Diagnóstico patológico y caracterización lesional de puentes ferroviarios patrimoniales en el eje cafetero mediante auscultación no destructiva.

Abstract

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.