OPTIMIZACIÓN DE GARANTÍAS EN FUNCIÓN DE LA VIDA ÚTIL DE LAS ESTRUCTURAS METÁLICAS ENTERRADAS

Abstract

All around the world there are millions of tons of metal structures partially or completely buried under the ground. Examples of this type of elements are pipesbut also the lower part of metallic structures. The major concern related to the useful life of metal structures is corrosion. This factor is essential in the design phase because it has relevant implications on resistance and economic calculation. At present, studies in this field have focused on two methodologies: qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative methods establish an orientation of the level of corrosive load that the soil has and, therefore, they have little practical application in the design of structures. On the other hand, quantitative methods allow the assignment of numerical values to the expected corrosion. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of existing models of corrosion in the projects of buried metallic structures according to the environment in order to decide the protection needed in order to fulfill the warranties during its life cycle.