Application of the GUT technique in pathological manifestations in reinforced concrete structures and their corrections

Abstract

Reinforced concrete is a constructive system widely used around the world. However, this constructive technique has constant failures and pathological manifestations. These problems may occur due to possible design flaws, mistakes in structural design, failures in execution process, as well as the lack of maintenance. Many researchers reported the high incidence of steel corrosion in reinforced concrete structures as one of the main pathological manifestations in all over the world. There is a lack of decision-making as to which manifestations need to be repaired urgently and which ones can wait for future repairs without aggravating the damage to the structure. Given this scenario, this work aimed to carry out a visual inspection in a reinforced concrete building, identifying its pathological manifestations and classifying these with the decision-making tool GUT (Gravity, Urgency, and Tendency). During the inspection generalized corrosion was identified in the reinforced concrete structural parts: slab, beams, and columns. By applying the GUT tool, it was possible to identify the priority of repairs on slabs, beams, and columns. The pathological manifestations observed were possibly caused by the incorporation of aggressive agents at the time of building the residence.

Corrosion in structural elements of the satellite unit of a reference hospital in Ceará, Brazil

“…The absence of reinforcement covering is one of the main causes of corrosion in this context since the lack of this thickness of protection can favor the attack of chemical agents. Onofre et al (2021) explain that these agents can attack the concrete, reducing its pH and accelerating the steel oxidation. Eventually, this process will expand the section of the steel, leading to cracks and loss of section.…”