Between Codes and Informality: Structural Consequences of Hydrosanitary Pipe Embedding in Reinforced Concrete Members

In many Latin American cities, reinforced concrete (RC) elements are frequently compromised by improper embedding of hydrosanitary pipes, particularly in informal or poorly supervised construction. This study investigates the structural consequences of such intrusions in RC beams and columns, emphasizing the disconnect between architectural design and structural safety. A mixed-method approach was adopted, including visual inspections of residential buildings, surveys of construction professionals, and finite element modeling (FEM) to simulate various pipe placement scenarios. Full-scale load testing and ANOVA statistical validation were used to reinforce the numerical results. The findings show that pipe embedment in tension, shear, or compression-critical zones significantly reduces load-bearing capacity and stiffness and may shift failure modes from ductile to brittle. Visual FEM outputs—including deformation, shear stress, and axial force diagrams—revealed localized stress concentrations and disrupted load paths around embedded pipes. These structural degradations persist despite existing design codes, underscoring the lack of enforcement and interdisciplinary coordination in practice. Although the case study was conducted in Riobamba, Ecuador, the configurations and findings represent challenges observed across Latin America and other urban regions with prevalent informal construction. This research highlights the hidden risks embedded in routine building practices and offers a replicable methodology and policy recommendations for enhancing structural safety in urban housing.