Maestría Patología de la Construcción

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttp://hdl.handle.net/11634/70640

Examinar

Mostrando 1 - 20 de 33

Metodología para aplicación de ensayos no destructivos en patología de construcción e ingeniería forense
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-08-02) Ruiz Navarro, Carlos Eduardo; Pérez Lamus, Yeisson Domingo; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0002449184; https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1645-3115
This article was developed to support the AECO industry (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance) in the execution of projects related to construction pathology and forensic engineering, where professional experience is integrated with the application of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for the assessment of structural elements and the diagnosis of construction defects. The study consolidates more than 35 years of professional experience, including 14 years of specialized practice in structural pathology and forensic engineering applied to buildings, infrastructure, geotechnical engineering, architectural finishes, and forensic expert investigations. The non-destructive testing methods described in this paper are defined by internationally recognized standards and codes, in which the scientific principles, procedures, methodologies, and equations used to determine the physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological properties of materials have been standardized. In this regard, Carino (2012) states that "most failures in construction are not caused by a lack of knowledge, but by the failure to consistently apply existing knowledge" (p. 3). The reviewed literature recognizes NDT as a fundamental tool in construction pathology studies, not only as diagnostic and quality assurance methods but also as predictive techniques that enable the assessment of the condition and structural health of assets throughout their service life. Their proper implementation contributes to compliance with design requirements and material quality specifications while helping to prevent failures in buildings, infrastructure, and industrial facilities. Rather than focusing on a single testing method, this article presents a comprehensive and comparative overview of NDT techniques applicable to different materials, assets, and construction systems. It promotes the adoption of standardized procedures based on internationally recognized standards and technical codes to improve the reliability, consistency, and technical quality of construction pathology investigations.
Evaluación del desempeño del geófono en la detección no destructiva de fugas en redes hidro sanitarias urbana
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-04-30) Sabogal Rodríguez, Juan Sebastián ; Zambraano Vasquez, Diana Mylena ; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000116359; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6042-1250
This study evaluates the performance of the geophone as a non-destructive diagnostic tool for detecting leaks in urban water and sanitary sewer networks, based on the analysis of eleven (11) real cases under field conditions and within a building pathology framework. The research follows an applied and interpretive methodology, analyzing the performance of the method according to variables such as signal clarity, localization accuracy, presence of interference, type of environment, and operator judgment. The results show that geophone performance is not uniform but depends directly on environmental conditions and the characteristics of the system being evaluated. Under favorable conditions, such as indoor spaces and rigid surfaces, the method can achieve high levels of accuracy, whereas in outdoor environments or areas with heterogeneous materials, its effectiveness decreases due to attenuation and interference phenomena. The evaluation through a semi-quantitative matrix made it possible to classify the performance of the method into three levels, revealing high performance in 18.2% of the cases and medium performance in 81.8%, with no cases classified as low performance. These results confirm that, although the geophone does not guarantee exact localization in all scenarios, it constitutes a useful tool within the diagnostic process, particularly when combined with other techniques and with an interpretation of the construction context. It is concluded that the geophone should be understood as part of an integrated diagnostic system, in which operator experience, prior information, and the appropriate selection of methods are crucial for reducing uncertainty and optimizing decision-making in the field, in accordance with the principles of building pathology.
