Manifestações patológicas em estruturas de concreto: causas, soluções e aplicações

Abstract

Pathological manifestations account for a significant portion of public budgets and frequently cause social upheaval due to the tragedies resulting from their deterioration. These manifestations arise from the progressive degradation of concrete structures, exacerbated by external and internal agents. They constituted the focus of this study, which conducted a bibliographic review of

normative references (both national and international) and technical literature on the subject. The main pathological manifestations in concrete structures were addressed, including reinforcement corrosion, chloride attack, carbonation, alkali-aggregate reaction, and sulfate attack. Transport mechanisms that facilitate the ingress of aggressive agents—such as permeability, diffusion, and capillary absorption — were also discussed, along with the involved reactions and prevention and mitigation strategies. Beyond the technical perspective, economic aspects, such as the increasing cost of remediation over time (Sitter's Law), and environmental considerations were addressed. Finally, to apply the concepts to a concrete case, a case study was conducted on the structural rehabilitation and strengthening of Ponte dos Ingleses (Englishmen's Bridge), a structure of significant historical and touristic importance located in Fortaleza, Ceará. The study presents a historical approach to the structure's conception and maintenance, the laboratory and in-situ tests performed, the recommendations made by the design engineer, and concludes with the execution of services, demonstrating the stages and justifications for the procedures and methods employed.