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Concrete pathologies in sewer structures: microstructural analysis

Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation volume 4, Article number: 12 (2019) Cite this article

Abstract

Corrosion of concrete sanitary sewers has become a major problem around the world. Concrete durability in sewerage systems is mainly related to the presence of effluents containing sulfur-rich compounds that lead to an acid attack and expansion reactions. This paper presents a microstructural analysis of concretes (two case studies) taken from corroded sewer pipes. The objective of this investigation is to highlight and identify the pathologies of cementitious materials in sanitation networks. A scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X- ray analysis (SEM–EDS) was performed on fragments of concrete samples taken at different areas. In addition to these microstructural analysis, bulk density and water-accessible porosity tests are performed, the results obtained were compared with those of a reference concrete (new pipe). The results of the analysis showed a deterioration of the pipes in both faces (internal and external) with the presence of products prejudicial for their durability.

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Acknowledgements

This work was done at the Laboratory of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (Materials) of the National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) of Rennes (France). This work is part of a research project between INSA and the City of Rennes. The authors would like to warmly reiterate all the staff of the center with these different laboratories as well as the Faculty of Sciences of the Rennes University.

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  1. Unit of Research: Materials, Processes and Environment (UR-MPE), Frantz Fanon City, 35000, Boumerdès, Algeria
    • Mehena Oualit
    •  & M. Tahar Abadlia
  2. Laboratory of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (LGCGM), INSA of Rennes, 20 Avenue Buttes des Coesmes, 35700, Rennes, France
    • Raoul Jauberthie
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Correspondence to Mehena Oualit.

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Oualit, M., Jauberthie, R. & Abadlia, M.T. Concrete pathologies in sewer structures: microstructural analysis. J Build Rehabil 4, 12 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41024-019-0051-y

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Keywords

  • Concrete sewer
  • SEM–EDS analysis
  • Pathologies
  • Durability
  • Degradation