Awareness of the importance of ensuring durability of concrete has been a growing concern of engineers, and there is now considerable understanding of the mechanisms, which cause its deterioration, and means of limiting such damage through the use of appropriate materials and approaches to design. Many of the deterioration mechanisms, which affect concrete, are the result of interaction with the non-living environment – chlorides in seawater, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, cyclic freezing and thawing. However, living organisms can also cause damage – through both chemical and physical processes - which under the right conditions, can be severe. This book looks at all forms of concrete biodeterioration together for the first time. It examines, from a fundamental starting point, biodeterioration mechanisms, as well as the conditions which allow living organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants and a range of marine organisms) to colonise concrete. A detailed evaluation of chemical compounds produced by living organisms with respect to their interaction with the mineral constituents of concrete, and the implications it has for the integrity of structures, is also included. Approaches to avoiding biodeterioration of concrete are also covered, including selection of materials, mix proportioning, design, and use of protective systems.

Biodegradation and Biodeterioration at the Nanoscale describes the biodegradation and biodeterioration of materials in the presence of nanomaterials. The book's chapters focus on the basic principles, action mechanisms and promising applications of advanced nanomaterials, along with their integration with biotechnological processes for controlled degradation and deterioration of materials. In addition, the current research indications, positive or negative environmental impacts, legislation and future directions are also discussed. This book is an important reference source for researchers, engineers and scientists working in environmental remediation, biotechnology, materials science, corrosion and nanotechnology. - Provides detailed coverage on how nano-biomaterials degrade and deteriorate - Compares how different types of bionanomaterials decompose - Explains how the priorities of bionanomaterials affect their deterioration rate

Biocorrosion refers to corrosion influenced by bacteria adhering to surfaces in biofilms. Biocorrosion is a major problem in areas such as cooling systems and marine structures where biofilms can develop. This book summarises key recent research in this subject. Part one looks at theories of biocorrosion and measurement techniques. Part two discusses how bacteria and biofilms result in biocorrosion. The final part of the book includes case studies of biocorrosion in areas as diverse as buildings, fuels, marine environments and cooling systems. - Provides a detailed overview of biocorrosion and the different scientific and/or industrial problems related to microbially induced corrosion - Introduces a variety of investigative techniques and methodologies that are employed in diagnosing and evaluating microbially induced corrosion - Includes case studies on: biodeterioration of building materials; biocorrosion issues associated with diesel and biofuels; marine biocorrosion; corrosion of open recirculating cooling water systems and cooling system components; the effect of H2S on steel corrosion

This book presents the first comprehensive text on construction biomaterials and bioprocesses. It details aspects of construction biotechnology, a new interdisciplinary area involving applications of environmental and industrial microbiology and biotechnology in geotechnical and civil engineering. It also critically reviews all existing and potential construction biotechnology processes. It discusses a number of topics including the biotechnological production of new construction materials such as self-healing concrete, construction biocomposites, construction bioplastics, and biotechnological admixtures to cement. It also addresses construction-related processes like biocementation, bioclogging, soil surface fixation and biosealing, microbial cements and grouts, the biocoating of construction material surfaces, the microbiology and biosafety of the construction environment, the prevention of biocorrosion as well as biodeterioration and biofouling in civil engineering. Biomediated precipitation of calcium, magnesium, and iron compounds as carbonates, phosphates, sulphides, and silicate minerals in soil for its clogging and strengthening are considered from geotechnical, chemical, and microbiological points of view. It offers an overview of the basic microbiology that will enable civil engineers to perform the construction biogeochemical processes. Design principles and considerations for different field implementations are discussed from a practical point of view. The book can be used as a textbook for graduate and senior undergraduate students in biotechnology, civil engineering and environmental engineering as well as a reference book for researchers and practitioners working in this new interdisciplinary area.

