Metodología para aplicación de ensayos no destructivos en patología de construcción e ingeniería forense

Abstract

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.