Influence of marine environment biodegradation on concrete durability

Author(s): A. Fabien, N. Sebaibi and M. Boutouil
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the Final Conference of RILEM 253-MCI Microorganisms-Cementitious Materials Interactions Volume I
Editor(s): Alexandra Bertron and Henk Jonkers
ISBN: 978-2-35158-207-7 (Set)
ISBN: 978-2-35158-209-1 (Volume1)
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-206-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2018
Pages: 223-230
Total Pages: 288
Language : English

Abstract: Nowadays, maritime structures lifetime must be guaranteed over periods of several decades. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the problem of concrete deterioration over time as a result of microbial attack and degradation of most used material in worldwide construction. Various sources of degradation may damage those structures. Currently, the effects of chemical degradation are well known, unlike the effects of biological deterioration [1]. The contribution of this paper is to explore, under condition, the evolution of the biodegradation generated by the presence of marine organisms (microalgae).
In order to experimentally study the algae degradation in concrete samples, an experimental device has been developed, allowing us to quantify the marine colonization and degradation induced by microalgae under controlled conditions. One concrete formulation was studied, which was exposed to three different aqueous environments (i.e. deionized water, sea water, sea water + microalgae). Within this context, the main objectives of this study are:
 To assess degradation effects on physical and mechanical behaviour under a controlled environment.
 To analyse the relationships between these two properties and the environmental conditions
Firstly, algal development was monitored through quantification method (spectroscopy) and health status evaluation (AquaPen). Secondly, the porosity and the water permeability, variations produced by algae deterioration in mortar samples were measured.
Corrosion risk was chosen as degradation/durability indicator and was evaluated through chloride diffusion parameter. Two methods were used to measure this parameter: colorimetry method and chloride profiles.
The results of this study allowed us to analyze the development of microalgae, as well as the increase of degradation depending on the construction process (surface roughness).

Online publication : 2018
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00