Corrosion of concrete pipes in a sewer environment – two case studies

Abstract

The deterioration and cost-effective maintenance of infrastructure has for many years been an area of social and financial importance. The deterioration of the wastewater infrastructure is particularly important because of its key role in the maintenance of public health for urban conglomerations. This paper describes two case studies that are taken from an ongoing study of the sewerage network in the Municipality of Rennes, France. Both studies concern spun concrete pipes laid approximately 55 years ago. The first case is that of a sewer in good order because of its location within the network and its design. The second case describes a sewer that has been oversized and the conditions within the reach of the sewer have led to sulphide attack. It is concluded that two important considerations that must be taken into account is the design detailing and appropriate selection of materials.

Acid Radical Tolerance of Silane Coatings on Calcium Silicate Hydrate Surfaces in Aggressive Environments: The Role of Nitrate/Sulfate Ratio

“…5−7 According to a survey by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the maintenance of sewage pipes alone costs $4.5 billion per year in the US. 8,9 The failure to perform regular preventive maintenance on concrete can shorten the life span of microbial enrichment facilities from the planned 100 years to 30−50 years, and in certain extreme circumstances, to fewer than 10−20 years. 10−12 Concrete infrastructures are designed to have long service lives, but they are vulnerable to microbial attacks.…”

“…As microorganisms multiply, they produce large amounts of strong acids such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and other free radical groups, leading to the accumulation of corrosive ions including sulfates, nitrates, and other harmful substances. This poses a significant potential threat to infrastructure. , Concrete structures are widely used in modern building facilities, and the products secreted by microorganisms can lower the pH of concrete, leading to eventual deterioration and damage. − According to a survey by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the maintenance of sewage pipes alone costs $4.5 billion per year in the US. , The failure to perform regular preventive maintenance on concrete can shorten the life span of microbial enrichment facilities from the planned 100 years to 30–50 years, and in certain extreme circumstances, to fewer than 10–20 years. − …”