Alteration of the concrete microstructure promoted by biodeterioration mechanisms

Title: Alteration of the concrete microstructure promoted by biodeterioration mechanisms
Author(s): S. M. M. Pinheiro, M. Ribas Silva
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: 48 - 57
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 26
Language: English

Abstract: Among the different mechanisms of concrete deterioration, biodeterioration is one of the most recently observed. The research on this phenomenon is very complex, and requires multidisciplinary studies as well as knowledge of different areas, such as Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, and Microbiology. In order to best understand the mechanism, it is necessary to know the concrete’s characteristics, especially its mineralogical constitution, its microstructure, and its physical, mechanical, and mainly chemical behaviour. The first part of this paper describes the characteristics of the concrete, including its microstructure and cement hydrates. An example of the impact of colonisation by Cladosporium sphaerospermum fungus on the microstructure in the mortar phase of a normal concrete is presented. The techniques used for inoculation and conservation of the samples, as well as for an analysis of the microstructure of the mortar are described.

Online publication: 2003-07-03
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2351580184.005