Plan integral de inspección y conservación patrimonial para los puentes de arco en ladrillo en el departamento del Cauca.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-05-21) Oscar Alejandro, Loboa Muñoz; Gengis Khan, Restrepo Santacruz; Correal Avilan, Natalia Del Pilar; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000066300; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001848174; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8402-2327
Brick arch bridges designated as Cultural Heritage Assets in the Department of Cauca face a technical challenge due to the absence of a standardized inspection and conservation framework. This research develops a comprehensive inspection and heritage conservation plan, using the Puente del Humilladero in Popayán—the largest masonry bridge in the region—as a case study. The methodology comprises four phases: historical information gathering, field inspection, pathology assessment, and the formulation of conservation plan guidelines. The structural stability analysis was performed using LimitState:RING 4.2, a specialized software for masonry arch bridge assessment designed to evaluate the structural response of masonry under service loads (Gilbert et al., 2025). The software is based on the limit analysis methods originally developed by Heyman (1966, pp. 15–31). The computational model demonstrated that the bridge arches maintain the line of thrust within the thickness of the arch barrel without forming plastic hinges; consequently, no collapse mechanisms develop, confirming the structural stability of the bridge. Field inspections identified several pathological processes, whose severity was classified into low, medium, and high levels of deterioration. These findings were subsequently used to develop a risk assessment matrix, a risk map, and to define both urgent and routine maintenance interventions aimed at preserving the Cultural Heritage Asset (CHA). In addition, the study establishes heritage authenticity principles in accordance with the Venice Charter and the Burra Charter, proposes schedules for basic, periodic, and special inspections, and provides intervention guidelines compatible with the bridge's original construction system. The proposed methodology helps address the existing methodological gap in Colombia regarding the technical management of historic masonry bridges and offers a replicable framework for the conservation of similar heritage structures throughout the Department of Cauca.
Modelo para la evaluación de la durabilidad proyectada en mezclas asfálticas Tipo Md-19: aplicación puente Av Boyacá con calle 127, Bogotá D.C.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-07-09) Cuervo Giraldo, Laura Lliliana; Castro Aldana, Jhon Edison; Duarte Gonzales, Juan David; Perez Lemus, Yeisson Domingo; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0002449184; https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1645-3115
The durability of asphalt mixtures is a determining factor in the preservation and functional performance of road infrastructure. In the urban context of Bogotá, variable climatic conditions, high traffic volume, and construction deficiencies lead to accelerated deterioration of flexible pavements, especially those made with hot-mix asphalt (MD-19). This work proposes the development of a predictive model for evaluating the projected durability of this mixture, integrating mechanical, physical, and environmental parameters that influence its service life. The model combines the characterization of properties such as roughness, slip resistance, and pavement macrotexture. Statistical tools and regression models will be applied to correlate the observed deterioration with performance variables, seeking to estimate the remaining service life of the pavement. The expected results will support decision-making for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the road network, optimizing the allocation of public resources and promoting predictive and sustainable management of urban pavements in Bogotá D.C.
Diagnóstico patológico y caracterización lesional de puentes ferroviarios patrimoniales en el eje cafetero mediante auscultación no destructiva.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-05-26) Patiño Álzate , Jairo; Patiño Bustamante , Edwin Alberto; Zambrano Vasquez, Diana Mylena; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000116359; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6042-1250
This research presents a comprehensive pathological assessment of three heritage railway bridges located in Colombia’s Coffee Region: the Buenavista Creek Bridge, the Robles River Bridge, and the Pedregal River Bridge. The study adopts a multiple-case study approach aimed at evaluating the current structural condition and integrity of these historic infrastructures through the application of non-destructive testing techniques and computational analysis tools. The methodology integrates field inspections with quantitative and qualitative assessment procedures, including ultrasonic pulse velocity testing, rebound hammer testing, visual condition surveys, and numerical modal analysis. These techniques were employed to identify surface and internal defects, section loss in metallic components, and deterioration processes associated with soil–structure interaction. Furthermore, the causal relationship between observed pathologies, environmental exposure conditions, and structural typology was analyzed to determine the predominant deterioration mechanisms affecting each bridge. The findings indicate that, despite the presence of various deterioration manifestations, the bridges retain an adequate residual structural capacity under their current service conditions. The most significant pathologies identified include moisture-related degradation, superficial corrosion, biological colonization, and localized material deterioration, primarily resulting from prolonged exposure to environmental agents and insufficient preventive maintenance practices. As a major contribution, this research proposes a replicable diagnostic methodology based on severity matrices, damage mapping, and integrated condition assessment criteria. The proposed framework provides a practical technical tool to support maintenance planning, preventive conservation strategies, and decision-making processes for the preservation and sustainable management of heritage railway infrastructure.
