This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C1293 − 18

Standard Test Method for

Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-
Silica Reaction1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1293; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the sus- and Voids in Aggregate
ceptibility of an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
pozzolan or slag for participation in expansive alkali-silica C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
reaction by measurement of length change of concrete prisms. gregates
C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield,
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
standard. When combined standards are cited, the selection of
Concrete
measurement system is at the user’s discretion subject to the
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
requirements of the referenced standard.
C157/C157M Test Method for Length Change of Hardened
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Specimens in the Laboratory
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- C227 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Cement-Aggregate Combinations (Mortar-Bar Method)
(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic
C294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con-
and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon
crete Aggregates
prolonged exposure.2)
C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Concrete
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
C490 Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Concrete
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
Concrete
2. Referenced Documents C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
1
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee C09 on Concrete and
Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.50 on
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
Aggregate Reactions in Concrete. C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published July 2018. Originally approved Size
in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C1293 – 08b(2015). DOI:
10.1520/C1293-18.
C856 Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened
2
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Concrete
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02. C989 Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Mortars
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
the ASTM website. Mixtures

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 C1293 − 18
C1260 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Ag- concrete alkali content, wetting and drying, temperature, other
gregates (Mortar-Bar Method) factors, or combinations of these (5).
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates 4.6 Results of tests conducted on an aggregate as described
2.2 CSA Standards:4 herein should form a part of the basis for a decision as to
CSA A23.2-14A Potential Expansivity of Aggregates (Pro- whether precautions should be taken against excessive expan-
cedure for Length Change due to Alkali-Aggregate Reac- sion due to alkali-silica reaction. Results of tests conducted on
tion in Concrete Prisms at 38 °C) combinations of an aggregate with pozzolans or slag should
CSA A23.2-27A Standard Practice to Identify Degree of form a part of the basis for a decision as to whether the specific
Alkali-Reactivity of Aggregates and to Identify Measures pozzolan or slag, when used in the amount tested, was effective
to Avoid Deleterious Expansion in Concrete in preventing excessive expansion. These decisions should be
CSA A23.2-28A Standard Practice for Laboratory Testing to made before a particular aggregate is used in concrete con-
Demonstrate the Effectiveness of Supplementary Cement- struction. Criteria to determine the potential deleteriousness of
ing Materials and Lithium-Based Admixtures to Prevent expansions measured in this test are given in Appendix X1.
Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete 4.7 When the expansions in this test method are greater than
the limit shown in X1.2, the aggregate or combination of
3. Terminology
aggregate with the tested amount of pozzolan or slag is
3.1 Terminology used in this standard is as given in Termi- potentially alkali-reactive. Supplemental information should be
