Design of Resilient Concrete Infrastructure for Corrosive Biogenic Environments

In the current codes of practice, a prescriptive approach is used for specifying concrete for different exposure environments. Whilst this restricts innovation and freedom at supply chain, it still does not address the premature deterioration of concrete infrastructure. Through previous RCUK funded projects, a performance-based methodology was outlined by the researchers for common exposure environments containing marine and de-icing salts.

The aim of this project is to assess the performance of concretes currently specified for biogenic environments through site/laboratory investigations and develop a performance testing methodology suitable for mimicking such environments. Biogenic environments refer to exposures that are rich in harmful elements due to the biological activities, such as those in sewer pipes, sewage treatment facilities, anaerobic digestor, etc.

EPSRC Related research areas: Bioenergy, Built Environment, Energy Networks, Resource Efficiency, Resilience, Whole Energy Systems