Concrete

Antimicrobial additives are often used to counter the challenge of microbial growth and microbial induced corrosion in concrete.

Adequately protecting concrete from microbial induced corrosion (MIC), fungal contamination and algal growth is not as easy as it may seem.  With the right temperatures, humidity and food sources, microbes can quickly grow to challenge antimicrobial additives.

Unless specifically tested to organisms commonly associated with MIC in concrete, the underlying antimicrobial technology may not provide sufficient performance.

Additionally, given the complex internal chemistries of concrete, it can be difficult to determine if the antimicrobial performance is the result of the additive or of some inherent antimicrobial characteristic of the concrete itself.

It is difficult to determine antimicrobial performance, since concrete and pre-cast structures are designed for long term use; however, it is the conditions that concrete is often exposed to that can promote microbial growth.  It is the microbial activity that can then quickly shorten the structural life span of both treated and untreated materials.

To address this difficulty when testing concrete, especially for microbial induced corrosion (MIC), Situ Biosciences has developed a modified concrete test process based on the ISO 22196 antimicrobial standard.  This antimicrobial test method is useful for concrete mixes, precast structures, applications and formulation testing, and mortars.

For more information, contact the lab at 847­-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.