• Herrador Barrios, Manuel Francisco
• Martínez Abella, Fernando
• Rabuńal Dopico, Juan Ramón

Availability of computational power calls for the responsible use of mechanical models that faithfully represent material behavior even in complex cases, as is concrete undergoing Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) expansion. In this paper, a series of tests aimed towards obtaining meaningful data for mechanical characterization of an existing, old-aged, ASR-affected dam concrete are presented. These tests, consisting mainly in long-term measurement of free and confined expansions of core-drilled specimens extracted from different locations in the dam, are designed to provide data for a material model. A specific methodology is developed and applied, including procedures for test design, mechanical loading and data acquisition in harsh environmental non-laboratory conditions. Conclusions about the possibility of ASR-expansion mitigation through confinement are drawn from experimental data.