Investigation and diagnosis of a reinforced concrete reservoir with intense crack formation from several sources

Abstract

This article presents an investigation of the pathological condition of a wastewater reservoir, characterized by leaks, severe cracking—typically due to expansive reactions of the concrete—and deterioration of the protection system. The investigation was based on a visual inspection, anamnesis, national and international literature review, project analysis and implementation of tests to determine the corrosion potential, chloride content, resistance to axial compression and modulus of elasticity of the concrete, as well as the occurrence of expansive reactions by petrographic analysis and scanning electron microscopy, etc. The contribution of various phenomena towards the development of the reported condition were detected, the main ones being the thermal shrinkage of the concrete, the limit of opening of cracks adopted in the project and the premature use of the structure. Based on the diagnosis developed, we studied the prognosis of the structure and prepared recommendations for recovery, mitigation and protection of the elements that make up the reservoir. The study brings the results of a complex and interdisciplinary process required for the proper diagnosis of the causes of degradation of a structure, on which the success of the recovery measures depends.