Modelling of Alkali-aggregate Reaction Effects in Reinforced Concrete Structures

Significant research has been performed worldwide on alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) since its first deleterious effects on concrete structures were identified 75 years ago. According to the CSA A864-00, conventional methods become invalid for the structural assessment of AAR-affected members due to the induced anisotropy with regards to the mechanical properties of concrete. As such, there is a need for proper analysis tools to investigate the behaviour of an AAR-affected structure, and assist in identifying possible rehabilitation actions. The VecTor suite of nonlinear finite element programs, developed at the University of Toronto for the analysis of reinforced concrete structures, can be developed into such a tool. The work performed in this thesis is directed towards modifying the algorithms of VecTor2 and VecTor3 for the analysis of AAR-affected structures, as part of a comprehensive study initiated and funded by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.M.A.S