Salvador Blancas Rojas

Survey of Current Situation and Technical Problems of Concrete Structures in Mexico

Takumi Shimomura

As the population of Mexico is still increasing, it is expected that infrastructure development will continue in the future. However, given that Japan, the United States, and European countries have had major problems with infrastructure maintenance after the period of high growth period, Mexico may eventually reach a similar situation.
The first production of cement in Mexico began in 1881, and in 1953 the first prestressed concrete bridge in Mexico was built. Compared to other Western countries, the production and progress of concrete technology was not so slow in Mexico.
As cities and infrastructure are developed, the cement production increases. Mexico's population is 2.5 times that of Colombia, but sales of cement in Mexico are about 11 times that of Colombia. The reason is that Mexican cement companies are large in scale and are expanding internationally.
Climate is an important factor in concrete deterioration. Unlike Japan, Mexico is warm in winter, so there is no frost damage to concrete. Corrosion of reinforcing bars due to spraying of antifreeze agent does not occur. The main causes of deterioration of concrete structures in Mexico are the neutralization of concrete due to carbonation and the corrosion of reinforcing bars due to chloride ions.
Cases of unexpected structural defects such as collapse, and concrete peeling were investigated. Some examples of reasons for the incident are poor design, poor maintenance, or lack of maintenance.
According to the Ministry of Transport of Mexico, visual inspection or detailed inspection is carried out depending on the condition of the structure. After the inspection, it is determined whether special maintenance, repair, or regular maintenance is required depending on the damage and condition of the structure. However, since it is only reinforcement for general deterioration, seismic retrofitting, and structures damaged by the earthquake, information on neutralization and corrosion of reinforcing bars due to chloride ions is required.
Mexican cement and construction companies are taking action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, there is a problem in Mexico in reducing carbon emissions. Current policies support fossil fuels rather than renewables. Government support for reducing carbon emissions is inadequate.
In conclusion,
In order to prevent structural defects, it is necessary to have an appropriate design and a mechanism for reliable construction and maintenance.
The maintenance file of the structures should also include items related to inspection, performance evaluation, and repair for deterioration due to environmental effects.
The Mexican government should support clean energy rather than fossil fuel energy.
Policies are needed to allow national and foreign companies to choose and develop clean energy within the country.