AMIE. a finite element/extended finite element framework, has been designed to provide the tools to run detailed microstructural simulations; this paper demonstrates the possibility of simulating the mechanisms underlying the alkali-silica-reaction (ASR). The numerical model presented provides a better understanding of experimental observations. Macroscopic free expansion and degradation of mechanical properties have been previously linked to the extent of reaction. The connection between microscopic and macroscopic measurements, simulated by the model, supports the hypothesis that damage is induced by growing gel pockets in the aggregates. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.