Micro-Analytical Characterisation of Concrete Deterioration due to Acid Attack in a Sewage Treatment Plant

Author(s): Ramaswamy K. P., Sivakumar R., Manu Santhanam and Ravindra Gettu
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of International Conferences (ICACMS) Advances in Construction Materials and systems Vol 2
Editor(s): Manu Santhanam, Ravindra Gettu, Radhakrishna G. Pillai, Sunitha K. Nayar
ISBN: 978-2-35158-194-0
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-191-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 672-681
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract: Concrete being alkaline is susceptible to attack by aggressive solutions. This is a huge problem especially in sewage treatment plants, where structures constructed with concrete come into contact with a variety of both organic (such as acetic acid) and inorganic (such as sulphuric acid) acids that are produced by bacteria. The present study attempts to investigate the nature of concrete degradation that has occurred in a sewage treatment plant, possibly due to acid attack. Concrete samples were collected from various deteriorated locations in the sewage treatment plant. The microstructural alteration was studied from the collected samples using characterisation techniques such as X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray micro-tomography. The test results depicted decalcification, indicating formation of gypsum, loss of portlandite, formation of silica gel, removal of the surface layers and extensive cracking. It is thus evident that the concrete structures in these locations have been subjected to attack by aggressive aqueous solutions.

Online publication : 2017
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00