Abstract
Concrete is a highly alkaline material; therefore, the presence of organic acids (acetic, butyric, lactic) from agricultural sewage constitutes a threat to the concrete and the environment. The investigations were aimed at simulating the influence of highly concentrated organic acids on concrete elements of livestock buildings. Cubic samples 100 × 100 × 100 mm of the ordinary concrete were immersed in 10% acetic acid for 270 days. Then, the compressive strength and mass decrement of the samples were determined as well as using SEM images and a 3D-profilograph to profile the surface roughness and depth of changes evoked in the structure of the samples by penetrating acid. The results were compared with those for a control sample (not subjected to the effects of aggressive agents) as well as for samples placed in a neutral and alkaline environment. The compressive strength of the samples stored in the acidic environment was 22.23% lower than that of the control sample, whereas the compressive strength of those samples stored in an alkaline environment were 44.27% higher. Conclusions from these investigations can be of innovative importance in the preparation of environmental impact reports, which are necessary for obtaining permission for the construction and use of livestock buildings, and afterward in the reduction of the impact of these buildings on the environment and surface and underground water resources.
Highlights
The deterioration of concrete elements, occurring especially in environments with reduced pH, concerns both urban and rural areas
Solutions of various acids with increased concentrations may occur mainly in industry, agriculture, or wastewater. It is proved in [1] that an acid attack occurring in concrete foul sewer pipes and other sewerage components causes their significant deterioration after less than a decade in service. The concrete elements, such as dairy floors, floors and floor coverings of piggeries, the foundation of cowsheds, silage stores, and structures for collecting manure, are exposed mainly to the carboxylic acids found in agricultural effluents
The corrosive action of various acids differs depending on their ability to dissociate, and the solubility of calcium salts formed after the acid reacts with the cement binder [7,9,10,11]
Summary
The deterioration of concrete elements, occurring especially in environments with reduced pH, concerns both urban and rural areas. Solutions of various acids with increased concentrations may occur mainly in industry, agriculture, or wastewater. It is proved in [1] that an acid attack occurring in concrete foul sewer pipes and other sewerage components causes their significant deterioration after less than a decade in service. The concrete elements, such as dairy floors, floors and floor coverings of piggeries, the foundation of cowsheds, silage stores, and structures for collecting manure, are exposed mainly to the carboxylic acids found in agricultural effluents.
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