Guía metodológica para el diagnóstico de humedades en fábricas de tierra patrimoniales. Estudio de caso: iglesia de Santa Bárbara (BIC), Tunja
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-07-09) Ramírez Martínez, Samuel Arturo; Carmona Álvarez, July Estefany; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001650522; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=r6ByV0oAAAAJ&hl=es&oi=ao; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2212-3901
The development of a guide for the study of moisture in earthen buildings proposes a method for studying this damage caused by water, which affects built heritage that is very vulnerable to water in any form. It requires quick and reliable diagnostics with practical purposes that cover the main pathologies of a building, in this case, moisture. As a parameter of engineering and pathology, its study allows us to understand the behavior of soils and materials, such as the relationship between the water mass contained in a material and its solid mass, allowing analysis for the quantitative determination of water in the wet structure, expressed as a percentage or moisture content, in this case looking at the pathology to study and identify its origin, where it comes from, and how it penetrates earthen materials. Understanding the building through history is part of a document that serves as a guide for
Durabilidad estructural del edificio en guadua angustifoliaKunth del CDITI en Dosquebradas: criterios normativos y contructivos
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-07-08) Colmenares Merchan, Henry; Jurado Ramírez, Cindy Johanna; Ríos Olaya, Sandra Marcela; Larrota Forero , Rafael Felipe; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001521455; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001840601; https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7379-3093
The problem identified with the use of guadua material at the Center for Industrial Design and Technological Innovation (CDITI), located in Dosquebradas, involves premature deterioration, a progressive loss of structural performance, and the need for intervention, according to technical studies conducted by consulting firms in 2022 and 2024/2025. This condition highlights a discrepancy between the structural potential attributed to Guadua angustifolia Kunth and its observed performance in service, associated not only with the material itself but also with factors related to design, construction, maintenance, regulation, and life cycle management. The main objective was to analyze the structural durability of the CDITI building in Dosquebradas constructed with Guadua angustifolia Kunth, based on a review and comparative analysis of the technical studies conducted in 2022 and 2024/2025, evaluating its in-service performance, the degree of compliance with NSR-10, and the technical, regulatory, and life-cycle management deficiencies that affect its structural behavior, with the aim of formulating criteria aimed at improving its performance and extending its service life. The study was conducted through a review of the available technical reports and a comparative analysis of the technical consultancies, including pathological diagnoses, vulnerability analyses, structural modeling, and reinforcement proposals reported in those studies. This information was cross-checked against the criterio.
Comparación de métodos para determinar el frente de carbonatación en estructuras en concreto reforzado, caso de estudio hospital universitario de Neiva.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-07-07) Tamayo Polania, Miguel Roberto; Quintero Rodríguez, Paola; Barreto Castillo, Walter Mauricio; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000238988; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001341527; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HtYvNDwAAAAJ&hl=es&oi=ao; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6150-7153; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3054-3626
Carbonation of concrete is one of the most relevant deterioration mechanisms in reinforced concrete structures due to its direct impact on pH reduction and steel depassivation. Traditionally, carbonation depth has been assessed using phenolphthalein; however, recent studies have highlighted its limitations in accurately representing the actual extent of the phenomenon, particularly in detecting partially carbonated zones. In this context, this study aims to compare the reliability, applicability, and applicability of different pH indicators for determining the carbonation front in in-service concrete structures. The research was conducted through an in-situ comparative experimental approach, evaluating four indicators (phenolphthalein, thymol blue, alizarin, and indigo carmine) on structural columns of the Hospital Universitario de Neiva. Controlled grooves were executed to expose fresh concrete surfaces, and carbonation depths were measured for each indicator. The analysis focused on variability, consistency, and visual interpretability under real inspection conditions. The results show significant differences among indicators, with average carbonation depths of 40.1 mm for thymol blue, 62.6 mm for phenolphthalein, 70.7 mm for alizarin, and 85.4 mm for indigo carmine. These findings confirm the existence of an alkalinity gradient within concrete and the presence of a partially carbonated zone, whose extent depends on the pH response range of each indicator. It is concluded that the carbonation front should not be interpreted as a single boundary but rather as a transition zone, and that relying solely on phenolphthalein may lead to underestimation of carbonation depth. Therefore, a comparative approach incorporating alternative indicators is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy in existing structures.
