During the last decades, studies regarding reinforced concrete (RC) deterioration have focused mainly on problems such as chloride ingress, corrosion and fatigue; however, recently, other deterioration mechanisms such as concrete biodeterioration have called the attention of researchers. Biodeterioration has shown…
During the last decades, studies regarding reinforced concrete (RC) deterioration have focused mainly on problems such as chloride ingress, corrosion and fatigue; however, recently, other deterioration mechanisms such as concrete biodeterioration have called the attention of researchers. Biodeterioration has shown to be critical in structures located in aggressive environments, which may include polluted air, sewage waters, deep waters, water runoff, landfill leachate, acid mine drainage, and offshore placement. Also it has been observed that concrete inner conditions such as the use of recycled concrete or demolition waste like slag, and the use of pyritic aggregates favor microbial attack threatening both durability and concrete quality. This paper presents an overview of microbial attack and biodeterioration of RC structures; it focuses mainly on biologically mediated transformations. In addition, the paper presents current research initiatives and future challenges in the field of concrete biodeterioration.