Estudio patológico en el sótano y semisótano del centro comercial Unicentro Villavicencio (Avenida 40 Villavicencio – Meta-1)

Abstract

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.