Análise qualitativa da aplicabilidade de ensaios não destrutivos na perícia de reservatórios de concreto armado

Abstract

Elevated water tanks built in reinforced concrete are subject to various aging mechanisms and deterioration of their structures, generally exposed to the aggressiveness of the environment. This is aggravated using simplified inspection techniques that, in most cases, fail to accurately diagnose certain pathological manifestations. However, modern techniques supported by equipment such as pacometer, sclerometer, and ultrasound devices, can increase the accuracy of diagnoses in these structures. The present study carried out a comparative analysis between visual inspection and the results obtained by non-destructive testing (NDT), since the same structures were evaluated by both techniques. A case study was conducted in three cylindrical elevated water tanks in the city of Aracaju - SE and, from the data obtained from pacometry, sclerometry and ultrasonography, areas with unsatisfactory results for certain properties were identified, although visually appearing to be in conformity. It was found that around 52% of the sample points reproved by the tests had not been detected by visual inspection. Thus, the results showed the applicability of NDT in the evaluation of reinforced concrete structures and the support for decision-making process, promoting better maintenance programs and structural integrity management.