Designation: PS 81 – 98e1

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Provisional Standard Test Method for

Length Change of Mortar Bars Caused by Reaction Between
Hydraulic Cement and Alkali-Reactive Aggregate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation PS 81; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption.

e1 NOTE—Footnotes Six and Seven were added editorially in May 1999.

1. Scope C 109/C 109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of

1.1 This provisional test method covers the potential of
hydraulic cement to cause excessive expansion through reac-
tion between alkalies (sodium and potassium) in the cement
and alkali-silica reactive aggregate (see Note 1). The determi-
nation is based on the change in length of mortar bars
containing the cement in combination with a standard alkali-
reactive aggregate during storage under prescribed conditions
of test.
NOTE 1—.Although the reaction is called “alkali-silica reaction”, it in
fact is a sequence of processes initiated by reaction between thermody-
namically metastable silica in the aggregate and hydroxide ion (OH-) in
the pore fluid, the concentration of which is controlled largely by the
concentration of alkali ions (Na+ and K+), usually provided by the cement.
1.2 Two types of alkali reactivity of aggregates are recog-
nized: alkali-silica reaction, that involves certain siliceous
rocks, minerals, and natural or artificial glasses, and alkali-
carbonate reaction, that involves dolomite in certain calcitic
dolomites and dolomitic limestones. This provisional test
method addresses only alkali-silica reaction.
1.3 Provisional standards2 achieve limited concensus
through approval of the sponsoring subcommittee.
1.4 This provisional test method was approved as a provi-
sional standard because it is critical in the development of a
performance specification for Portland Cement, a high-priority
effort in C-1. This provisional test method has only achieved
sub conssessus and will be published for two years only.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1
This provisional test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-1
on Cement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.31 on Volume
Change.
Current edition approved May 22, 1998. Published May 1999. Originally
published as PS 81–98. Last previous edition PS 81–98.
2 4
Provisional standards exist for two years subsequent to the approval date.
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube
Specimens)3
C 114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic
Cement3
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement3
C 227 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of
Cement-Aggregate Combinations (Mortar-Bar Method)4
C 305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement
Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency3
C 490 Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination
of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and
Concrete3,4
C 511 Specification for Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and
Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic
Cements and Concretes4
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision Statements for Test
Methods of Construction Materials3,4
C 778 Specification for Standard Sand3
C 856 Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened
Concrete4
C 1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for
Determining Mass for Use in the Physical Testing of
Hydraulic Cements3
E 11 Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing
Purposes4
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method may be used to evaluate the potential
of a hydraulic cement to cause excessive expansion when
combined with alkali-silica reactive aggregate.
3.2 When increases in length are produced in excess of 0.25
at 14 d or 0.30 at 28 d, it is recommended that supplementary
information be developed to confirm that expansion is actually
due to alkali-silica reaction. Sources of such supplementary
information include: determination of alkali content of the
cement (see Test Methods C 114), and examination of the
specimens according to 9.3 and 9.4 after the final length change
measurement to establish that alkali-silica reaction has taken
place.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.

1
 PS 81
3.3 Excessive expansion may occur rarely in the test for
reasons other than alkali-silica expansion. When it is suspected
that this may occur or has occurred, parallel tests are suggested
using this procedure with a relatively non-reactive aggregate.

4. Apparatus
4.1 Devices for Determining Mass—See Specification
C 1005.
4.2 Sieves—See Specification E 11.
4.3 Mixer, Paddle, and Mixing Bowl—See Test Method
C 305.
4.4 Tamper and Trowel—See Test Method C 109.
4.5 Molds—See Practice C 490.
4.6 Storage Container—Covered containers for storing the
test specimens shall be constructed of material that is resistant
to corrosion under the test conditions. Containers shall be at
least 150 mm inside diameter and 250 mm inside height. The
containers shall provide continuous air flow, as discussed in
6.3.4. A satisfactory container is shown in Fig. 1. The contain-
ers shall provide a seal between the cover and the container
wall (See Note 2).
NOTE 2—If the cover is grooved to fit the container wall, as shown in
Fig. 1, the seal may be achieved using a coating of silicone sealant in the
groove of the bottom cover and silicone grease in the groove of the top
cover. Alternatively if the cover is designed to fit over the outside of the
top portion of the container wall, then the seal may be achieved by a
double wrap of vinyl tape overlaying the cover and the container wall
along its full circumference.
4.7 Mortar-Bar Support Rack, for storing the bars vertically.
The rack shall fit into the storage container and allow for air
flow from the bottom to the top of the storage container. The
rack shall be constructed of a material that is resistant to
corrosion under the test conditions. A satisfactory rack is
shown in Fig. 2. The rack described in Test Method C 227 is
satisfactory.
4.8 Length Comparator, conforming to Practice C 490.
5. Materials
5.1 Reactive Aggregate, glass tubing, Vycor brand, No.
FIG. 2 Satisfactory Storage Rack
77135, crushed and graded according to Table 1 (See Note 3).
Separate the crushed glass into sieve fractions and wash each
fraction to remove adhering dust and fine particles (See Note
4). To wash, immerse the fraction in water, agitate, then
retrieve the aggregate using the retaining sieve. Dry each
fraction and either use immediately or store in a clean container
provided with a tight-fitting cover.
NOTE 3—If it is desired to test a relatively non-reactive aggregate,
material of the specified grading can be produced by using equal amounts
of graded sand and 20–30 sand (See Specification C 778).
NOTE 4—Aggregate often is contaminated with metallic iron during the
crushing operation. If such contamination is observed, remove this using
a magnet.
5.2 Cement—Pass the cement through an 850-µm sieve in
order to mix the sample, break up lumps, and remove foreign
material. Discard the foreign materials and hardened lumps
that do not break up on sieving or brushing. Store the cement
in airtight moisture-proof containers to prevent aeration or
absorption of moisture.
6. Temperature and Humidity
6.1 Preparation of Test Specimens—The temperature of the
molding room and dry materials shall be maintained between
20 and 27.5°C. The relative humidity shall be not less than
50 %. The temperature of the mixing water shall be 23.0 6
2.0°C.
5
The sole source of supply of material suitable for this provisional standard
known to the committee at this time is the Cement and Concrete Reference
Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
20899. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting
of the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

