Biological Corrosion of Concrete

The article considers the results of studies to determine the causes, mechanisms and features of biological corrosion of cement concrete. It has been found that the intensive growth of microorganisms on the surface and in the pores of concrete leads to the formation of corrosive biogenic substances and, as a result, the reduction of alkalinity of cement stone with its subsequent decomposition. The influence of certain types of biogenic substances on the components of cement concrete (biogenic organic acids, biogenic carbon dioxide, biogenic nitric acid, biogenic hydrogen sulphide and sulfuric acid) is considered. Methods for increasing the biological resistance of concrete are described, such as: adding additives that can form buffer systems capable of reducing the impact on cement concretes of acids produced by microorganisms; treating the surface of composites with substances capable of repelling microorganisms and environments necessary for their vital activity; use of active media capable of forming dense and inert layers on the surface of the material. Despite the available methods of increasing the biological resistance of cement concrete, it is not possible to fully guarantee their safety from biocorrosion, at least because microorganisms can adapt to the environment and suspend the effect of protection. In this regard, the work attempts to assess and predict the biological resistance of the material.

V.T. EROFEEV, Doctor of Sciences (Engineering) (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.),
Al-DULAIMI SALMAN DAVUD SALMAN, Candidate of Sciences (Engineering) (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.),
A.P. FEDORTSOV, Candidate of Sciences (Engineering) (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.),
A.D. BOGATOV, Candidate of Sciences (Engineering) (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.),
V.A. FEDORTSOV, Engineer

National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University (68, Bolshevik Street, Saransk, 430005, Russian Federation)

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