Evaluación patológica, su impacto y propuesta de intervención en vínculo con su lenguaje histórico y su integración con el paisaje circundante, en un bien de interés cultural residencial en el barrio Samper en Bogotá D.C.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-07-06) Berrio Hernández, Cristian Ferney; Zafra Torres, Paola Andrea; Correal Avila, Natalia Del Pilar; Universidas Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000066300; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8402-2327
Pathological Assessment, Its Impact, and Intervention Proposal in Relation to Its Historical Language and Integration with the Surrounding Landscape, in a Residential Cultural Heritage Asset in the Samper Neighborhood in Bogotá D.C. This article presents the pathological assessment of two houses declared Cultural Heritage Sites (BIC), located in the Samper-Teusaquillo sector of Bogotá D.C., which represent part of the residential architecture built during the transition to modernity in the 1940s. The study is based on the understanding that deterioration in this type of building depends not only on the passage of time or the aging of materials, but also on the interplay between construction, structural, geotechnical, environmental, and urban factors that directly affect their conservation and preservation. Based on field data collection and the historical, architectural, construction, and pathological analysis of the properties, damage, direct and indirect causes, and vulnerabilities associated with both the buildings and their immediate surroundings were identified. As the main contribution of the research, a Criticality Index for Assets (CIA) was formulated, constructed by integrating the Numerical Damage Rating (NDR), the weighting of structural elements (W), and the External Risk Factor (ERF), with the purpose of establishing a quantitative assessment that allows for a more objective prioritization of technical and heritage interventions. The results revealed significant differences between the two cases studied. One of them presents a higher level of criticality, associated with a greater degree of deterioration and conditions that increase its vulnerability. In contrast, the other case shows moderate criticality, linked mainly to natural wear and tear processes and maintenance needs. The results show that incorporating quantitative assessment tools such as the CIA improves the prioritization of interventions in heritage assets, as it allows for complementing the traditional diagnosis with a more comprehensive view that considers both the physical condition of the property and its vulnerability and cultural value. In this way, the technical diagnosis ceases to be merely a review of visible deterioration and becomes a support tool for preventive conservation and the permanence of the built heritage in the city.
Evaluación del deterioro y respuesta sísmica en la cubierta de madera del complejo histórico la gran convención (Ocaña)
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-06-23) Arévalo Criado , Diomar Andrés; Barreto Castillo , Walter Mauricio; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000238988; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HtYvNDwAAAAJ&hl=es&oi=ao; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6150-7153
The development of this research involves the evaluation of deterioration and computational analysis in SAP2000 of the wooden roof of the La Gran Convención Historical Complex in Ocaña (Norte de Santander, Colombia), with the purpose of analyzing how the degradation conditions of the wood influence its structural behavior. The study identified some localized points where the roof wood exhibits rot due to excess moisture. The findings of the computational analysis using the SAP2000 tool confirmed that the roof currently meets service loads, but by reducing its resistance to 50%, it was concluded that, although it meets gravity loads, the maximum deflection limit for the existing beams with rot problems is exceeded. As a contribution and result of the study, it is recommended to replace the roof elements that exhibit localized rot before they suffer a loss of resistance greater than 50%.
