Vistoria de pontes com câmeras de alta resolução: estudo de caso

Abstract

Currently, Brazilian road infrastructure faces significant deficiencies with regard to the management of bridges and viaducts, as well as the systematic carrying out of inspections and maintenance, which are rare. This situation has worsened the deterioration process of these structures. This study proposed to carry out an inspection using high-resolution cameras, with the aim of cataloging the pathological manifestations found in the structural components of span 01 of the Borges de Medeiros bridge over the Ibirapuitã river, located in the municipality of Alegrete, in Rio Grande do Sul. Furthermore, it was sought to verify the applicability of the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 9452:2023, as well as identify the causes of these manifestations and propose viable solutions. Photographs were taken of the beams, pillar, abutment and lower part of the bridge deck, which were subsequently analyzed using two different software programs to assess the condition of the structure. The main pathologies observed included water infiltration into the slab, deterioration of the concrete and exposure of reinforcement in the lower part of the deck. The lack of continuous maintenance and access difficulties were crucial factors that negatively influenced the current state of the bridge, which, due to its advanced age, was not designed with facilities for future maintenance. The analysis revealed that the ABNT NBR 9452:2023 standard, despite being recent, is limited and does not cover several identified pathologies. The use of analog cameras proved to be useful for documentation purposes and better visualization of anomalies, but not sufficient, in itself, for an accurate classification of the structural situation of the bridges. This study reinforces the urgent need for a change in perspective, adopting more preventive approaches in relation to the maintenance of bridges and viaducts in Brazil. The implementation of preventive maintenance practices and the adoption of modern technologies are essential to ensure the safety and extend the useful life of these structures in an economical way, thus contributing to the national infrastructure.