TABLE 1 Grading
Sieve Size
Passing Retained % by Mass
... 1.18 mm 0.0
1.18 mm 850 mm 7.5
850 mm 600 mm 42.5
600 mm 425 mm 17.5
425 mm 300 mm 17.5
300 mm 150 mm 15.0
150 mm ... 0.0
FIG. 1 Satisfactory Storage Container

2
 PS 81
6.2 Initial Storage of Test Specimens—The temperature and
humidity of the air in the moist storage facility, where
specimens are initially stored prior to being demolded, shall
conform to Specification C 511.
6.3 Subsequent Storage of Test Specimens:
6.3.1 The facility in which test specimens are stored subse-
quent to demolding must be large enough to hold the storage
container, described in 4.6., the apparatus for controlling
relative humidity, and the apparatus for circulating the air,
described in 6.3.3 and 6.3.4, (See Note 5).
NOTE 5—If the apparatus for controlling relative humidity and the
apparatus for circulating the air are stored outside the storage facility and
air is allowed to cool during its circulation, then water will condense in the
air lines, causing air flow to be blocked.
6.3.2 Maintain the temperature of the cabinet in which
specimens are stored after being demolded at 37.5 6 0.5°C.
6.3.3 Maintain the relative humidity inside the container in
which specimens are stored subsequent to demolding at 96 to
99 % (See Note 6).
NOTE 6—If the relative humidity is reduced, measured expansion
values are reduced. If the relative humidity reaches 100 %, then water
condenses on the bars, causing alkalies to leach from the bars and possibly
reducing expansion.
6.3.4 Circulate air through the storage container throughout
the storage period. The flow rate shall be approximately 1 mL/s
(See Note 7).
NOTE 7—The air flow reduces the tendency of water to condense on the
bars, known to be a problem at this high relative humidity. While the
precise flow rate is not important, it is important that the flow rate be
similar through each container so relative humidity does not vary from
container to container. It is useful to monitor flow rate to assure that
similar rates are achieved.
6.3.5 Satisfactory procedures for storage of test specimens
are illustrated in the appendix, and additional details are
available elsewhere.6
6.4 Measurement of Test Specimens:
6.4.1 Temperature of the facility in which length-
comparator readings are made shall conform to one of the
following: a molding room as described in 6.1.1 or the storage
facility as described above. It has been found that length-
comparator measurements are not significantly affected by
measurement temperature as long as bars are at the same
temperature as the facility in which they are measured.7
6.4.2 If the measurement temperature is higher than the
initial storage temperature, bars shall be stored at the measure-
ment temperature for 2 h prior to the initial length-comparator
measurement. The relative humidity during this equilibration
period shall conform to that of the storage facility as described
above, but no air flow is required.
6.4.3 If the measurement temperature is lower than the
storage temperature, bars shall be stored at the measurement
6
Pade, C., and Struble, L., “Mortar-Bar Expansion Due to Alkali-Silica
Reaction,” Institute for Standards Research, 1996. A copy of this ISR report is
available from ASTM Headquarters as ISR: # C01.001.
7
Struble, L. J., “Measuring Potential Expansion Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction in
Concrete, Phase II — Follow-Up Studies,” Institute for Standards Research, 1995.
A copy of this ISR report is available from ASTM Headquarters as ISR: # C 01.001.
3
temperature for 2 h prior to each subsequent length-comparator
measurement. The relative humidity during this equilibration
period shall conform to that of the storage facility as described
above, but no air flow is required.
7. Procedure
7.1 Preparation of Test Specimens:
7.1.1 Number of Specimens—Make at least three specimens
using each test cement.
7.1.2 Proportioning of Mortar—Use 500 g of cement, 250 g
of water, and 650 g of reactive aggregate (See Note 8).
NOTE 8—If it is desired to test a relatively nonreactive aggregate using
standard sand as described in Note 3, a satisfactory mortar can be made
using 400 g of cement, 200 g of water, and 828 g of fine aggregate. The
aggregate/cement ratio by volume is greater for the unreactive mortar than
for the reactive mortar to provide similar workabilities. Otherwise
workability would be different due to the differences in density (2.20
Mg/m3 for the reactive aggregate and 2.65 Mg/m3 for the unreactive
aggregate) and shape and texture (highly angular and elongated for the
reactive aggregate and smooth and spherical for the unreactive aggregate).
The proportions provide an aggregate/cement ratio by volume of 1.86 for
the reactive mortar and 2.67 for the unreactive mortar.
7.1.3 Mixing of Mortar— Mix the mortar in accordance
with Test Method C 305.
7.1.4 Molding Test Specimens—Immediately after mixing,
start molding the specimens. Fill the molds with two approxi-
mately equal layers, each layer being compacted with the
tamper. Work the mortar into the corners, around the gage
studs, and along the surfaces of the mold with the tamper until
a homogeneous specimen is obtained. After the top layer has
been compacted, cut off the mortar flush with the top of the
mold and smooth the surface with a few strokes of the trowel.
7.2 Storage and Measurement of Test Specimens:
7.2.1 Initial Storage— Immediately after each mold has
been filled, place the mold in the moist room. The specimens
shall remain in the molds, stored in the moist cabinet, for 24 6