Estudio de patología palacio nacional de Pereira Carrera 8 No 18-55 centro, Pereira, Risaralda.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-07-05) Juvinao Charris, Leonel de Jesus; Nivia Fraile, Michael Rigoberto; Barreto Castillo, Walter Mauricio; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000238988; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HtYvNDwAAAAJ&hl=es&oi=ao; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6150-7153
This study presents a pathological analysis of the Palacio Nacional de Pereira—an institutional building constructed between 1946 and 1950, located in the historic center of Pereira, Risaralda, and designated as a National Cultural Heritage Asset by the Ministry of Culture (Resolution 1394 of 2004). The objective is to diagnose the causes of structural and non-structural deterioration, evaluate seismic performance against NSR-10 guidelines, and formulate a technical intervention proposal aimed at restoring load-bearing capacity and ensuring durability, while remaining consistent with heritage conservation principles. The methodology integrates a review of documents and the building's history, systematic visual inspection, geometric surveying, and structural modeling in ETABS—using technical assumptions for material properties (f'c = 14 MPa and fy = 280 MPa) based on Colombian construction practices from 1946–1950—along with a seismic vulnerability analysis in accordance with Chapter A.10 of the NSR-10. Mechanical parameters are established based on reasoned technical judgment, explicitly acknowledging the conservative approach adopted for the analysis.
Desarrollo de una guía de inspección técnica basada en el análisis de patologías estructurales de 18 puentes metálicos modulares semipermanentes (PMMS) del Ejército Nacional – vigencia 2025.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-07-01) Pascuaza López, Laura Sofía; Erazo Santiesteban, Abraham Moisés; Reinoso Marroquín, Dagoberto; Gamba Gómez, Osmar Albert; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000804371; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2124-5723
This study develops a standardized technical inspection guide for the National Army’s Semi-Permanent Modular Steel Bridges (PMMS), addressing the lack of specific protocols and the reliance solely on visual inspections—a limitation highlighted by the fact that "100% of evaluations were restricted to superficial visual assessments." A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating a quantitative analysis of 18 inspection reports from 2025, a literature review focused on structural pathologies and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and experimental validation involving ultrasonic testing, liquid penetrant testing, and spark testing on a Bailey-type PMMS with 19 years of service. Statistical analysis revealed significant recurrence of pathologies undetectable by visual means: 72% showed corrosion at bottom nodes, 65% had loose bolts, 60% exhibited signs of fatigue cracking, and 50% showed internal corrosion. In the case study, ultrasonic testing revealed thickness losses of up to 33%, while liquid penetrant testing detected linear discontinuities ranging from 6 to 25 mm, confirming active corrosion-fatigue mechanisms. These findings demonstrate that visual inspection underestimates cross-sectional loss and micro-crack propagation, thereby compromising the volumetric integrity of the steel. The correlation between observed pathologies and documented deterioration mechanisms confirms the necessity of integrating NDT into PMMS evaluations. Ultrasonic testing is critical for HSLA steels—such as ASTM A572 Gr. 50—due to its ability to detect laminations and internal section loss; liquid penetrant testing identifies open cracks in high-stress concentration zones; and spark testing facilitates verification of steel composition regarding potential alterations caused by aging or heat treatment. An inspection guide based on quantitative criteria and damage thresholds is proposed to support the institutional transition toward a predictive maintenance model. The systematic integration of NDT will enable improved structural reliability, the prioritization of interventions, and the optimization of the lifecycle management of PMMS.
Estrategias de prevención y mantenimiento para edificaciones hospitalarias en entornos marinos tropicales: manual de gestión preventiva de patologías constructivas para el hospital de guapi e.s.e.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-06-22) Zuleta Olarte, Alejandro; Olarte Martinez, Carlos Manuel; Gamba Gómez, Osmar Albert; Universidad Santo Tomás
The main objective of this study is to design a manual for the preventive management of construction-related pathologies in hospital buildings located in marine-tropical environments, with specific application at the Guapi E.S.E. Hospital, in order to optimize the durability, operational functionality, and resilience of the infrastructure. The research was conducted using an applied qualitative approach with a descriptive and explanatory scope, employing a single-case study design. A methodological triangulation strategy was implemented, integrating a review of indexed scientific literature and technical standards (ACI, ASTM, ISO, and NSR-10), systematic visual inspections using technical data sheets, and semi-structured interviews with industry professionals. Additionally, advanced durability models were incorporated, such as Fick’s second law for chloride penetration, carbonation front analysis, and crack control, along with condition-based maintenance (CBM) and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) approaches. The results revealed six categories of structural pathologies, with chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcing steel and the effects of carbonation standing out as responsible for 80% of the structural risk. Furthermore, it was determined that the interaction between humidity, temperature, and chloride concentration significantly accelerates deterioration, reducing the infrastructure’s service life. It is concluded that deterioration results from the interaction between extreme environmental conditions and deficiencies in maintenance management. The proposed manual enables the anticipation of failures, optimizes decision-making, and strengthens hospital resilience.
