Evaluación de la Resistencia a Compresión del Concreto por ultrasonido y esclerometría: Caso de estudio. Puente sobre el Río Pindo Loja-El Oro- Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: Bridges are fundamental elements in transportation; however, some remain in operation and have exceeded their useful life. The Pindo River bridge presents this condition, and therefore, its current state is unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the unconfined compressive strength of the bridge's concrete using non-destructive testing. Ultrasonic and sclerometric tests were applied to 13 representative areas of the bridge, along with crack assessment, carbonation analysis, and the SonReb methodology. The ultrasound results showed velocities lower than 3050 m/s and an estimated average strength of 13.2 MPa, while the sclerometric test, after carbonation correction, yielded an average strength of 25.3 MPa. The combination of the tests using SonReb allowed for an estimated average strength of 11.3 MPa. Demonstrating a variable structural condition of the concrete and the need for periodic evaluations for the proper management of the bridge.