This open access book offers a comprehensive overview of the role and potential of microorganisms in the degradation and preservation of cultural materials (e.g. stone, metals, graphic documents, textiles, paintings, glass, etc.). Microorganisms are a major cause of deterioration in cultural artefacts, both in the case of outdoor monuments and archaeological finds. This book covers the microorganisms involved in biodeterioration and control methods used to reduce their impact on cultural artefacts. Additionally, the reader will learn more about how microorganisms can be used for the preservation and protection of cultural artefacts through bio-based and eco-friendly materials. New avenues for developing methods and materials for the conservation of cultural artefacts are discussed, together with concrete advances in terms of sustainability, effectiveness and toxicity, making the book essential reading for anyone interested in microbiology and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Sample Text

This book describes the newest developments in the creation of concrete using smart additives and supplementary cementitious materials as well as methods, technology and novel admixtures to monitor, evaluate and control steel corrosion in reinforced concrete. Industry experts and research specialists explain the structural, physical, and chemical properties of various types of concrete and its applications. They detail the characteristics preferred for manufacturing specific types of concrete. The book chapters also focus on the electrochemical state of the steel reinforcement in view of steel corrosion and corrosion control.

Integral Waterproofing of Concrete Structures demonstrates how integral waterproofing technologies can solve concrete durability problems based on performance and characterization experimental results. This book first establishes a background about concrete structures and porosity linked with concrete hydration, then goes on to consider concrete durability problems from the perspective of water penetration including damages from freeze-thaw cycles, alkali silica reactions, and chloride ion penetration. The mechanisms, applications, performances, and limitations of waterproofing technologies including coatings and integral systems are compared. The book also showcases all application methods of crystallization waterproofing materials, including material spray on cured concrete and on fresh concrete, and their addition to concrete mix designs as enhancers or admixtures. Pore-blocking and lining waterproofing systems including silicate-based and hygroscopic kinds, and other waterproofing materials are also discussed. - Includes various, advanced, recent technologies in the field of waterproofing - Presents and describes enhanced concrete characteristics and modified structures within the context of material engineering - Summarizes the characteristics of waterproofing systems obtained from experimental results

Reinforced concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world, and extended performance is rightly expected. Many structures are in aggressive environments, of critical importance and may be irreplaceable, so repair and protection are vital. This book surveys deterioration of concrete, particularly corrosion of the steel reinforcement, and the various chemical, biological, physical and mechanical causes of deterioration. It outlines condition survey and diagnosis techniques by on-site and laboratory measurements. It sets out mechanical methods of protection and repair, such as patching, inhibitors, coatings, penetrants and structural strengthening as well as cathodic protection and other electrochemical methods. This book also gives guidance on preventative measures including concrete technology and construction considerations, coatings and penetrants, alternate reinforcement, permanent corrosion monitoring and durability planning aspects. Asset managers, port engineers, bridge maintenance managers, building managers, heritage structure engineers, plant engineers, consulting engineers, architects, specialist contractors and construction material suppliers who have the task of resolving problems of corrosion of steel reinforced concrete elements will find this book an extremely useful resource. It will also be a valuable reference for students at postgraduate level. Authors The late Professor Brian Cherry of Monash University, Melbourne, Australia was one of the world’s leading corrosion science and engineering educators and researchers. Warren Green of Vinsi Partners, Sydney, Australia is a corrosion engineer and materials scientist. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor.

Because of the magnificent response to the call for papers for the 7th International Biodeterioration Symposium held at Cambridge, UK, some difficulties have been experienced in the editing of these proceedings. The numbers of papers submitted exceeded expectation and because of this it has been necessary to accommodate those not actually in the proceedings into the International Biodeterioration journal. A small number of papers were not suitable for publication and were therefore eliminated. Many authors disregarded the guidelines laid down for the length of submitted papers. However, every attempt has been made to accommodate the maximum number of contributions in the proceedings. The original selection included those which most nearly conformed to the length requirement. Even so this has meant, in many cases, cutting down the text, eliminating tables and/or illustrations and pruning the reference list. When references have been trimmed a note has been included to the effect that an extended list may be obtained from the author/senior author. Where it was not possible to carry out these procedures without seriously altering the text and the import of the paper they have been included amongst those to be published in the journal International Biodeterioration. The exceptions to the procedures outlined above are the invited review papers which have been presented in full. Happily, the authors have been conscientious in keeping to the guidelines laid down for these contributions.