A collaborative investigation of microbial corrosion of concrete sewer pipe in Australia

Microbial corrosion of reinforced concrete sewer pipes is a global problem costing billions of dollars annually. In Australia a collaborative research project involving numerous industry and university bodies is underway to better understand the key in-sewer processes that drive the corrosion process. Results from an extensive program of field and laboratory work are reported which confirms that the corrosion process involves three stages. The timing and corrosion characteristics of each stage, as indicated by the early observations, are discussed.