Factors contributing to the occurrence of pillars corrosion: case study

Abstract

It is now well known that reinforced concrete is not an element with an eternal life, unlike what was believed a few years ago. Armor corrosion is a common pathological manifestation that can be caused by the carbonation of the concrete due to the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, by the presence of free chloride ions that reach the structure by the incorporation of additives, by means of contaminated water, by the presence of external agents, due to failures of execution of the elements, among others. In view of the above, the present research aims to report the possible causes of the corrosion of reinforcements in concrete pillars, directly exposed to the environmental aggressions, that make up the structure of the building that houses the Departments of Cartography (DC) and Planning, Urbanism and Environment (DPUA), being this building belonging to the Paulista State University, Presidente Prudente campus. In order to complete the desired objective, a non-destructive testing program (depth of carbonation, corrosion potential, silver nitrate solution sprinkling and sclerometry) will be carried out, as well as an evaluation of the environmental aggressiveness of the building, loss of section of the bars by corrosion and verification of the covering of affected abutments; in order to identify if the origin of the pathological problem is related to the design, materials, execution, use or aggressiveness of the environment. (AU)