Textbook AAR Damage in concrete samples

We are currently carrying out numerous Damage Rating index analysis on RILEM test (AAR-4.1 and AAR-3) samples. Along the process of images we frequently come along with text-book examples of ASR damage in our Lab samples. Here is one under UV light.

Sample info:

Prism from RILEM AAR-3 Test on Norwegian Aggregates (Original Mix)
Age 364 days old @ 38°C RH 100%. No Alkali boosting.

Editor's Note: It's weird how we (ASR researchers) enjoy cracks (evidences) in our samples, while it is absolutely bad news for structures and clients.

Looking through the glass

Henry Baker, Chapter 15,"Cautions in viewing Objects" of The Microscope Made Easy, 1742 :

" Beware of determining and declaring your opinion suddenly on any object; for imagination often gets the start of judgment, and makes people believe they see things, which better observations will convince them could not possibly be seen; therefore assert nothing till after repeated experiments and examinations in all lights and in all positions.
When you employ the microscope, shake off all prejudice, nor harbor any favorite opinions; for, if you do, ‘tis not unlikely fancy will betray you into error, and make you see what you wish to see.
Remember that truth alone is the matter that you are in search after; and if you have been mistaken, let not vanity seduce you to persist in your mistake.
Pass no judgment upon things over-extended by force, or contracted by dryness, or in any manner out of their natural state, without making suitable allowances.
There is no advantage in examining any object with a greater magnifier than what shows the same distinctly..."

Thesis Outline of A phd

Workshop in Paris

This week I participated to the workshop "Strains Induced by Phase Changes in Deformable Porous Solids: What about Building Materials?" which has been held in Paris at Encole des Ponts ParisTech.
It was a really interesting workshop, but I felt a bit out of the contest. However I realized (one more time) that the point of view matter a lot, and your background even more.
As I always say, different points of view produce different results even if you are looking to the same thing; this is the humanity's variety. In any case you learn a lot.

Points of view (from SOTI - Something of that Ilk)

The poster presented at the workshop.