Patologías de humedad en vivienda de interés social (VIS): análisis del edificio Torres de San Luis en San Juan de Pasto y lineamientos de mejora técnica y normativa
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-06-24) Muriel Solarte, Angela Nathalia; Pinzón Santos, Mabel Yadira; Barreto Castillo, Walter Mauricio; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000238988; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HtYvNDwAAAAJ&hl=es&oi=ao; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6150-7153
This study analyzes moisture manifestations in social housing buildings in Colombia, taking the Torres de San Luis building in San Juan de Pasto, Nariño, as a case study. The objective was to identify the mechanisms of moisture ingress, evaluate their relationship with construction conditions, and verify their compliance with national technical regulations, in order to formulate technical intervention guidelines applicable to similar contexts. The methodology combined on-site technical inspections, systematic damage recording, and the application of non-destructive testing methods, including infrared thermography, hygrometric measurements, rebound hammer testing, and ultrasonic pulse velocity testing. The results revealed lateral water infiltration due to hydrostatic pressure, rising damp caused by capillary action, interior condensation, and failures in waterproofing systems, mainly associated with the absence of perimeter drainage, construction deficiencies, and environmental conditions characterized by high relative humidity. The regulatory analysis, based on the NSR-10, NTC, and IDU standards, showed basic structural compliance but significant deficiencies in durability, waterproofing, and hydraulic management. Based on these findings, technical improvement guidelines are proposed, focusing on deep drainage systems, waterproofing measures, runoff control, and ventilation strategies, aimed at enhancing the durability and habitability of social housing buildings.
Evaluación de aditivos y fibras sintéticas en la mitigación del mapeo en revoques interiores del proyecto Amantina Etapa 2, Itagüí.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-06-29) Paez Burbano, Johana Milena; Trujillo Jaramillo, Maria Alejandra; Martinez Villegas, Maria Paulina; Perez Lemus, Yeisson Domingo; Universidad Santo Tomás
Cement-based renders are essential components for the protection, durability, and aesthetic performance of buildings. However, they frequently exhibit map cracking (crazing), a superficial cracking pattern caused by plastic, hydraulic, and thermal shrinkage processes. These mechanisms generate microcracks that adversely affect the adhesion and long-term durability of the finish. In the Amantina Stage 2 project, located in Itagüí, Antioquia, Colombia, this pathology was identified on the interior walls of Floors 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. This study aims to experimentally verify the effectiveness of plasticizing admixtures, water-retaining agents, and synthetic fibers in mitigating map cracking and improving the durability of interior cement renders. A quantitative and experimental methodology will be adopted, involving the application of five mortar treatments (one control mix and four modified mixes) under actual construction site conditions. The variables to be evaluated include crack density and crack width, bond strength using the pull-off test, and capillary water absorption using the Karsten tube test. The results are expected to establish technical criteria for mix design and application procedures that reduce surface cracking and enhance the performance of cement renders in buildings exposed to similar climatic and construction conditions.
