A new test procedure for biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion of concrete

A new test method is described for biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion of concrete, more specifically in sewer conditions. The aim of the new test method is the development of an accelerated and reproducible procedure for monitoring the resistance of different types of concrete with regard to biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion. This experimental procedure reflects worst case conditions by providing besides H2S, also an enrichment of thiobacilli and biologically produced sulfur. By simulating the cyclic processes occurring in sewer pipes, significant differences between concrete mixtures could be detected after 51 days. Concrete modified by a styrene-acrylic ester polymer demonstrated a higher resistance against biogenic sulfuric acid attack

Influence of polymer addition on biogenic sulfuric acid attack of concrete

A simple and reproducible microbiological simulation procedure in combination with a chemical procedure was used to test concrete for its potential resistance towards biogenic sulfuric acid. Concerning fundamental aspects of the corrosion reaction, it was shown that particularly the penetration of H2S inside the concrete crevices accelerated the corrosion process. The influence of different polymer types and silica fume additions on the resistance of the concrete samples was determined. The addition of the styrene acrylic ester polymer resulted in an increased resistance while the addition of the acrylic polymer or silica fume caused less resistant concrete. For the vinylcopolymer and the styrene butadiene polymer, no significant effect was observed on the resistance of the concrete samples. The results of the two different test methods confirmed the difference between corrosion due to purely chemical sulfuric acid and corrosion due to microbiologically produced sulfuric acid