Evaluation of pathologies generated in reinforced concrete by magnetic field induced by transformers and/or electrical distribution switchboard: a case study

Reinforced concrete has enabled the development of large-scale infrastructure for commercial, industrial, and residential purposes. In recent years, there has been an increase in structural pathologies associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields, particularly due to the intensive use of power transformers and other electronic devices. However, current technical standards do not yet provide specific protocols for measuring, preventing, and mitigating, through preventive maintenance, these effects. This study aims to analyze and compare, through case studies, the damage caused by electromagnetic fields in reinforced concrete structures, considering magnetic field intensity. Measurements were taken on two transformers and a residential distribution panel, assessing the relationship between field intensity, distance, and power. For the transformer located on a university campus, an inverse relationship between magnetic field intensity and distance from the source was observed. The findings indicate that even structures housing smaller equipment are susceptible to the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields.