The bright side of microorganisms interacting with building materials

Author(s): S. Manso
Paper category: Conference
Book Title: International RILEM Conference on Microorganisms-Cementitious Materials Interactions
Editors: Virginie Wiktor, Henk Jonkers, Alexandra Bertron
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-160-5
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 94-102
Total Pages: 9
Language: English

Abstract: Interactions between microorganisms and materials have been studied for a long time although the particular interaction with building materials is more recent. Research in terms of biodeterioration has been one of the main topics even though their interaction should not be considered always as deleterious. It is complex to study and separate both, detrimental and beneficial processes, outside the laboratory since those processes will vary with the material and the environment. Nevertheless, the understanding related to the bioreceptivity of construction materials and its environment is useful for both approaches.

Biocolonisation of construction materials cause changes in materials’ properties. The potential benefits may be related to the enhancement of the durability and also to environmental benefits or the combination of both of them.

The aim of this paper is to present a review of the positive interactions between microorganisms and building materials, which can occur in the material as well as on it. Three main topics are included into the positive effects of those interactions: natural bioprotection, biodeposition by microorganisms to repair or improve the properties of the materials and the stimulation of natural colonisation on those materials as a different typology of green wall to contribute to local environmental improvements.

Online publication: 2016
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00