Sponsored Article Image

A message from Curtiss-Wright

High-Temperature neutron flux detectors for Generation IV reactors and SMRs

Learn More

Research & Applications

Nondestructive electrical conductivity test detects alkali-silica reaction in concrete

May 4, 2022, 9:30AMNuclear News
Alkali-silica reaction was confirmed at the Seabrook nuclear power plant in 2010. (Photo: NextEra Energy Resources)

Concrete structures built to last for decades, including reactor containment buildings and other nuclear power plant structures, are subject to the alkali-silica reaction (ASR), a reaction between alkali ions found in cement and silica, the two main components of concrete. The reaction forms a gel that absorbs water and expands over time, causing a buildup of pressure within the concrete that can eventually lead to cracking and deterioration.

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have successfully used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to detect ASR in the lab and believe it could be used for cost-effective, nondestructive testing at nuclear power plants.

To continue reading, log in or create a free account!

Related Articles

On moving fast and breaking things

March 16, 2026, 9:33AMNuclear NewsCraig Piercy

So much of what is happening in federal nuclear policy these days seems driven by a common approach popularized in the technology sector. Silicon Valley calls it “move fast and break...

Webinar highlights Gen IV reactors

March 16, 2026, 7:31AMANS News

The American Nuclear Society recently hosted a new webinar in its ongoing Educator Training series titled “Perspectives on Generation IV Reactors.” It was led by Edward A. Friedman,...

Aalo Atomics discusses the road ahead

March 12, 2026, 1:13PMNuclear News

Yasir Arafat, president and chief technology officer of Aalo Atomics, participated in the first day of sessions at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s annual Regulatory Information...

Return of the HB Line at SRS

March 11, 2026, 5:02PMNuclear News

The Department of Energy is bringing the HB Line facility at the Savannah River Site back on line to recycle surplus plutonium and produce uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel for advanced...

DOE releases 2025 NEUP and NSUF funding

March 6, 2026, 1:06PMNuclear News

On March 3, the Department of Energy announced the release of $52.8 million in funds through the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) and the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF)...