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 con-ditions.The aim of the new test method is the development of an accelerated and reproducible procedure formonitoring the resistance of different types of concrete with regard to biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion. This exper-imentalprocedure reflects worst case conditions by providing besides H2S, also an enrichment of thiobacilli andbiologically produced sulfur. By simulating the cyclic processes occurring in sewer pipes, significant differencesbetween concrete mixtures could be detected after 51 days. Concrete modified by a styrene-acrylic ester polymerdemonstrated a higher resistance against biogenic sulfuric acid attack.