Damage Characterization in Historic Buildings: Case Study in Four Buildings at Rio Grande Do Norte (Brazil)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The conservation and maintenance of historic buildings is essential for the transfer of knowledge and perpetuation of society's heritage. The study of the pathology of buildings contributes to the identification of mechanisms, causes and origins of problems that affect the useful life of these buildings. The objective of the work was to carry out an evaluation of the pathological manifestations in buildings of historical importance in cities in the Middle West of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Northeast of Brazil. The methodological procedures employed involved the survey of historical importance and on-site inspection, carried out with the application of Damage Identification Sheets, photographic records and measurements. The Gravity, Urgency and Tendency Matrix (GUT) was used to define priorities for future interventions. The occurrence of: infiltrations; masonry retraction and expansion by water absorption; retraction and expansion by thermal movement; biological agents and their excretions; and inefficiency of elements used as lintels. As suggested therapies, techniques with sealing with epoxy resin or use of cement cream with adequate consistency in the cracks are indicated, and for stains, degradation, peeling and disgregation the removal of the affected parts and preparation of the site to be repainted or applied again coating. The order of prioritization indicated the sequence of corrections: replacement of covering wood, treatment of cracks, disintegration, disgregation, peeling and stains.