International Concrete Abstracts Portal

When anaerobic conditions occur in a sewer pipe in the presence of sulfate, sulfur-reducing bacteria will produce hydrogen sulfide. As hydrogen sulfide is released, various populations of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (thiobacilli), will proliferate. The proliferation of these organisms results in a decrease in pH due to the production of sulfuric acid. Different thiobacilli will be present depending on the pH of the environment. Samples from regions of deteriorated and nondeteriorated concrete pipe were taken to determine the presence of microorganisms that could cause microbially induced concrete deterioration. The results presented show that the degree of concrete deterioration can be correlated with the number and type of thiobacilli present. Extensive deterioration was observed at the crown of reinforced and asbestos concrete pipe, where the most acidophilic group of thiobacilli were present in elevated numbers. Areas of lesser deterioration were somewhat acidic, with a combination of different sulfur-oxidizing thiobacilli present. Areas that did not appear to be deteriorated were populated with the least acidophilic group of sulfur-oxidizing thiobacilli. The presence of microbially induced deterioration of concrete and the stage of deterioration can be determined by utilizing selective media to culture the various groups of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria associated with concrete decay.

Two concrete natural draft cooling towers exhibited honeycombing and freeze-thaw damage. This paper presents results of inspections and laboratory and field tests used to develop cooling tower rehabilitation repair strategies. Different repair materials were evaluated and tested in the laboratory. The repair strategy selected involved measures to dry out the marginally air-entrained saturated tower shell concrete to minimize future freeze-thaw damage and then replace concrete exhibiting honeycombing and condensate leakage with dry-mix shotcrete (gunite). The interior concrete shell was then coated with an impermeable membrane. Six materials for coating the interior shell concrete and two types of shotcrete processes were evaluated.

"A collection of 24 papers form an international panel of experts on topics ranging from fundamental laboratory studies of concrete durability to case histories of concrete rehabilitation. The volume is arranged in three parts. Part 1: covers the more fundamental aspects and laboratory investigations. Topics include freeze-thaw resistance, durability of high strength concrete, corrosion of reinforcing steel, air voids in concrete, and effects of high range water-reducers. Part 2: covers field studies where concrete is exposed to natural conditions. Topics include carbonation of concrete, deicer scaling resistance of roller compacted concrete pavements, performance in marine environments, and microbiologically-induced deterioration. Part 3: covers case histories of the performance and rehabilitation of concrete structures in severe service environments. The types of structures include cooling tower shells, precast prestressed concrete conveyor bridge, heavy duty dock, elevated road way, and a masonry structure under corrosive exposure." Note: The individual papers are also available as .pdf downloads.. Please click on the following link to view the papers available, or call 248.848.3800 to order. SP122

The No. 1 ore dock at Great Lakes Steel Division's Zug Island facility was originally constructed in 1909. Damage caused by freeze-thaw cycling, abrasion wear, severe impact loadings, and reinforcing steel corrosion resulted in a need for repair and rehabilitation. Multiple Dynamics Corporation conducted extensive condition surveys and testing to develop repair strategies for this structure. The remaining service life was then predicted to assist in economic planning. This case history provides an excellent example of concrete performance in an aggressive environment.

During the 12 years since construction of the bridge, cracking and spalling have developed in the concrete superstructure, predominantly on the underside of the bridge deck in the area of expansion and construction joints. The evidence indicates the deterioration was initiated by leakage of expansion and construction joints, and that poor performance should be attributed to design and construction practices whose effectiveness falls short of the environmental demands. Moisture, deicing salts, and debris that spill through the joints had deteriorated concrete at an accelerated rate and penetrated to the reinforcing steel. The concrete breakdown caused by corrosion of reinforcing steel, as well as from freezing and thawing action, and the expansion resulting from alkali-aggregate reaction damaged the bearing areas of cantilever spans and adjacent parts of suspended slabs, and was a cause for concern for the bridge's structural integrity. The paper addresses the main factors involved in the initiation phase of the corrosion mechanism: carbonation, chloride diffusion, and water penetration into concrete. The selected materials and methods are discussed, as well as importance of compatibility of materials for durable repairs. The paper outlines a need to integrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanism of deterioration with concrete design, materials, and methods of repairs.