nology C125 or Descriptive Nomenclature C294. developed to confirm that the expansion is actually due to
alkali-silica reaction. Petrographic examination of the concrete
4. Significance and Use prisms should be conducted after the test using Practice C856
4.1 Alkali-silica reaction is a chemical interaction between to confirm that known reactive constituents are present and to
some siliceous constituents of concrete aggregates and hy- identify the products of alkali-silica reactivity. Confirmation of
droxyl ions (1).5 The concentration of hydroxyl ion within the alkali-silica reaction is also derived from the results of the test
concrete is predominantly controlled by the concentration of methods this procedure supplements (see Appendix X1).
sodium and potassium (2). 4.8 If the supplemental tests show that a given aggregate is
4.2 This test method is intended to evaluate the potential of potentially deleteriously reactive, additional studies may be
an aggregate or combination of an aggregate with pozzolan or appropriate to evaluate preventive measures in order to allow
slag to expand deleteriously due to any form of alkali-silica safe use of the aggregate. Preventive measures are mentioned
reactivity (3,4). in the Appendix to Specification C33.
4.3 When testing an aggregate with pozzolan or slag, the 4.9 This test method does not address the general suitability
results are used to establish minimum amounts of the specific of pozzolans or slag for use in concrete. These materials should
pozzolan or slag needed to prevent deleterious expansion. comply with Specification C618, Specification C989, or Speci-
Pozzolan or slag from a specific source can be tested individu- fication C1240.
ally or in combination with pozzolan or slag from other
5. Apparatus
sources.
5.1 The molds, the associated items for molding test
4.4 When selecting a sample or deciding on the number of
specimens, and the length comparator for measuring length
samples for test, it is important to recognize the variability in
change shall conform to the applicable requirements of Test
lithology of material from a given source, whether a deposit of
Method C157/C157M and Practice C490, and the molds shall
sand, gravel, or a rock formation of any origin. For specific
have nominal 75-mm square cross sections.
advice, see Guide C295.
5.2 The storage container options required to maintain the
4.5 This test method is intended for evaluating the behavior
prisms at a high relative humidity are described in 5.2.1.
of aggregates in portland cement concrete with an alkali (alkali
5.2.1 Recommended Container—The recommended con-
metal oxide) content of 5.25 kg/m3 or in concrete containing
tainers are 19 to 22-L polyethylene pails with airtight lids and
pozzolan or slag with an alkali content proportionally reduced
approximate dimensions of 250- to 270-mm diameter at
from 5.25 kg/m3 Na2O equivalent by the amount of pozzolan
bottom, 290 to 310 mm at top, by 355 to 480 mm high. Prevent
or slag replacing portland cement. This test method assesses
significant loss of enclosed moisture due to evaporation with
the potential for deleterious expansion of concrete caused by
airtight lid seal. Place a perforated rack in the bottom of the
alkali-silica reaction, of either coarse or fine aggregates, from
storage container so that the prisms are 30 to 40 mm above the
tests performed under prescribed laboratory curing conditions
bottom. Fill the container with water to a depth of 20 6 5 mm
that will probably differ from field conditions. Thus, actual
above the bottom. A significant moisture loss is defined as a
field performance will not be duplicated due to differences in
loss greater than 3 % of the original amount of water placed at
the bottom of the pail. Place a wick of absorbent material
4
around the inside wall of the container from the top so that the
Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 5060 Spectrum Way,
bottom of the wick extends into the water (See Note 1).
Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6, Canada, http://www.csa.ca.
5
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of 5.2.2 Alternative Containers—Alternative storage contain-
this test method. ers may be used. Confirm the efficiency of the alternative

