Research and Analysis on Recurring Anomalies in Foundations and Structures

Abstract

This paper presents a research study performed to obtain percentage data on building anomalies of and damages to the foundations and structures of residential buildings, as well as to determine their most common causes. This analysis of the building anomalies is aimed at studying damages or construction problems that appear in the building or any of its units after its execution. The pathological process can be divided into three clearly different parts, namely: (1) origin, (2) evolution, and (3) final result. To perform an adequate study of the anomaly or defect as well as to determine the origin and potential causes of the damage, this pathway should be followed in a reverse manner, that is: (1) analysis of the damage, (2) symptoms, and (3) evolution. With the aim of drawing some conclusions regarding the different pathological processes, up to 1,166 judicial files with a firm judgment have been considered within a period of time between 2008 and 2010. A total of 995 anomalies or defects have been reported, 66.63% of them affecting the foundations and the remaining 33.37% related to the building structure. Among the anomalies related to the foundations, 90.86% originated in the walls, slabs, and isolated footings. For those affecting the structures, 79.82% originated in one-way spanning slabs, piles, and slabs on grade. Damages caused by infiltrating humidity, fissures in walls, partitions and/or floorings and cracks in the element itself account for 80.20% of the anomalies or defects analyzed here.