrete aggregates, with members from academia, industry, and government agencies worldwide. Bentivegna noted that the proposal aims to provide a unified, ASTM-based specification that can be adopted, referenced, and modified as needed by various organizations. For an approved standard to achieve maximum effectiveness, it must reflect the actual needs of the entire concrete industry.
Bentivegna called for active participation from all sectors of the industry in standard development, including aggregate and concrete producers, cement and supplementary cementitious material suppliers, admixture manufacturers, testing laboratories, owners, engineers, contractors, researchers, and public agencies. Industry experts pointed out that a unified assessment standard will help resolve long-standing engineering disputes caused by inconsistent testing methods, providing a more reliable technical basis for the durability design of concrete structures.
Currently, the standard remains in the proposal stage and must undergo voting and approval processes within ASTM committees before official publication. ASTM C09 committee members can apply for membership through the ASTM website. The development and advancement of this standard are of great significance for improving the quality of concrete structural engineering and extending the service life of infrastructure.
