Inspection of Seismic Damage and Conservation Conditions in Modern School Buildings in Chile

Abstract

The present study describes the procedures and results of inspections carried out in public school buildings constructed in Chile between the 40s and 80s. These buildings constitute part of the country’s modern heritage. The aim of the study was to empirically analyze – through documentation, in-situ observation and measurements with non-destructive testing – the state of damage and deterioration of school buildings, taking into account that these buildings continue functioning as before, even surpassing their useful life by more than 30 years, with minimal or no maintenance processes. Further to normal wear, tear and aging of materials, Chile’s frequent exposure to earthquakes has added lesions and structural damages. This study compares the behavior of buildings constructed with reinforced masonry from an early period (from the 40s to 60s) to the modular buildings constructed with industrialized systems and elements from a later period (from the 60s to 80s), considering the country’s seismicity and climatic diversities. In both cases the designs meet standards and regulations for quality and resistance. Pathological processes in structural and enveloping elements were recorded through direct observation. In addition, the instruments used (thermography, metal detector, humidity meter, Hammer test and laser level) enabled further analysis of the building’s constructive features. They account for possible causes of damage, monitor structural resistance conditions and measure constructive durability parameters.