2
 C1293 − 18
storage container with an alkali-reactive aggregate of known protective equipment including: full-face shields, rubber
expansion characteristics.6 The expansion efficiency is con- aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH (Check periodically
firmed when expansions at one year obtained using the for pinholes.).)
alternative container are within 10 % of those obtained using 6.2 Water:
the recommended container. Alternative storage containers 6.2.1 Use potable tap water for mixing and storage.
must contain the required depth of water. When reporting
results, note the use of an alternative container, if one is used, 7. Materials
together with documentation proving compliance with the
7.1 Cement—Use a cement meeting the requirements for a
above.
Type I Portland cement as specified in Specification C150. The
NOTE 1—Polypropylene geotextile fabric or blotting paper are suitable cement must have a total alkali content of 0.9 6 0.1 % Na2O
materials for use as the wick. equivalent (Na2O equivalent is calculated as percent Na2O +
5.3 The storage environment necessary to maintain the 38.0 0.658 × percent K2O). Determine the total alkali content of the
°C reaction accelerating storage temperature consistently and cement either by analysis or by obtaining a mill run certificate
homogeneously is described in 5.3.1. from the cement manufacturer. Add NaOH to the concrete
5.3.1 Recommended Environment—The recommended stor- mixing water so as to increase the alkali content of the mixture,
age environment is a sealed space insulated so as to minimize expressed as Na2O equivalent, to 1.25 % by mass of cement
heat loss. Provide a fan for air circulation so the maximum (see Note 3).
variation in temperature measured within 250 mm of the top NOTE 3—The value of 1.25 % Na2O equivalent by mass of cement has
and bottom of the space does not exceed 2.0 °C. Provide an been chosen to accelerate the process of expansion rather than to
insulated entry door with adequate seals so as to minimize heat reproduce field conditions. At the 420 kg/m3 cement content, this
loss. Racks for storing containers within the space are not to be corresponds to an alkali level of 5.25 kg/m3 .
closer than 30 mm to the sides of the enclosure and are to be 7.2 Aggregates:
perforated so as to provide air flow. Provide an automatically 7.2.1 To evaluate the reactivity of a coarse aggregate, use a
controlled heat source to maintain the temperature at 38.0 6 nonreactive fine aggregate. A nonreactive fine aggregate is
2.0 °C (see Note 2). Record the ambient temperature and its defined as an aggregate that develops an expansion in the
variation within the space to ensure compliance. accelerated mortar bar, (see Test Method C1260) of less than
NOTE 2—It has been found to be good practice to monitor the efficiency 0.10 % at 14 days (see X1.6 for interpretation of expansion
of the storage environment by placing thermocouples inside dummy data). Use a fine aggregate meeting Specification C33 with a
concrete specimens inside a dummy container within the storage area. The fineness modulus of 2.7 6 0.2.
storage room described in Test Method C227 generally will be satisfac- 7.2.2 To evaluate the reactivity of a fine aggregate, use a
tory. nonreactive coarse aggregate. Prepare the nonreactive coarse
5.3.2 Alternative Storage Environment—Use of an alterna- aggregate according to 7.2.3.6 A nonreactive coarse aggregate
tive storage environment is permitted. Confirm the efficiency is defined as an aggregate that develops an expansion in the
of the alternative storage container with an alkali-reactive accelerated mortar bar (see Test Method C1260) of less than
aggregate of known expansion characteristics.6 The expansion 0.10 % at 14 days (see X1.6 for interpretation of expansion
efficiency is confirmed when expansions at one year obtained data). Use a coarse aggregate meeting Specification C33. Test
using the alternative storage environment are within 10 % of the fine aggregate using the grading as delivered to the
those obtained using the recommended environment. When laboratory.
reporting the results, note the use of an alternative storage 7.2.3 Sieve the coarse aggregate and recombine in accor-
environment, if one is utilized, together with documentation dance with the requirements in Table 1. Select the Table 1
proving compliance with the above. grading based on the as-received grading of the sample. Coarse
aggregate fractions larger than 19.0-mm sieve are not to be
6. Reagents tested as such. When petrographic examination using Guide
6.1 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)—USP or technical grade C295 reveals that the material making up the size fraction
may be used. (Warning—Before using NaOH, review: (1) the larger than the 19.0-mm sieve is of such a composition and
safety precautions for using NaOH; (2) first aid for burns; and lithology that no difference should be expected compared with
(3) the emergency response to spills as described in the the smaller size material, then no further attention need be paid
manufacturers Material Safety Data Sheet or other reliable to the larger sizes. If petrographic examination suggests the
safety literature. NaOH can cause severe burns and injury to larger size material to have a different reactivity, the material
unprotected skin and eyes. Always use suitable personal should be studied for its effect in concrete according to one of
the other alternative procedures described herein:

