The image displays a multi-step diagram of the alkali-silica reaction process in aggregates. It includes eight labeled panels (a to h) showing the initial conditions and sequential stages of ASR, from the presence of reactive and non-reactive aggregates to the formation of cracks. Each panel illustrates specific phenomena, including the filling of ASS, formation of rims, rapid ASG formation in pores and rims, crack propagation, resulting plugging, and leakage of ASG. Arrows indicate pressure directions and movement within the system. The layout supports a left-to-right progression, guiding the viewer through the stages of ASR.Processes contributing to AAR expansion caused by ASR. (a) A reactive aggregate (purple) containing a pore system (white). (b) ASG generation (light green) within the aggregate’s pore system and along its rim. (c) and (d) Accumulation of ASG generates compressive pressure (yellow) in the pore system and along the aggregate rim, followed by the formation of rigid C-S-H (red) upon ASG contact with cement paste containing calcium. (e) and (f) Crack propagation from within the aggregate to surrounding cement paste and other aggregates, resulting in the loss of compressive stress in ASG (light green). (g) and (h) ASG dynamics post-crack formation. A full-colour version of this figure can be found on the ICE Virtual Library (Link to Emerald InsightLink to the website of emerald.)