Tests for Alkali-Aggregate Reaction. A Case Study of a Bridge in Brazil

The Paulo Guerra Bridge in Brazil showed significant deterioration after 25 years of service. This article provides a summary of the bridge inspection and the recommended repairs for the bridge's foundation blocks. These blocks were constructed using precast, reinforced concrete boxes that served as permanent forms for cast-in-place footings connecting the bridge piers to supporting piles. Visual inspection, nondestructive test methods, core sampling, and petrographic analysis were used to investigate the bridge's deterioration. Alkali-aggregate reaction was determined to be the cause of the deterioration. The test results supported the selection of confinement to repair the foundations.