Assessment of bio-colonisation, durability and microstructure of concrete exposed to intertidal and subtidal marine environments
This study aims to investigate the impact of intertidal and subtidal marine environments on the bio-colonisation, durability, and microstructural evolution of concrete designed for marine infrastructure, such as dyke modules. Concrete samples were deployed in the Port of Cherbourg, France, for a 12-...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-12-01
|
| Series: | Case Studies in Construction Materials |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525009179 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | This study aims to investigate the impact of intertidal and subtidal marine environments on the bio-colonisation, durability, and microstructural evolution of concrete designed for marine infrastructure, such as dyke modules. Concrete samples were deployed in the Port of Cherbourg, France, for a 12-month of exposure time, a critical period during which the material is subjected to various physical, chemical, and biological stresses. Biological assessments revealed a greater biomass accumulation in the intertidal zone, dominated by green algae, while barnacles were more prevalent in the subtidal environment. Intertidal exposure led to surface roughening and partial binder loss due to physical deterioration, whereas subtidal samples retained smoother surfaces. Despite the more aggressive conditions, the intertidal zone showed a slight increase in compressive strength, likely due to matrix densification from carbonation. Subtidal samples showed stable mechanical performance, limited carbonation, and early signs of magnesium-induced decalcification without significant strength loss. The results suggest that biological colonisation and environmental exposure jointly influence early-stage concrete performance in marine settings. These findings support the potential of bio-receptive concrete for use in eco-designed marine structures, though further long-term evaluation is recommended. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2214-5095 |