SECTION 713. Concrete Curing Materials and Admixtures

713.04 Lithium Admixtures. - The lithium ion, Li⁺, in several forms is capable of suppressing deleterious ASR, but different compounds have varying effects on the plastic and hardened properties of concrete. LiNO₃ (lithium nitrate) is safe to handle, and has the least effect on concrete properties, while it has the greatest effect in concrete to prevent deleterious ASR. LiNO₃ also does not generate hydroxide ions in concrete pore solutions, and therefore does not exhibit a pessimum effect. LiOH (lithium hydroxide) on the other hand is caustic, is a hazardous material, and both LiOH and Li₂CO₃ (lithium carbonate) exhibit a pessimum effect on deleterious ASR prevention. Lithium salts other than LiNO₃ can still be useful depending on the intended application. Test all mixtures under AASHTO M 194 to determine the admixture's affect on the plastic and final hardened concrete properties. Suppress deleterious ASR in concrete using primarily a lithium admixture of a nominal 30 percent by mass aqueous solution of LiNO₃ with a density of 1.2 kilogram per liter, or use other forms as shown below.