Importance of inspection to prevent structural pathologies in civil works

Abstract

Structural pathologies in civil engineering represent one of the main challenges in engineering,
compromising the safety, durability, and functionality of buildings. These pathological
manifestations can arise due to several factors, such as design flaws, execution errors,
inadequate use of materials, lack of maintenance, and environmental actions. One solution to this
problem is inspection. In view of this, the present study aimed to discuss the relevance of
inspection as a preventive tool against structural pathologies, analyzing its benefits and impacts
on the durability and safety of buildings. The methodology used was based on an integrative
literature review, based on scientific articles, theses, and journals. Data collection was carried out
through CAPES, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases, from 2019 to 2024. The results clearly
show that efficient inspection reduces the occurrence of structural pathologies, as it ensures that
technical standards and quality standards are correctly followed during all stages of construction.
On the other hand, the lack of supervision or its inefficient execution increases the risk of
structural failures, resulting in high corrective maintenance costs and putting user safety at risk.