Alkali–aggregate reaction (AAR) is one of the most consequential long-term degradation mechanisms affecting concrete dams. Its slow and spatially variable expansion can alter internal stresses, promote cracking and joint movement, and produce progressive deformations that affect serviceability, operability, and structural safety. Because these effects may overlap with those caused by temperature, loading, restraint, and other deterioration processes, a credible appraisal requires the careful integration of material evidence, field observations, monitoring data, and structural analysis.
This book presents an integrated framework for diagnosing, quantifying, and modeling AAR in dam systems. It connects dam-scale manifestations, instrumentation records, core testing, and nondestructive evaluation to analysis-ready parameters and modeling assumptions. Organized as a step-by-step appraisal pathway, the book progresses from mechanism discrimination and damage characterization to potential failure modes, finite element simulation, model calibration and validation, uncertainty quantification, risk-informed evaluation, and long-term prognosis. It also addresses compound hazards, mitigation and rehabilitation strategies, documented dam case histories, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring technologies.
Written for structural engineers, dam-safety professionals, consultants, owners, and regulators, the book provides practical guidance without requiring deep specialization in cement chemistry or experimental method development. It is also suitable for graduate students and researchers seeking a rigorous yet application-focused introduction to AAR-affected dams. By combining theoretical foundations with practical workflows, the book supports more transparent decisions concerning monitoring, analysis, intervention, and the long-term management of aging concrete dams.

M. Amin Hariri-Ardebili (PhD, PE), University of Maryland, College Park, USA.
Dr. M. Amin Hariri-Ardebili is a Research Scientist at the University of Maryland and an Associate Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His work spans earthquake engineering, risk and uncertainty analysis, nonlinear modeling of infrastructure, structural deterioration, and scientific machine learning. He has authored over 130 peer-reviewed publications and six books, and has led interdisciplinary projects funded by NIST, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Dr. Hariri-Ardebili has also served as a technical adviser at HDR, overseeing national efforts in the design and analysis of concrete dams and hydraulic structures. He holds leadership roles within USSD committees and international dam-engineering initiatives and is the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Dam Engineering and Design section of Frontiers in Built Environment.

Golsa Mahdavi (PhD), AECOM, Denver, USA. Dr. Golsa Mahdavi is a structural dam engineer at AECOM, where she supports the design and advanced analysis of concrete dams, spillways, and hydraulic structures under combined seismic loading and alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) demands. She earned her Ph.D. in Structural Engineering and Materials from the University of Colorado Boulder, completing doctoral research focused on finite element assessment of AAR-affected concrete dams, with an emphasis on practical modeling workflows that connect deterioration mechanisms to structural response and performance metrics. An active member of the U.S. Society on Dams (USSD), she has presented technical work at USSD and ICOLD venues and has received multiple awards and funding recognitions, including support through USSD, recognition from CU Boulder, and an award associated with the MMM conference at Johns Hopkins University.