What is the Alkali-Silica Reaction?
Alkali-Silica Reaction, or “ASR,” is a chemical combining of reactive silica from concrete aggregate with the alkali from cement paste in the presence of moisture. The result of the reaction is a gel, which can expand and may cause micro-cracks in concrete. ASR is known to be progressive and irreversible.
Seabrook Station in coastal New Hampshire is the first U.S. nuclear power plant known to be experiencing ASR .
How is ASR Impacting Seabrook Station?
C-10 Weighs in on ASR
Citing serious safety concerns with the concrete and flaws in the testing and monitoring methodologies undertaken by NextEra, the C-10 Research & Education Foundation, Inc. sought intervenor status in NRC Docket Number 50-443-LA-2 , and requested a public hearing.
In October 2017, the NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) ruled that C-10 has standing to intervene in the case, and admitted five of the group’s concerns as one reformulated contention. C-10 is working with leading concrete experts and structural engineers to better understand ASR, as we prepare for a public hearing on NextEra’s license amendment request in early 2019. Meanwhile, NRC staff are conducting their own review of the LAR.
Click here to download a PDF fact sheet on ASR at Seabrook.
C-10 Keeps Close Eye on ASR
9/15/22: C-10 holds zoom call with NRC resident inspectors on concerns following the latest Integrated Inspection Report