The need for renovation of sewer networks in major cities and the necessity to build new structures lead managers of sewer pipe and manufacturers to seek for solutions for sustainable sanitation. 9% of damages encountered in these structures can be attributed to the biodeterioration of cementitious materials. This study has two main objectives. The first one is to develop an accelerated reproducible laboratory test that gives results similar to those obtained on site. The second is to study the biodeterioration of cementitious materials in order to better understand mechanisms and more especially the difference in behavior between materials based on calcium aluminate cement (CAC) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Within this framework, different cement formulations were exposed in situ to identify the parameters influencing biodeterioration. Meanwhile, laboratory experiments were conducted to better understand each step of the mechanism of biodeterioration. Results of on site exposition show that materials based on CAC have a greater durability than other cement formulations. Laboratory studies assign these best performances to the aluminum content which inhibits the growth of microorganisms while protecting the matrix by precipitation of a hydrated alumina layer in the porosity and on the surface of these materials. This layer maintains the pH at 3.5-4. Surface chemistry was shown to play an important role in catalizing abiotic oxidation of H2S. The results of on-site exhibitions and various laboratory tests were used to develop an accelerated test giving promising results
