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Microorganisms and Aesthetic Biodeterioration of Concrete and Mortar



Title: Microorganisms and Aesthetic Biodeterioration of Concrete and Mortar
Author(s): S. M. de Moraes Pinheiro, M. Ribas Silva
Paper category : conference
Book title: Second International RILEM Workshop on Microbial Impact on Building Materials
Editor(s): M. Ribas Silva
Print-ISBN: None
e-ISBN: 2912143845
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 47 - 54
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 13
Language: English


Abstract: Microorganisms exist in all natural environments such as lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. They form complex microbiological communities, which interact in different ways with mineral materials and environment.
Usually, microorganisms use mineral materials as support and/or substrate, promoting the formation of microbiological layers called biofilms.
The surface of mineral building materials such as stones, concrete and mortars can be altered by the formation of biofilms. Undesirable changes in colour and the formation of biological patinas on the surface are examples of aesthetic biodeterioration, which causes the devaluation of the material.
This paper concerns the aesthetic biodeterioration of concrete and mortars and considers the main factors responsible for this process such as the bioreceptivity of the material and effect of the environmental conditions.
An example of aesthetic biodeterioration owing to the growth of the Cladosporium sphaerospermum fungus on different rough surfaces of the mortar phase of concrete is presented.


Online publication: 2004-06-25
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00


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