Identificação e avaliação da integridade dos aparelhos de apoio da Ponte da Cachoeira – Estância/SE

Abstract

The bearing is a determining element in the structural behavior of the bridge, due to its function and positioning. However, it has a shorter durability when compared to the overall useful life of the structure, making it necessary to resort to inspection and maintenance activities to reduce the chances of replacing the bearings early. Since the presence of anomalies in these devices can interfere with their correct functioning, introducing considerable changes that affect the structure's in-service behavior, and in some cases reduce its operating capacity. In addition, with dynamic bridge loading, vibrations arise, and this constant oscillatory movement can contribute to bearing wear. With this, this work aimed to identify and evaluate the integrity of the support equipment of Ponte da Cachoeira in the municipality of Estância - SE. To achieve this objective, a technical inspection was carried out, in which an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – UAV and a photographic camera with an optical lens were used to record images of the bearings. In view of the evaluation of the images, it was verified the existence of sixteen simple elastomer bearings, considerable wear of these supports and the presence of anomalies. According to NBR 9452:2019, 19% were classified as in a bad situation and 6% were critical, totaling 25% of the supports inspected, making it necessary to carry out maintenance and monitor the functionality of the devices, considering that the OAE is in operation 65 years old and located on BR-101, one of the most important highways in the country that connects industrial centers, tourist areas and large urban centers in the north-south of Brazil.