Abstract

MALDONADO-BANDALA, E. E.; NIEVES-MENDOZA, D.; VELA-JIMENEZ, J. L.  and  CASTRO-BORGES, P.. Evaluation of pathological problems associated with carbonation and sulfates in a concrete tower with more than 50 years in service. Rev. ALCONPAT [online]. 2018, vol.8, n.1, pp.94-107.  Epub June 26, 2020. ISSN 2007-6835.  https://doi.org/10.21041/ra.v8i1.284.

This work presents and discuss the results of a corrosion inspection, as well as a repair proposal for the external walls of a reinforced concrete tower which is in the southern coast of the Veracruz state. The inspection included a drone guided damage survey together with physical, chemical, mechanical and electrochemical tests that allowed the concrete characterization and corrosion damage. The governing deterioration mechanism of the structure was carbonation of concrete. However, the sulfate emission in this industrial environment was reflected on the compressive resistance, cracks and delaminations. These conditions were taken into account on the proposed actions for repairing and extending the service life of the structure.

Keywords : inspection; tower; reinforced concrete; diagnosis; service life.