Title: How Quality CPF Cast Concrete Performs in the Acidic Environment of a Wastewater Treatment Works

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/28/2011

Abstract:
In an effort to improve the durability of concrete in the harsh environment found in wastewater treatment plants the quality of concrete used in this type of construction has been continually refined. Strengths have been increased and w/c ratios decreased. How has this affected the longer term performance of this type of asset? The investigation was performed by FEhS and the work involved both a subjective and qualitative analysis of the concrete surfaces of two treatment plants in Offenberg and Bonn in Germany. The structures examined have been in constant use for approximately 10 years and were continually subjected to acidic water. Site cores were obtained from both sites for subsequent testing in the laboratory. This paper reviews the construction details and then describes the testing regime and the analysis of the data obtained. Conclusions are then drawn about the performance of high quality concrete in this application, how using a permeable CPF liner is an important key to long life and durability and the implications for the construction of these types of structures in the future. This paper is based on information contained in a report by FEhS, an institution that has worked for more than 50 years in research and testing of concrete with special emphasis on waste water treatment plants.