A Review of Biodeterioration of Concrete Structures

Hundreds of bridge structures in the United States are believed to have been damaged to varying degrees by microbiologically induced degradation of concrete. There is no clear understanding of the extent and severity of the damage, the operative mechanism, and effective mitigation/remedial techniques for the microbial attack to concrete structures. This paper provides a review of test procedure for identification of microbial attack to concrete; identification of the factors causing initiation of microbial attack; operative mechanism of microbial attack; and identification of practical preventive measures that can be taken to avoid or minimize damage to concrete structures. Once the mechanism of microbial attack is understood, it is expected the design and materials selection of concrete structures could be specified to eliminate microbial attack in any given environment. Keywords: Microbial degradation, concrete degradation, biogenic sulfuric acid