2 h. At the end of this period, remove the bars from the molds
and, while protecting them from loss of moisture, properly
identify bars and apply a mark so that each end of the bar can
be distinguished from the other.
7.2.2 Initial Length-Comparator Measurement—Obtain the
initial length-comparator reading in accordance with Practice
C 490. The temperature of the facility in which this reading is
obtained is described in 6.4.
7.2.3 Subsequent Storage—Stand the specimens in storage
rack so the specimens are positioned with their long axes
vertical. Place racks in storage containers and adjust air flow
and relative humidity as described in 6.3
7.2.4 Subsequent Length-Comparator Measurement—
When the specimens are 14 days old, obtain their length-
comparator readings. Obtain readings again when the speci-
mens are 28 days old. Additional readings may be obtained as
required (See Note 9).
NOTE 9—Information of value may often be obtained by returning the
specimens to storage after the 28-day measurement and making additional
measurements at later ages. Measurements at ages of 2,3,4,6,9, and 12
months and, if necessary, at least every 6 months thereafter are suggested.
7.2.5 Make all length-comparator measurements according
 PS 81
to Practice C 490 following the procedure for bars stored
moist.
7.2.6 After the final length measurement, examine speci-
mens in the manner described in Section 9.
7.2.7 Make all specimens placed in a given container on the
same day and place them in the container at the same time, so
that all specimens in a given container are due for measurement
at the same time.
7.3 Always place the specimens in the comparator with the
same end uppermost. After measurement, replace the speci-
mens in the container in an inverted position as compared with
the previous period.
8. Calculation
8.1 Calculate length-change values according to Practice
C 490.
9. Examination at End of Test
9.1 After the final length change measurements have been
made, test each specimen for warping and examine each
specimen for visual evidence of reaction.
9.2 Warping—Determine the warping, if any, by placing the
specimen on a plane surface and measuring the maximum
separation between the specimen and the surface. Place the
specimen so that its ends curve down to the reference surface
and measure separation to the nearest 0.5 mm.
9.3 Visual Examination—Items to be noted in the visual
examination include:
9.3.1 Presence, location and type of pattern of any cracking,
9.3.2 Surface mottling and surficial deposits or exudations
(their nature, thickness, and continuity), and
9.4 When it is believed that additional important features
are likely to be revealed thereby, make a further examination of
the interior of the specimen to establish whether alkali-silica
reaction has taken place, according to the relevant sections of
Practice C 856. Note such items as the presence of gel-filled
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. SATISFACTORY PROCEDURES FOR STORAGE OF TEST SPECIMENS
X1.1 This appendix illustrates satisfactory experimental
procedures for storage of test specimens. The procedures
provide circulation through the storage container of air at a
relative humidity of 96 to 99 %.
X1.2 Differential Temperature Method—Saturate the air
with water at a temperature 0.5°C lower than the temperature
used for storage of test (Fig. X1.1).
X1.2.1 This provisional test method requires a water bath or
some other means to control temperature that cools as well as
heats, and maintains temperature within 6 0.05°C.
X1.2.2 When temperature is increased, relative humidity
decreases. If air is saturated with water at a temperature of
37.0°C and then warmed to 37.5°C, its relative humidity
4
pores and fissures, evidence of reaction with aggregate par-
ticles, and properties of the reaction products.
10. Report
10.1 Report the following information:
10.1.1 The type of cement tested and its total alkali content,
expressed as eq. Na2O, determined according to the relevant
portion of Test Methods C 114,
10.1.2 The average increase in length of the mortar bars at
14 and 28 days, in percent,
10.1.3 Any deviation from the test procedure, including the
aggregate grading when it differs from that given in Table 1,
and
10.1.4 Any significant features revealed by examination of
specimens after the test as described in Section 9.
11. Precision and Bias
11.1 Interlaboratory test data7 were developed in accor-
dance with Practice C 670. Seven sets of data were analyzed
and the average length change was 0.523 %.
11.2 Precision:
11.2.1 The single-operator standard deviation was found to
be 0.08. Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests by
the same operator on the same material should not differ by
more than 0.24. These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s)
and (d2s) limits as described in Practice C 670.
11.2.2 The multi-laboratory standard deviation was found to
be 0.08. Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests
from two different laboratories on the same material should not
differ by more than 0.24. These numbers represent respectively
the (1s) and (d2s) limits as described in Practice C 670.
11.3 Bias—This procedure has no bias because the values
measured are defined in terms of the test method.
12. Keywords
12.1 alkalies; alkali-silica reaction; cement; length change
FIG. X1.1 Experimental Procedure for Differential Temperature
Method
 PS 81
decreases from 100 % to 97.5 %.
X1.2.3 The procedure allows visual observation that the
flow rate is within the required range by counting bubbles in
the water reservoir.

