Performance evaluation of plastic spacers: proposal and development of evaluation methods

The durability of reinforced concrete structures is highly dependent on the characteristics of the concrete cover to reinforcement and its thickness. The failure to obtain cover thickness is the factor with the largest influence on the premature corrosion of the reinforcement, which in turn is the main deterioration form of reinforced concrete structures. Studies indicate that the designed cover is not reached in the current constructions that adopt this structural solution, configuring a chronic, and not a sporadic problem. One of the observed causes for the failure in obtaining the minimum standardized cover is the incorrect use of spacers and the use of inadequate spacers. This is made more serious by the absence of a Brazilian standard to regulate the product and its use and, consequently, the absence of a quality certification from the responsible regulating agency. Focusing on spacers, requirements and performance criteria were proposed, in addition to methods for their assessment, with most being taken and adapted from international standards. Subsequently, some spacers available on the market were effectively tested according to the proposed methodology. No spacer model proved to be satisfactory according to the established performance approach. However, for each criteria and assessment methods proposed, there was, at least, one spacer model at the market which satisfied them, so it can be said that the criteria and methods are suitable for spacers performance evaluation. Faced with the performance diversity of the spacer models on offer, the need for a regulatory Brazilian standard for this product was confirmed in order to delimit the quality of spacers available on the market and to eliminate this variable as one of the causes for not obtaining the correct covering.