Concrete deterioration by golden mussels

Title: Concrete deterioration by golden mussels
Author(s): M. Pérez, M. García, L. Traversa, M. Stupak
Paper category : conference
Book title: RILEM International Conference on Microbial Impact on Building Materials
Editor(s): M. Ribas Silva
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-43-8
e-ISBN: 2351580184
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2003
Pages: 39 - 47
Total Pages: 9
Nb references: 29
Language: English

Abstract: The golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei is a freshwater bivalve original from rivers and streams of China and Southeast Asia. It has invaded Río de la Plata basin (Argentina) and has originated serious problems to man-made structures.
These mussels adhere with byssal threads to concrete, wood, plastics and / or metals surfaces like water intake structures, pipes, bridge pillars, etc.; they grow inside pipes and other installations and cause decrease in hydraulic capacity, block of filter and pump, etc. Concrete structures colonized by Limnoperna fortunei showed chemical as well as physical deterioration.
Concrete samples from Punta Lara’s pier at Río de la Plata colonized by Limnoperna fortunei were analyzed by SEM. It was observed that mussel byssal threads invaded the material from the surface and may cause fissures, they separate concrete constituents and also facilitate water income into the structures increasing rebar corrosion. In addition, it was detected that they allow the lixiviation of the hydrated cementicious products. This generates an optimum environment for development of fungi and bacteria.
Colonized concrete was characterized by determining its porosity, density and alkalinity in order to estimate their influence on mussel settlement behaviour. EDAX analysis revealed that a great reduction in cement calcium concentration in areas invaded by Limnoperna fortunei took place; it indicates a degradation of matrix concrete of portland cement.

Online publication: 2003-07-03
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2351580184.004