Résumé
Investigating the durability aspect associated to biofouling on cementitious systems in marineenvironments is crucial. The presence of micro- and macro-organisms in seawater createsfavourable conditions for the colonization of different cementitious systems, furthercomplicating their performance over time. Therefore, this study investigates the influence ofbiofouling on plain concrete and reinforced concrete (RC) using CEM I and CEM V cement typesin submerged and tidal exposure zones of a marine environment, Banyuls-sur-mer, France.Irrespective of the cement type, the microstructural analysis of submerged concrete revealed thedevelopment of biomineralized serpulid tubes on its surface. With respect to RC systems, bothwith and without galvanic anode cathodic protection (using aluminium anode) in the tidal zone,the half-cell potential (HCP), mixed potential, and protection current were continuouslymonitored upto 95 days. Furthermore, the effect of biofilm and water levels were assessed. Thecorrosion characteristics of embedded reinforcement in concrete were affected due to thephysical barrier effect of biofilm (developed on concrete surface). This effect was observed in theaverage protection current of cathodic protected RC systems before and after biofilm removal.Building upon these findings creates synergy in developing ecologically durable cementitioussystems that increase ecosystem functionality and strengthen infrastructure resilience.