Author(s)

JOSUÉ BRIONES-BITAR, BRAYAN PINTO-PONCE, EDGAR SINCHI-BRITO, ROMINA SINCHI-BRITO, EDUARDO SANTOS-BAQUERIZO, EDGAR BERREZUETA, FERNANDO MORANTE-CARBALLO, PAÚL CARRIÓN-MERO

Abstract

Concrete infrastructure, whose purpose is to store water, commonly presents problems such as leaks or contamination, generating a risk for the people who consume it. The present study deals with the rehabilitation of a reinforced concrete macro tank located in the Daule canton (Ecuador), which was affected by water leaks in its internal walls. This problem represents a potential risk of contamination of the stored drinking water, compromising the health and welfare of more than 1,000 inhabitants served by this macro tank. This study aims to analyse the internal and external structure of a drinking water macro tank through field surveys and destructive and non-destructive tests on concrete to propose a technical solution that allows for waterproofing and guarantees regular operation in the distribution of drinking water. The methodology included visual surveys (inside the macro tank), as well as the conduct of destructive and non-destructive tests (sclerometry, coring and carbonation tests), which allowed for the diagnosis of the concrete’s condition and the proposal of a technical solution. Cracks caused by construction deficiencies (inadequate curing and absence of waterproofing coating) and prolonged exposure to external agents (plastic-thermal shrinkage and temperature changes) were identified. A technical solution was designed that considered the injection of expanded polyurethane to seal cracks and the application of ultra-fast-setting mortar in the most affected areas. The integral methodology applied enables the application of modern waterproofing techniques for the efficient and sustainable recovery of deteriorated hydraulic infrastructure in this case study, as well as their replication in neighbouring communities in the Daule canton. The proposed intervention will not only eliminate leaks but also protect the steel reinforcement against corrosion. This project promotes public health, safe access to drinking water and sustainable infrastructure development (Sustainable Development Goals 3–9).

Keywords

structural assessment, hydraulic infrastructure, drinking water, cracks, mortar, expanded polyurethane, sustainability