Microbial impact on building materials: an overview

Microbial activity can have an important impact on the durability of building materials. It is important to understand this activity in order to select appropriate treatment strategies for the repair and restoration of buildings and monuments. This paper describes the microorganisms which can modify the properties of building materials such as concrete, mortars, composites, timber, gypsum, etc., as well as the mechanisms responsible for deterioration of these materials. The information provided by the members of TC 183-MIB via a questionnaire is discussed. Techniques currently utilised and areas requiring further study are identified. In addition to the references, a list of publications for further reading completes this article.RésuméL'impact microbien sur les matériaux de construction a une grande influence sur leur durabilité. Il faut comprendre et identifier l'origine des mécanismes délétères, de façon à obtenir la méthode la plus adaptée à la réparation des structures, des monuments, etc. Cet article décrit les microorganismes qui peuvent modifier les propriètés des matériaux de constructions tels que le béton, le mortier, les matériaux composites, le bois, le plâtre etc., ainsi que les mécanismes de détérioration des matériaux. Les informations obtenues à l'aide d'un questionnaire rempli par les membres du TC 183-MIB, sont discutés. Les techniques utilisées et les sujets nécessitant une étude plus poussée sont identifiées. Outre les références, une liste de publications complémentaire sur ce sujet, complète cet article.

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