Durability of the concrete due to acid attack in waste-water treatment plants. Practical cases of diagnosis

Abstract

This paper presents the conclusions of experimental studies carried out for the diagnosis of the damages detected in concrete elements of various wastewater treatment plants. The results show that generally the
severe surface deterioration observed in the concrete upper of the water level is due to the degradation
produced by an acid attack generated by the bacterial digestion processes of the biological treatment of
wastewater. The suitable tests for diagnosis and the validity of regulatory requirements for the design of
durability against acid attack, are also evaluated.