6
The sole source of supply of non-reactive aggregates and alkali-silica reactive TABLE 1 Grading Requirement
aggregates of known expansion characteristics (6) known to the committee at this Sieve Size Mass Fraction
time is The Petrographer, Engineering Materials Office, Ministry of Transportation, Passing Retained Coarse Intermediate
1201 Wilson Ave., Downsview, Ontario, Canada, M3M1J8.. If you are aware of 19.0-mm 12.5-mm 1⁄ 3 ...
alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International 12.5-mm 9.5-mm 1⁄ 3 1 ⁄2

Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the 9.5-mm 4.75-mm 1⁄ 3 1 ⁄2

responsible technical committee 1, which you may attend.

3
 C1293 − 18
7.2.3.1 Proportional Testing—Crush material larger than the Example A (Cement Only)
19.0-mm sieve to pass the 19.0-mm sieve. The crushing Cementitious materials = 420 kg
content of 1 m3 concrete
operation shall be performed in a manner that minimizes Cement content of concrete = 420 kg
production of material passing the 4.75-mm sieve. Grade this Amount of alkali in the concrete = 420 kg × 0.90 %
crushed material per the Table 1 grading, and add to the = 3.78 kg
Specified amount of alkali in concrete = 420 kg × 1.25 %
original mass of graded aggregate produced in 7.2.3 such that = 5.25 kg
the ratio of crushed, graded, oversize aggregate to total graded Amount of alkali to be added to concrete = 5.25 kg − 3.78 kg
aggregate equals the ratio of material retained on the 19.0-mm = 1.47 kg
sieve to the total material retained above the 4.75-mm sieve The difference (1.47 kg) is the amount of alkali, expressed as Na2O
(See Note 4). equivalent, to be added to the mix water. Factor to convert Na2O to
NaOH:
NOTE 4—For example, if the material retained on the 19-mm sieve since
formed 25 % of the total material retained above the 4.75-mm sieve, then (Na2O + H2O → 2 NaOH)
the mass of crushed and returned oversize material shall form 25 % of the Compound Molecular Weight
total graded aggregate. Na2O 61.98
NaOH 39.997
7.2.3.2 Separated Size Testing—Crush material larger than
the 19.0-mm sieve to pass the 19.0-mm sieve, grade that Conversion factor:
material as per Table 1 and test in concrete as a separate 2 3 39.997/61.98 5 1.291; (1)
aggregate. Amount of NaOH required in Example A:
7.3 Concrete Mixture Proportions—Proportion the concrete 1.47 3 1.291 5 1.898 kg/m 3 (2)
mixture to the following requirements: Example B (20 % of cement is replaced
7.3.1 Cementitious Materials Content—420 6 10 kg/m.3 by pozzolan)
7.3.1.1 When evaluating the susceptibility of an aggregate Cementitious materials = 420 kg
content of 1 m3 concrete
to expansive alkali-silica reaction, use cement as 100 % of the Cement content of = 420 kg × 0.8
cementitious material. concrete (20 % by mass pozzolan)
7.3.1.2 When evaluating combinations of aggregate with = 336 kg
Amount of alkali in the concrete = 336 kg × 0.90 %
pozzolan or slag, replace cement with the desired amount of = 3.02 kg
pozzolan or slag on a percent by mass basis. Specified amount of alkali in concrete = 336 kg × 1.25 %
7.3.2 Coarse Aggregate Content—Use a dry mass of coarse = 4.20 kg
Amount of alkali to be added to concrete = 4.20 kg – 3.02 kg
aggregate per unit volume of concrete equal to 0.70 6 0.02 of = 1.18 kg
its dry-rodded bulk density as determined by Test Method
C29/C29M for all classes of aggregates (for example, low The difference (1.18 kg) is the amount of alkali, expressed as Na2O
equivalent, to be added to the mix water.
density, normal, and high density). Amount of NaOH required for Example B:
7.3.3 Water-Cementitious Materials Ratio (w/cm)—
Maintain w/cm in the range of 0.42 to 0.45 by mass. Adjust the 1.18 3 1.291 5 1.523 kg/m 3 (3)
w/cm within this range to give sufficient workability to permit
8. Sampling
satisfactory compaction of the concrete in the molds. If
necessary to obtain sufficient workability within the specified 8.1 Obtain the aggregate sample in accordance with Practice
w/cm range, use of a high-range water reducer (HRWR), D75 and reduce it to test portion size in accordance with
meeting the requirements of Specification C494/C494M Type Practice C702.
F is permitted. If, within the specified w/cm range, specimens
representative of the concrete mixture cannot be fabricated due 9. Specimen Preparation
to excessive bleeding or segregation, the use of a viscosity- 9.1 Mixing Concrete:
modifying admixture (VMA) is permitted. Report the w/cm 9.1.1 General—Mix concrete in accordance with the stan-
ratio used and the amount, if any, of HRWR or VMA. dard practice for making and curing concrete test specimens in
7.3.4 Admixture (NaOH)—Dissolve in the mixing water and the laboratory as described in Practice C192/C192M.
add as required to bring the alkali content of the concrete 9.1.2 Slump—Measure the slump of each batch of concrete
mixture, expressed as Na2Oe = % Na2O + 0.658× % K2O, up immediately after mixing in accordance with Test Method
to 1.25 % by mass of cement (see Note 5). Use no other C143/C143M.
admixture in the concrete except as permitted in the section on 9.1.3 Yield, and Air Content—Determine the yield, and air
Water-Cementitious Materials Ratio. content of each batch of concrete in accordance with Test
NOTE 5—Example calculations for determining the amount of NaOH to Method C138/C138M. Concrete used for slump, yield, and air
be added to the mixing water to increase the alkali content of the cement content tests may be returned to the mixing pan and remixed
from 0.90 % to 1.25 %: into the batch.

