BACTERIOGENICALLY INDUCED SULFURIC ACID ATTACK ON CONCRETE IN AN AUSTRIAN SEWER SYSTEM

Author(s): Grengg, C., Mittermayr, F., Baldermann, A., Böttcher, M. E., Leis, A., Koraimann, G. and Dietzel, M.
Paper category: Conference
Book title: XIII International Conference on Durability of Building Materials and Components - XIII DBMC
Editor(s): Marco Quattrone, Vanderley M. John
Print ISBN: none
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-149-0
Publication year: 2015
Pages: 897-903
Total Pages: 7
Language: English

Abstract: The deterioration of the investigated Austrian sewage system is attributed to several complex processes, which are referred to as bacteriogenically induced sulfuric acid attack. Anaerobic bacteria, present within the sewage system had consumed the organic matter, thereby reducing sulfate to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Subsequently, degassing of H2S followed by its oxidation by aerobic bacteria Acidithiobacilli within the concrete ultimately led to the formation of sulfuric acid. This sulfuric acid reacted with the cement paste to form gypsum and bassanite. These minerals finally caused the severe damage of the concrete in the manholes.

Various crucial parameters for detecting alteration features were determined in the field and laboratory, including (i) measurements of temperature, pH, alkalinity, chemical compositions of the solutions, (ii) the characterization of the chemical and mineralogical composition of solids, and (iii), the determination of gaseous H2S, CH4 and CO2 concentrations within the sewer pipe atmosphere. Stable isotope data were used to decipher individual reaction mechanisms.

Online publication: 2015
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00