External corrosion to concrete sewers: a case study

The aim of this study was to investigate the deterioration of concrete sewers and identify responsible factors; this investigation was a part of an ongoing asset evaluation for Rennes (France). The sewer studied was a 300 mm spun concrete pipe laid in 1992. Core samples (D 28 mm, L 40 mm) were taken from different areas of a pipe (invert, crown and side wall) and analysed to quantify the condition of the concrete and the extent of damage to the internal and external surface of the pipe. Physical and mechanical properties of the material were characterised. The depassivation of the concrete was measured by testing with a phenolphthalein solution. The study showed that in this particular case the external corrosion was extensive with minimal internal corrosion. It is proposed that the corrosion was possibly linked to the use of a contaminated backfill or organic acids in the ground water. Recommendations are proposed concerning the direction of future research.