Estudio patológico en la escuela rural rodamontal en el Municipio de Cogua Cundinamarca

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize the pathological manifestations affecting both structural and non-structural elements of the Rodamontal Rural School, located in the municipality of Cogua, Cundinamarca. The facility, which began operating in 1945, has undergone multiple remodeling processes to remain functional—initially built with load-bearing masonry walls and currently incorporating reinforced frame elements. The school is composed of four (4) structural units, divided into classrooms and sanitary areas. The preschool area, restrooms, and classrooms 4 and 5 are built with structural masonry, while the unit comprising the kitchen, cafeteria, and classrooms 1, 2, and 3 is framed. Given the building’s approximate 80 years of service, capillary rising damp has become a recurrent pathological condition across all structural units. Additional pathologies include cracks in masonry walls and columns, and fissures in subfloor slabs and retaining walls. To conduct the pathology study and analysis, a combined qualitative and quantitative methodology was adopted. The process began with a review of existing documentation, followed by an on-site inspection. During the visual assessment, crack widths of less than 3 mm were recorded, fissures ranged from 5 mm to 25 mm, and moisture height reached up to 70 cm in various elements. These measurements allowed for the diagnosis of the structural pathologies and the development of guidelines for rehabilitation and structural improvement. Since the preventive maintenance carried out by the municipality has been insufficient, the persistence and progression of these pathologies highlight the need for a comprehensive intervention strategy aimed at identifying, mitigating, eliminating, and preventing the underlying causes.