Guía para determinar la reacción álcali – agregado y su posible solución, como mecanismo de patología preventiva en la construcción de proyectos
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-05-26) Daniel Eduardo, Ruiz Ospina; Luis Fernando, Oviedo Nuñez; Juan David, Collazos Vargas; Garavito Almonacid, Diana Patricia; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001395165; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001424395; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1055-9687
Concrete is a fundamental material in construction, but its durability is compromised by pathologies such as the alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), an expansive process that causes cracking and loss of mechanical properties. Known as the “cancer of concrete” due to its irreversible damage and high repair costs, this pathology has driven the development of mitigation strategies, such as the addition of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), including pozzolans. Although the effectiveness of these measures has been validated in laboratory settings, their validation under prolonged real service conditions remains limited, leaving a significant knowledge gap. This article addresses this gap through a 12-year (2014–2026) retrospective analysis of concrete in the parapet wall of the Hydroelectric Dam of a Colombian Electric Sector Company, where a 20% pozzolan addition was employed as a mitigation measure. The objective is to verify the efficiency of this strategy in preserving the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The methodology compares historical construction data with current results from compressive strength tests, petrographic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This case study in critical infrastructure exposed to high humidity and thermal variability provides a unique opportunity to contribute empirical evidence on the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures against AAR.
Validación experimental de una metodología de monitoreo de bajo costo basada en IoT para el diagnóstico higrotérmico en estructuras de tapia pisada.
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-06-23) Ojeda Ramos, Oscar Fernando; Correal Avilán, Natalia del Pilar; Universidad Santo Tomás
The tapestry structures in Colombia represent a built heritage of great cultural value, whose long-term performance depends mainly on their behavior as a porous reactive medium in constant interaction with the hygrotermic environment. In humid tropical climates, the deterioration mechanisms are due not so much to isolated events, but to cumulative processes of hygrotermic fatigue linked to the progressive decrease of matrix suction, phenomena that are not adequately addressed by current static regulations.This study experimentally validates an integrated methodological framework for predictive diagnosis, which combines IoT monitoring (The Internet of Things), multiphysics HAMT modeling (Combined Heat, Air and Humidity Transfer) and inverse parameter calibration, applied to a pedestrianized tapestry building about a century old in a humid tropical climate. The methodology includes physical-mechanical and hygrothermal characterization in laboratory, continuous monitoring in situ using an Edge Computing architecture, numerical simulation by finite elements and statistical validation according to international standards.The results allow quantifying the hygrotermic regime of the material, identifying structural vulnerabilities not detectable by traditional inspection, estimating local parameters of SWRC (Soil Water Retention Curve) and to define an operational classification of the hypothermic risk with early warning thresholds based on a digital twin of the building system. Taken together, this methodology demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of integrating IoT monitoring, multiphysics modeling, and reverse calibration as a tool for predictive management of net wealth built on tapestry.
Diagnóstico y clasificación de patologías constructivas en la PTAP de paz de Ariporo (Casanare) para la formulación de intervenciones prioritarias
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-06-17) Barrera Moreno, María Camila; Gómez Vargas, Diego Fernando; Barreto Castillo , Walter Mauricio; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000238988; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001838180; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HtYvNDwAAAAJ&hl=es&oi=ao; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6150-7153; ttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-7909-1176
Hydraulic structure deterioration in drinking water treatment plants represents a significant risk to operational continuity and service quality. Therefore, this study diagnoses and classifies abrasion-induced erosion damage in the filtration chamber of the Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) located in the municipality of Paz de Ariporo (Casanare), and evaluates the technical feasibility of intervention alternatives reported in the technical literature. The research was conducted under a descriptive and analytical approach, including regulatory and technical review, visual inspection, damage mapping, and deterioration mechanism assessment. Based on these procedures, a comparative evaluation of repair techniques was performed, analyzing their applicability under actual operating conditions and determining which alternative constitutes the most technically viable solution for the case under study.
