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Influence of the binder on the behaviour of mortars exposed to H2S in sewer networks: a long-term durability study

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Abstract

The present study deals with the exposure of four different mortar formulations in the headspace of two distinct sewer networks prone to biodeterioration phenomenon due to the presence of hydrogen sulphide. Cylindrical specimens composed of two cements, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and calcium aluminate cement (CAC), with or without a substitution of 75 % of cement by blast furnace slag (BFS) were prepared and exposed. During the exposure, the evolution of cement materials was monitored. After 4 years exposure, OPC materials without BFS are deeply deteriorated at high speed. Best performances have been observed with CAC mortars correlated to their higher content in aluminium ion (Al3+). The rank of durability observed on site is OPC < OPC+BFS < CAC+BFS < CAC. Molecular biology analysis revealed that microbial diversity is varying according to binder type as well as during the exposure duration.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully thank Nadia Dominique and Issam Nour for their involvement in the on-site experimental work. They also would like to acknowledge Kerneos for providing cementitious materials and financial support. Finally, they would like to thank Veolia Eau, SIBA, and SAGEBA-ELOA for allowing access to sewer networks and for monitoring environmental parameters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kerneos Research Center, 1 Rue Le Chatelier, ZAC Parc Technologique, 38090, Vaulx-milieu, France

    Jean Herisson

  2. Université Paris-Est, MAST, CPDM, IFSTTAR, 77447, Marne-la-Vallée, France

    Marielle Guéguen-Minerbe & Thierry Chaussadent

  3. Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire Géomatériaux et Environnement, EA 4508, UPEM, 77454, Marne-la-Vallée, France

    Eric D. van Hullebusch

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  1. Jean Herisson
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Correspondence to Jean Herisson.

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Herisson, J., Guéguen-Minerbe, M., van Hullebusch, E.D. et al. Influence of the binder on the behaviour of mortars exposed to H2S in sewer networks: a long-term durability study. Mater Struct 50, 8 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-016-0919-0

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