ABSTRACT
Many researchers name marine growth as “bio fouling” and claim it as a threat for structures in long term, while some researchers argue that marine growth can enhance the concrete durability. In the circumstances, this research explored more in marine growth. First, the effectiveness of concrete coating ability of sessile groups such as barnacles, bivalve clams, and oysters was investigated. Second, the crack closing ability of coating materials secreted by oysters, barnacles, and some species of mussels, was discussed. Finally, due to many constraints and limitations on the site, making an artificial marine growth was attempted for the usage in the future research. Chloride migration test, and macro image study on marine growth behaviors were chosen as the study methods. The results indicate that some sessile organisms including biofilms are able to improve concrete durability by sealing across cracks on the concrete surface and reducing chloride diffusion rates.
