The alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) leads to a volume expansion of the concrete with appropriate cracking. This has among other things a reduction in the mechanical properties of the concrete result. The AAR is a relatively slow process expiring; Damage to the building is visible only after decades.
While the AAR in different countries (eg. USA, Japan) is known for decades, the AAR in Switzerland is unique and has been only an issue in the field of concrete dams for several years. In the field of civil engineering structures, a few years ago an exponential increase in reported cases with damage caused by alkali-aggregate reaction (AZR) was recorded in Switzerland. The affected buildings have especially retaining walls and galleries, as well as bridges.

Due to the relatively small number of known damaged structures, the alcali-aggregate-reaction (AAR) did not yet receive a lot of attention by the profession. Anticipating an important increase in the number of structures with AAR damage, the knowledge should be improved and methods should be elaborated for an efficient evaluation and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures with AAR damage. This project will provide a state-of-the-art report from the viewpoint of structural engineering. Also, relevant research topics will be identified.