MICROBIOLOGICALLY INDUCED CORROSION

A case is described which is believed to be the first published history of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC). It involves encased structural columns of a large building, and may have singificant ramifications for building safety codes and fire-proofing standards. Any steel structure in which substantial quantities of moisture are present are candidates for MIC. Corrosion commonly attributed to chloride attack from the marine environment or from deicing salt may actually be caused by or accelerated by MIC. The testing program which detected the problem in a medical research building is described, and the causes of the problem are discussed. The fireproofing material used in the building retained an unexpetedly high level of water for a very extended period of time providing a prerequisite for active bacteria. Bacterial species idenitified in the fireproofing included two groups known to cause metal corrosion. Remedial action which involved treatment with a biocide is described.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Scott, PJB
  • Davies, M
• Publication Date: 1992-5

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 58-59
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 62
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bacteria; Biodeterioration; Building codes; Corrosion; Corrosion protection; Microbiology; Testing
• Old TRIS Terms: Microbiologically induced corrosion
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Law; Maintenance and Preservation; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00621863
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: May 31 1992 12:00AM