Title:
Benchtop Tests to Predict Service Life of Concrete Exposed to Microbially Induced Concrete Corrosion
Author(s):
Feyza Nur Sahan, Ali Riza Erbektas, W. Jason Weiss, and O. Burkan Isgor
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
3-18
Keywords:
biodeterioration; biogenic acidification; biogenic benchtop test; microbial attack; microbially induced corrosion of concrete (MICC); Pomeroy’s model; service life model; sewer
DOI:
10.14359/51749321
Date:
3/1/2026
Abstract:
Service life modeling of microbially induced concrete corrosion (MICC) is essential for assessing structural durability, optimizing maintenance, and minimizing risks in wastewater environments. ASTM C1904-20 is a recently developed biogenic benchtop method for assessing MICC that is safe, accelerated, and practical compared to conventional laboratory tests. The objective of this study is to use the benchtop test to predict the service life of concrete exposed to MICC in sewer pipes. This correlation is based on Pomeroy’s model, which relates the field H2S concentrations, wastewater flow conditions, pipe and flow geometry, and the properties of the concrete. A demonstration study is provided to show how the ASTM C1904 data could be used to predict the performance of different types of concrete and antimicrobial products in realistic exposure scenarios. The projected corrosion rates in field conditions reflected the delayed and reduced corrosion rates for mixtures with antimicrobial treatment.
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