4
 C1293 − 18
9.2 Prepare three specimens of the type required for con- 12. Report
crete in Test Method C157/C157M from one batch of concrete 12.1 Report the following information:
(see Note 6). 12.1.1 Type and source of coarse and fine aggregates, and
NOTE 6—It has been found useful to cast an additional (4th) prism that the coarse aggregate grading used,
can be removed from the test and used for petrographic examination at any 12.1.2 Type and source of portland cement,
time.
12.1.3 The alkali content of the cement as percent potas-
9.3 Initial Conditioning—Cure, store, and remove molds in sium oxide (K2O), sodium oxide (Na2O), and calculated
accordance with Test Method C157/C157M. percent NaOe,
12.1.4 Type, source, and amount (percent by mass of
10. Procedure cementitious material) of any pozzolan or slag used,
10.1 Initial Comparator Reading—Follow the procedure of 12.1.5 The amount, if any, of high-range water reducer or
Test Method C157/C157M, except do not place in saturated viscosity-modifying admixture used,
lime water. Make initial length reading at the time of removal 12.1.6 Concrete mixture proportions based on SSD
from the mold at an age of 23.5 6 0.5 h. Thereafter, keep the aggregates, and corrected for yield,
specimens at 38.0 6 2 °C in storage containers in accordance 12.1.7 The amount of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) added to
with 5.2. the mixing water, expressed as percent sodium oxide (Na2O)
equivalent by mass of the cement,
10.2 Subsequent Comparator Readings—Stand the speci-
12.1.8 The w/cm based on saturated, surface dry (SSD)
men on end. Specimens shall not be in contact with water in the
aggregates,
reservoir within the storage container. Seal the container and
12.1.9 The slump, with mass yield and air content of the
place container in a 38.0 6 2 °C storage environment. At no
concrete batched,
time should the storage container be in contact with the walls
or floor of the 38.0 6 2 °C storage environment and there shall 12.1.10 The average length change in percent at each
be an adequate flow of air around the container. reading of the prisms along with the individual length change
10.2.1 When the specimens are 7 days old, take a compara- in percentage for each prism,
tor reading after removal of the container and contents from the 12.1.11 Any significant features revealed by examination of
storage environment according to 10.2.2. Subsequent readings the concrete prisms either during the test or at the end of the
are required at the ages of 28 and 56 days, as well as 3, 6, 9, test (for example, cracks, gel formation, or peripheral reaction
and 12 months when testing an aggregate for susceptibility to rims on aggregate particles), and
expansive alkali-silica reaction and additionally at 18 and 24 12.1.12 Type of storage container and 38.0 6 2.0 °C storage
months when testing combinations of aggregates with pozzo- environment used to store the concrete prisms if they differ
lans or slag. Additional readings beyond those required for the from those specified in 5.2.1 and 5.3.1.
specific application are suggested at 6-month intervals.
10.2.2 Remove the containers holding the prisms from the 13. Precision and Bias
38.0 6 2.0 °C temperature environment and place in a moist 13.1 Multi-Laboratory Precision:
cabinet or moist room that is in compliance with Specification 13.1.1 Average Expansion Less Than 0.014 %—The multi-
C511 for a period 16 6 4 h before reading. laboratory standard deviation of a single test result (mean of
10.3 Fabricate all specimens placed in a given storage measurements of three prisms) for average expansion less than
container at the same time so that all specimens in that 0.014 % has been found to be 0.0032 % (CSA A23.2-14A).4
container are due for comparator reading at the same time. Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests in different
laboratories on the same aggregate should not differ by more
10.4 Identify the specimens so as to place the specimens in than 0.009 %, nineteen times out of twenty.
the comparator with the same end up. After the comparator 13.1.2 Average Expansion Greater Than 0.014 %—The
reading of the prism, replace the specimen in the storage multi-laboratory coefficient of variation of a single test result
container but invert the upper end as compared with the (mean of measurements of three prisms) for average expansion
previous storage period. In this way the prisms are not stored greater than 0.014 % has been found to be 23 % (CSA
through two consecutive storage periods with the same ends A23.2-14A).4 Therefore, results of two properly conducted
up. tests in different laboratories on the same aggregate should not
differ from each other by more than 65 % of their average,
11. Calculation nineteen times out of twenty.
11.1 Calculate the change in length between the initial 13.2 Within-Laboratory Precision:
comparator reading of the specimen and the comparator 13.2.1 Average Expansion Less Than 0.02 %—For average
reading at each time interval to the nearest 0.001 % of the expansions of less than 0.02 %, the multi-specimen, within-
effective gage length and record as the length change of the laboratory standard deviation has been found to be 0.0025 %
prism for that period. Calculate the average length change in (CSA A23.2-14A). Therefore, the range (difference between
percentage for the group of prisms at the age. highest and lowest) of the three individual prism measurements
11.2 Data from at least three bars must be available at any used in calculating an average test result should not exceed
age to constitute a valid test at that age. 0.008 %, nineteen times out of twenty.

