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Sometimes the side of concrete bridges is observed to turn black in color. What is the reason for this phenomenon?

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Question added by sher Nadeem , Laboratory Technician , Alsahraa general transport and clearance
Date Posted: 2014/09/22
Ramendra Sunder Sinha PMP
by Ramendra Sunder Sinha PMP , DGM Planning , Gaur Sons Limited

Black Carbon from smoke coming out of vehicles, tyres and bitumen top get washed away by rains and stain the sides of the concrete bridge.

Vinod Jetley
by Vinod Jetley , Assistant General Manager , State Bank of India

In some cases, it may be due to the accumulation of dust and dirt. However, for the majority of such phenomenon, it is due to fungus or algae growth on concrete bridges. After rainfall, the bridge surface absorbs water and retains it for a certain period of time. Hence, this provides a good habitat for fungus or algae to grow. Moreover, atmospheric pollution and proximity of plants provide nutrients for their growth. Improvement in drainage details and application of painting and coating to bridges help to solve this problem.

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