Church of San Ignacio de Loyola - City of Buenos Aires Structural Evaluation and Reinforcement Proposal

Abstract

In 2003 the “San Ignacio de Loyola” church evidenced a concerning picture of cracking and fracturing that led to their preventive underpinning during five years. A summary of the Church structural behavior that enabled the design of proper reinforcements based on sound technical arguments is included. The background, field studies, features and purposes of several finite element models and the findings on the causes of cracking are detailed. Results could demonstrate that the observed damages were originated by the deterioration of the soil under Alsina street, in turns caused by the rupture of a pipeline transporting clean water. Some interesting details of the structural reinforcements made of reinforced concrete and special consideration of the issues that must be addressed to achieve the goals of structural and architectural compatibility, efficiency and durability are finally described.