Journals Information
Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 13(5), pp. 3736 - 3751
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130521
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Between Codes and Informality: Structural Consequences of Hydrosanitary Pipe Embedding in Reinforced Concrete Members
Oscar Cevallos 1, Diego Hidalgo 2,*, Diego Barahona 1, Jeyson Vega 1, Joel Agualongo 1
1 Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Ecuador
2 Department of Architecture, International University of Ecuador (UIDE), Ecuador
ABSTRACT
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鈥攊ncluding deformation, shear stress, and axial force diagrams鈥攔evealed 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.
KEYWORDS
Architectural-Structural Coordination, Embedded Pipes, Finite Element Modeling, Informal Construction, Reinforced Concrete
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Oscar Cevallos , Diego Hidalgo , Diego Barahona , Jeyson Vega , Joel Agualongo , "Between Codes and Informality: Structural Consequences of Hydrosanitary Pipe Embedding in Reinforced Concrete Members," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 3736 - 3751, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130521.
(b). APA Format:
Oscar Cevallos , Diego Hidalgo , Diego Barahona , Jeyson Vega , Joel Agualongo (2025). Between Codes and Informality: Structural Consequences of Hydrosanitary Pipe Embedding in Reinforced Concrete Members. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(5), 3736 - 3751. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130521.