5
 C1293 − 18
13.2.2 Average Expansion Greater Than 0.02 %—For aver- 13.3 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material for
age expansions of more than 0.02 %, the multi-specimen, determining the bias of this test method, no statement is being
within-laboratory coefficient of variation has been found to be made.
12 % (CSA A23.2-14A). Therefore, the range (difference
between highest and lowest) of the three individual prism 14. Keywords
measurements used in calculating an average test result should 14.1 aggregate; alkali-silica reactivity; concrete; length
not exceed 40 % of the average, nineteen times out of twenty. change ; pozzolan; slag

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. Interpretation of Results

X1.1 The question of whether or not criteria based on the recommended that the relevant procedure(s) be performed
results obtained using this test method should be used for concurrently with this test method and any discrepancies
acceptance of materials for use as concrete aggregate will be between the results explained. Care should be exercised in the
dealt with, if deemed appropriate, in Specification C33. interpretation of these other test method results (9-14).
X1.2 Work has been reported from which it may be inferred X1.6 The use of this test method should especially be
that an aggregate might reasonably be classified as potentially considered when other test methods may be inadequate. Some
deleteriously reactive if the average expansion of three con- examples of such problems are as follows: The potential
crete specimens is equal to or greater than 0.04 % at one year reactivity of various varieties of quartz may not be accurately
(7) (CSA A23.2-27A-00 Table 1). determined by Test Method C227 since the test method may
produce a false-negative result (3). False-negative results are
X1.3 It is reasonable to conclude that the amount of possible with a number of aggregates such as slow-late
pozzolan or slag used in combination with an aggregate is at expanding argillaceous greywackes, strained quartz and micro-
least the minimum needed to prevent excessive expansion in crystalline quartz associated with strained quartz (3,4,13).
field concrete if the average expansion is less than 0.04 % at False-negative results are also possible due to storage condi-
two years (CSA A23.2-28A-02). tions (9), reactive aggregate levels far above or below pessi-
X1.4 A history of satisfactory field performance in concrete mum (3) or insufficient alkali to accelerate the test (3). The
is the best method of evaluating the potential for an aggregate potential reactivity of various varieties of quartz may not be
to cause premature deterioration of concrete due to alkali-silica accurately determined by Test Method C1260 since the test
reaction. When field performance of an aggregate in concrete is method may produce a false-positive result with a number of
to be accepted, the following conditions should be met (8): marginally reactive aggregates (13). Test Method C1260 may
also give a false-negative result with aggregates suspected of
X1.4.1 The cement content and alkali content of the cement containing deleterious strained quartz (14).
should be the same or higher in the field concrete than is
proposed in the new structure. X1.7 If the data generated with other test methods and
X1.4.2 The concrete examined should be at least 10 years supplemented with information from this test method judge an
old. aggregate to be “not potentially deleteriously alkali-silica
reactive,” no restrictions are usually required with the use of
X1.4.3 The exposure conditions of the field concrete should that aggregate in order to protect against expansion due to
be at least as severe as those in the proposed structure. alkali-silica reaction (7) (see Note X1.1).
X1.5 This test method supplements the results of other test X1.8 Additional interlaboratory testing data is provided in
methods. The results of the other test methods are usually Ref (15).
reported before the results of this test method are available. NOTE X1.1—In critical structures such as those used for nuclear
Standards that this test method supplements include: Test containment or large dams, where slight expansions cannot be tolerated, a
Method C227, Guide C295, and Test Method C1260. It is lower expansion limit may be required.

