Pathological Manifestations Caused by Moisture in Concrete Structures

Objective: The objective of this study is to bibliographically identify the main pathological manifestations in reinforced concrete structures caused by moisture. Theoretical Framework: This article presents a bibliographic review on pathological manifestations caused by the presence of moisture in reinforced concrete structures, a recurring and relevant issue in civil construction. Although water is essential during construction stages, when poorly managed, it can lead to early deterioration, affecting the performance and durability of buildings. These manifestations generally result from failures in planning, design, execution, or maintenance phases and are worsened by the use of inadequate materials, unqualified labor, and lack of quality control. The main types of moisture include rising damp, condensation, accidental moisture, construction moisture, and infiltration, which can lead to pathologies such as efflorescence, mold, mildew, reinforcement corrosion, and deterioration of coatings. Among these, reinforcement corrosion stands out as one of the most critical forms of structural deterioration, especially when there is constant contact with moisture. To mitigate these effects, technical construction standards establish performance parameters and require structural watertightness as a preventive measure. Method: This study is characterized as a qualitative bibliographic research, based on the analysis of academic publications, dissertations, technical standards, and materials available in digital databases. Source selection considered thematic relevance, timeliness, and contribution to understanding moisture-related pathologies. The methodology enabled the identification of the main types of moisture in reinforced concrete structures, as well as their consequences and prevention strategies. Results and Discussion: The analysis showed that moisture is one of the main causes of pathological manifestations in reinforced concrete structures, directly affecting their durability and performance. The most common damages include mold, mildew, efflorescence, reinforcement corrosion, and deterioration of coatings. Proper waterproofing and preventive maintenance are essential to avoid these issues. Moreover, technical qualification during construction execution is crucial to minimize failures that allow water infiltration. Research Implications: The research highlights the importance of selecting appropriate materials, qualifying the workforce, and adopting preventive measures against moisture from the design stage through to execution. These contributions can help professionals and managers develop more efficient strategies, ensuring greater durability, safety, and cost reduction in building repairs. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in the integration of technical and practical aspects of civil construction, offering an accessible theoretical foundation for professionals in the field. Its value resides in supporting early diagnosis of pathologies and guiding safer and more sustainable decision-making in building management, execution, and maintenance.