História e aspectos construtivos da nova obra de recuperação da Ponte dos Ingleses em Fortaleza/CE

Abstract

A priori, it was seen that the diversity of pathological manifestations constitutes one of the most recurrent problems in constructions. This occurs due to several factors, highlighting the action of the external environment and the absence of preventive maintenance. When these manifestations are verified, corrective actions must be taken as soon as possible. Thus, it was taken as an object of study the work being carried out on Ponte dos Ingleses, located at Praia de Iracema, in Fortaleza/CE. With this work, the objective is to provide historical data of this bridge and to make a study of the technical specifications of the recovery work of its reinforced concrete structure, showing which materials were used and the repair and reinforcement techniques applied. Through research in Ceará literature and interviews, it was seen that the Ponte dos Ingleses, listed in 1989 and, today, with 100 years of existence, constitutes a cultural symbol for the Municipality and the State. In 1994, it received its first restoration and renovation work, acquiring the architectural aspect that consolidated its attractive image. After 24 years, there was a need for a new work to recover and reinforce its structures, whose technical data were provided by the company carrying out the work. Combining the concepts obtained bibliographically, it was possible to understand the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures due to the influence of the marine environment, which are the main existing degradations, as well as which diagnostic tests and repair and reinforcement techniques can be applied. Thus, it was seen that corrosion of the reinforcement, cracking, oxidation, stains, leaching, disintegration and wear of the concrete were the main pathological manifestations seen in Ponte dos Ingleses. The bibliographic data obtained include reports of the static load testing and extraction of cores to verify the compressive strength of the concrete, as well as chemical tests, with carbonation data, electrical-volumetric resistivity and determination of sulfate and chloride contents. Based on this diagnosis, the recovery company used shotcrete and self-consolidating concrete with additives in the recovery of the structural elements and in the increases in the sections of the beams, respectively. It was also verified the application of corrosion inhibitor in all the reinforcing steel, and for those with considerable loss of section, the replacement was integral. In general, it is observed that the use of resistant materials and repair and strengthening techniques will provide a longer useful life for the reinforced concrete structures of Ponte dos Ingleses, in addition to allowing comfort and safety for its users.