X1.3 Saturated Salt Solution Method—Equilibrate the air

with a saturated aqueous solution of reagent-grade K2SO4 at
the storage temperature (See Note X1.1 and Note X1.2) (See
Fig. X1.2).
NOTE X1.1—When using the experimental procedure in Fig. X1.2, it is
important to periodically monitor airflow. When airflow stops, K2SO 4
may precipitate in the air line, blocking subsequent flow of air.
NOTE X1.2—At 37.5°C, this method provides a relative humidity of
96.4 % (estimated from published data).8
X1.4 Air Flow—A satisfactory air flow may be achieved
using a speed adjustable peristaltic pump equipped with a
pump head for each container. An example is the Masterflex
8
Young, J.F., “Humidity Control in the Laboratory Using Salt Solutions– A
Review,” J. Appl. Chem., Vol 17, 1967, pp. 241-245.
FIG. X1.2 Experimental Procedure for Saturated Salt Solution
Method
7568-00 pump drive and Masterflex 7024-20 pump head.9
Using this pump, a setting of 6 on the knob scale adjustable
between 0 and 10 was found to be adequate for obtaining a
constant humidity.
9
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, Chicago, IL. If you are aware of alternative
suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments
will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical
committee,1 which you may attend.

X2. INTERPRETATION OF TEST RESULTS

X2.1 The following expansion limits are based on research

results and on Specification C 150.

X2.2 The optional requirement in Specification C 150 for

low-alkali cement is that the total alkali content (expressed as
equivalent sodium oxide, calculated as % Na2O + 0.658 %
K2O) not exceed 0.60 %. This optional chemical requirement
should be invoked when the cement is to be used with
aggregate that is potentially reactive, and no other provisions
have been made to protect the concrete from deleterious
expansion.

X2.3 Tests using portland cements having various alkali

contents combined with Vycor glass have shown that the
expansion level associated with an alkali content of 0.60 % is
0.31 % at 14 days and 0.37 % at 28 days (See Fig. X2.1).

X2.4 Based on these results, an expansion level not

exceeding 0.31 % at 14 days or 0.37 % at 28 days indicates
innocuous alkali-silica behavior in most cases (see Note X2.1).
Higher expansion levels, associated with evidence that alkali-
silica reaction has taken place, indicate potentially deleterious NOTE—The lines were determined using linear regression analysis; the
alkali-silica behavior. equation for the 14-day expansion is E50.63 A-0.07 and R2 is 0.91; the
equation for the 28-day expansion is E50.81 A-0.13 and R2 is 0.98; E is
NOTE X2.1—Cases have been reported of aggregates that show delete- % expansion and A is % alkali.
rious alkali-silica behavior even when combined with low-alkali cement. FIG. X2.1 Expansion Versus Cement Alkali Content
If such an aggregate is to be used in concrete, then a lower expansion level
is required to indicate innocuous alkali-silica behavior.

5
 PS 81
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