Antifouling marine concrete

Various toxic agents were investigated for their ability to prevent the attachment and growth of marine fouling organisms on concrete. Three methods of incorporating antifoulants into concrete were also studied. Porous aggregate was impregnated with creosote and bis-(tri-n-butyltin) oxide (TBTO) and then used in making the concrete. Cuprous oxide, triphenyltin hydroxide (TPTH), and 2-2-bis-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (methoxychlor) were used as dry additives. Two proprietary formulations were applied as coatings on untreated concrete. Test specimens were exposed at Port Hueneme, Calif. and Key Biscayne, Fla. Efficacy of toxicants was determined by periodically weighing the specimens and the fouling organisms that became attached. Concrete prepared with an aggregate impregnated with a TBTO/creosote mixture demonstrated the best antifouling performance of those specimens exposed for more than 1 year. The two proprietary coatings and the concrete containing methoxychlor, TPTH, and cuprous oxide as dry additives have exhibited good antifouling properties but have been exposed for a shorter time. Also, the strength of concrete prepared using the toxicants was acceptable and the corrosion rate of reinforcing rods did not increase. The concentration of organotin compounds was essentially unchanged in a concrete specimen exposed 6-1/2 years in seawater.