Biofouling Impact on Multi-Species Transport in Marine Reinforced Concrete: Towards an Integrated Understanding of Durability and Environmental Impact – BIOTRANSCEM

The BIOTRANSCEM project aims to deepen the understanding of interactions between cementitious materials and the marine environment, with a focus on the role of biocolonization. Spanning 42 months, this multidisciplinary project seeks to improve the durability of reinforced concrete marine structures while reducing their environmental impact.
The main objectives include evaluating the influence of biocolonization on the transport mechanisms of chloride and oxygen ions, which are critical factors in concrete corrosion. The project also aims to identify and quantify toxic compounds released by biocolonized concrete and assess their ecotoxicity.
Another key research area is the development of a multi-species predictive model to simulate ion and molecular transfers in marine concrete, integrating the effects of biocolonization. Finally, the project will analyze the impact of cathodic protection on these processes to evaluate its effectiveness and environmental implications.
BIOTRANSCEM is based on the hypothesis that biocolonization significantly alters the physicochemical properties of cementitious materials, affecting their durability. By combining controlled marine environment experiments with advanced analyses, the project promises to deliver essential fundamental and applied knowledge for the sustainable design and management of maritime infrastructure.
In summary, BIOTRANSCEM aims to provide innovative solutions to address the durability challenges of marine concrete structures, contributing to a more ecological approach to coastal engineering.