6
 C1293 − 18
REFERENCES

(1) Diamond, S., “Alkali Reactions in Concrete-Pore Solution Effects,” Expansion with Reactive Aggregates Due to Leaching,” Cement,
Proceedings, 6th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Re- Concrete and Aggregates, CCAGDP, Vol 13, 1991, pp. 42–49.
action in Concrete, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1983, pp. 155–166. (10) Bérubé, M. A., and Fournier, B., “Accelerated Test Methods for
(2) Diamond, S., “ASR—Another Look at Mechanisms,” Proceedings, Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity,” Advances in Concrete Technology,
8th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, Kyoto, Malhotra, V. M., ed., Canada Communication Group, Ottawa, 1992,
Japan, 1989, pp. 83–94. pp. 583–627.
(3) Grattan-Bellew, P. E., “Test Methods and Criteria for Evaluating the (11) Sorrentino, D., Clément, J. Y., and Goldberg, J. M., “A New
Potential Reactivity of Aggregates,” Proceedings, 8th International Approach to Characterize the Chemical Reactivity of the
Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, Kyoto, Japan, 1989, pp. Aggregates,” Proceedings, 9th International Conference on Alkali-
279–294. Aggregate Reaction in Concrete, Concrete Society, Slough, U.K.,
(4) Grattan-Bellew, P. E., “Microcrystalline Quartz, Undulatory Extinc- 1992, pp. 1009–1016.
tion and Alkali-Silica Reaction,” Proceedings, 9th International Con-
(12) Fournier, B., and Bérubé, M. A., “Application of the NBRI Accel-
ference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete, Concrete Society,
erated Mortar Bar Test to Siliceous Carbonate Aggregates Produced
Slough, U.K., 1992, pp. 383–394.
in the St. Lawrence Lowlands (Quebec, Canada), Part 1: Influence of
(5) Rogers, C. A., and Hooton, R. D., “Comparison Between Laboratory
Various Parameters on the Test Results, Cement and Concrete
and Field Expansion of Alkali-Carbonate Reactive Concrete,”
Proceedings, 9th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Re- Research, Vol 21, 1991, pp. 853–862.
action in Concrete, Concrete Society, Slough, U.K., 1992, pp. (13) Hooton, R. D., “New Aggregate Alkali-Reactivity Test Methods,”
877–884. Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Research and Development
(6) Rogers, C. A., “General Information on Standard Alkali-Reactive Branch Report MAT-91-14, November, 1991.
Aggregates from Ontario, Canada,” Ontario Ministry of (14) Kerrick, D. M., and Hooton, R. D., “ASR of Concrete Aggregate
Transportation, Engineering Materials Office, 1988, p. 59. Quarried from a Fault Zone: Results and Petrographic Interpretation
(7) Grattan-Bellew, P. E., “Reevaluation of Standard Mortar Bar and of Accelerated Mortar Bar Test,” Cement and Concrete Research,
Concrete Prism Tests,” Materiaux et Constructions, Vol 16, No. 94, Vol 22, 1992, pp. 949–960.
1983, pp. 243–250. (15) Fournier, B. and Malhotra, V.M., “Interlaboratory Study on the CSA
(8) British Cement Association, “The Diagnosis of Alkali-silica A 23.2-14A Concrete Prism Test for Alkali-Silica Reactivity in
Reaction,” British Cement Association, Crowthorne, Berks, RG1 Concrete”, Proceedings, 10th International Conference on Alkali-
6YS, United Kingdom, Second edition, 1992. Aggregate Reaction in Concrete”, CSIRO, Melbourne, Australia,
(9) Rogers, C. A., and Hooton, R. D., “Reduction in Mortar and Concrete 1996, pp. 302-309.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C1293 – 08b(2015), that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved May 1, 2018)

(1) Deleted Test Method C289 from 2.1 and X1.5.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/