Aplicação de métodos avaliativos do estado de degradação das edificações: estudo do caso de um prédio em Pelotas/RS

Abstract

Given the importance of the theme, research related to the conservation, maintenance and restoration of structures already built have gained prominence over the years, both with a focus on sustainability and in the valuation of the built heritage. In this sense, it is noteworthy the relevance of methods for evaluating the structural conditions of existing buildings. However, in the proposal of reducing the subjectivity of the indexes influenced by human failures, such methods require continuous improvements. The large number of variables involved in the quantification of structural degradation conditions must be rigidly considered in models that describe their functioning, and that anticipate safety levels and restrict failures. In order to reduce such imprecisions and uncertainties, the use of tools that support each other is fundamental. Thus, the present study proposed to evaluate the structural conditions of a reinforced concrete structure located in the Anglo Campus of the Federal University of Pelotas/ UFPEL. Such analysis applied the Method of Degree of Deterioration of the Structure GDE/UnB, developed by Fonseca (2007), associated with the damage map. The quantitative indexes employed in the GDE/UnB method, sensitive to visual evaluations, were questioned with the use of simulations in different configurations and hypotheses, soon after, it was proposed a criterion that weights the absence of invasive diagnostic tests, i.e., a research product elaborated in order to preserve the structure. In the development of the methodology, the selected components were grouped by structural families, focus of the application of the methods of measurement of the levels of degradation. Comparing the results found by the damage map and by the GDE method in the class of slabs, the first indicated 100% presence of degradations, while in the second group the same group was classified in medium and low levels; in the columns, the first considered the presence of damage in 77.5% of the elements, while in the second 73% of the columns assumed medium levels, and 27% low levels of degradation; In the primary beams, the former indicated 36.05% of damage, while in the latter 42% are at low degradation level, 38% at medium level, 4% high, 4% sufferable, and 13% critical degradation level; In the secondary beams 75% of its elements indicated presence of damage by the damage map, while 44% and 56% were classified, respectively, at medium and low levels by the GDE method. When used simultaneously, in seven beams with visible signs of deterioration, it was found that, with the use of the damage map, two elements went from medium to high levels of degradation. When simulations were applied to two elements evaluated by other authors, it was found that the level of deterioration of the elements oscillated between the four levels of degradation according to three hypotheses: existence of damage arbitrated as null by the authors in the initial phase of evolution; intensity of overestimated and underestimated damage. Finally, with the application of the Damage Status Criterion the level of structural degradation found in the GDE method went from sufferable to critical.