Analysis of structural integrity of a non-completed 28 year-old building in the city of Patos de Minas (MG)

Abstract

Factors such as durability and performance must be the guideline in the design of any building, since most of the pathological manifestations that affect the buildings are associated with construction stages, from project design to use of the structure, severely influencing the useful life of structure. This work aims to diagnose the pathological manifestations of the current reinforced concrete structures in the urban environment, through a case study. The inspections were carried out in an anonymous non-completed building in Patos de Minas (MG), with an estimated age of 28 years. It was carried out the diagnosis of the main pathological manifestations and prognosis of the analyzed system. It used to inspections in the field—visual and detailed—and laboratory tests, such as measurement of propagation velocity of ultrasonic waves, reinforcement locate (scan), rebound hammer test, compressive strength test, Brazilian disk test, capillary water absorption test and carbonation depth measurement test. The pathological manifestations found in the concrete structure analyzed were cracking, peeling, carbonation and reinforcement corrosion. The value of rebound and ultrasonic pulse velocity obtained were relatively high (around 58 rebound and velocity of 4000 m/s), due to advanced carbonation (average across 30 mm). Already water absorption by capillary found in the laboratory was high too (in the range from 6105.17 to 30181.64 g/m2). Due to the high degree of deterioration, corrective or recovery measures are not applicable.