Characterization of Hydrogen Sulfide lnduced Concrete Corrosion Using Established and New Methods

Municipal concrete sewer manhole samples exposed to various levels of hydrogen sulfide were collected and tested using traditional methods as well as elemental analysis. Results indicated that traditional methods were predictive of corrosion penetration. The primary corrosion product was gypsum, although additional non-gypsum corrosion products were observed. Samples were primarily collected from a collection system where a new Significant lndustrial User abruptly increased the hydrogen sulfide levels in the collection system and rapid corrosion of over 1.0 cm was observed within months. FRP inserts were utilized to successfully rehabilitate and protect the manholes.