Interacción entre comportamiento hídrico, sales superficiales y eficacia de tratamientos de control de biodeterioro en fachadas de ladrillo cerámico en ambiente urbano húmedo
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026) Melo Parra, Anderson; Roa Granados, Juan Carlos; Barreto Castillo, Walter Mauricio; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000238988; https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HtYvNDwAAAAJ&hl=es&oi=ao; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6150-7153
This applied experimental study, conducted in Bogotá D.C., Colombia, analyzes the behavior of ceramic bricks subjected to biodeterioration under high humidity conditions and evaluates the effectiveness of a 10% benzalkonium chloride (Benzalkonium Chloride) treatment on the substrate. Two complementary methodologies are employed: (i) quantification of biodeterioration through digital image processing, using chromatic segmentation and pixel-by-pixel analysis to determine the percentage of coverage and its temporal variation post-treatment; and (ii) physicochemical characterization of the material through capillary absorption tests, pH analysis, soluble salt content measurement, and scanning electron microscopy with EDS analysis. The results showed a progressive reduction of the active biofilm at both concentrations evaluated, with a greater response in the sample treated with 10% benzalkonium chloride, which achieved an effectiveness of 91.59% after 92 hours of follow-up. From a physicochemical standpoint, the pH showed little variation, decreasing from 9.61 in the untreated sample to 9.35 in the treated sample, while the soluble salt content increased from 0.09% to 0.21%. The capillary absorption test revealed an approximate 61% reduction in initial water absorption, although complete waterproofing of the material was not evident. SEM-EDS analysis identified morphological alterations in the biofilm, surface residues associated with the treatment, and an increase in carbon, oxygen, and chlorine, consistent with the surface persistence of the BAC. It is concluded that the 10% BAC showed high efficacy in reducing the active biofilm under the evaluated conditions; however, its performance should be interpreted holistically, considering biological efficacy, the modification of water behavior, the increase in soluble salts, and the surface interaction with the ceramic matrix.
Estudio patológico en el sótano y semisótano del centro comercial Unicentro Villavicencio (Avenida 40 Villavicencio – Meta-1)
(Universidad Santo Tomás, 2026-06-16) Capera Hernández, Miguel Andrés; Rodríguez Moreno, Andersson Edward; Zambrano Vásquez, Diana Mylena; Universidad Santo Tomás; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000116359; https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001913908; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6042-1250; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9833-6051
The present research work, developed within the framework of the Master's in Construction Pathology at the Universidad Santo Tomás, aimed to conduct a comprehensive pathological diagnosis of the basement and semi-basement levels of the Unicentro Villavicencio Shopping Center, a reinforced concrete building inaugurated in 2007, located on Avenida 40 in the city of Villavicencio, department of Meta. The methodology adopted an applied-diagnostic approach with a descriptive-analytical scope, under the case study modality. Four sequential phases were executed: document review, systematic visual inspection using injury identification sheets with photographic records, application of non-destructive Schmidt hammer tests on six representative structural elements, and analysis of geotechnical information of the site. Nine patterns of deterioration were identified and classified, distributed into the following categories according to their origin: physical (44.4%), mechanical (22.2%), chemical (11.1%), biological (11.1%), and anthropological (11.1%). The predominant manifestations corresponded to moisture from filtration in floor slabs and retaining walls, superficial cracking, efflorescence from salt migration, biodeterioration in areas with low ventilation, and early signs of corrosion in exposed metal elements. According to their level of severity, 44.4% of the lesions were classified as mild, 44.4% as moderate, and 11.2% as severe. The sclerometry tests yielded surface resistance values of the concrete between 12.25 MPa and 23.04 MPa, with an average of 18.75 MPa, indicating a general preservation of the material's functional capacity, although with differential superficial deterioration in areas of permanent moisture. The geotechnical analysis revealed that the building is situated on a type D soil, with direct influence from the Maizaro stream and annual rainfall exceeding 4,383 mm, conditions that explain the recurrence and spatial distribution of the identified deterioration patterns. Based on the diagnosis, a preventive-corrective intervention proposal and a structured maintenance plan were formulated. It is concluded that the building maintains general conditions of structural stability and functionality; however, the persistence of moderate severity damage associated with moisture poses a risk to its medium and long-term durability in the absence of timely intervention.

Examinar

Envíos recientes