Combined protective action of barnacles and biofilm on concrete surface in intertidal areas

This study investigated the effect of biofilm and barnacles on the surface of concrete. The specimens were set in an intertidal environment and divided into two study groups: one whose bacterial film was removed, and the other whose bacterial film was left intact. The chloride migration test and EPMA (SEM-WDX) were used as the study methods. The findings suggest that barnacles pose no threat to concrete. On the contrary, barnacles and biofilm were found to improve concrete durability by attaching to the surface of the concrete and sealing underlying microcracks. Further, chloride diffusion rates were lowered due to crack-closing.