Computerized building maintenance management in a Brazilian public hospital: a case study of building pathologies in non-load-bearing masonry walls

Abstract Computerized building maintenance management plays an important role in supporting the planning, control, and prevention of building pathologies in public facilities. In this context, this study aims to analyze the contribution of a computerized maintenance management system to the identification, recording, and monitoring of building pathologies in non-load-bearing masonry walls of a Brazilian public hospital. The research adopted a qualitative and exploratory approach based on a case study, combining building inspection, photographic records, analysis of the computerized maintenance management system, and information obtained from the hospital maintenance team. The results showed that the computerized system is an effective tool for managing maintenance work orders; however, it presents limitations regarding the availability of performance indicators, standardized technical records, and functionalities to support preventive maintenance planning. The building inspection identified 29 building pathologies, with façade cracks and moisture-related building pathologies accounting for 93% of the observed occurrences. The integrated analysis demonstrated that the absence of a structured preventive maintenance program limits the system’s ability to support decision-making and the early prevention of building pathologies. The study contributes by demonstrating that the effectiveness of computerized maintenance management systems depends on the integration of periodic inspections, standardized technical records, and preventive maintenance planning, providing practical insights for improving maintenance management in public hospital buildings.