REINFORCED CONCRETE STRENGTHENING
Redesigning the Structural Integrity of Buildings
Reinforced concrete strengthening encompasses the entirety of engineering works carried out to increase the seismic resistance of an existing structure, enhance its load-bearing capacity, and extend its service life. Strengthening has become mandatory, particularly for buildings with weak structural systems, existing damage, or those that have completed their intended service life.
Our firm produces professional strengthening solutions using classic methods such as additional shear wall applications, column jacketing, foundation strengthening, and reinforcement enhancements to improve the static performance of structures.
1. Construction of Additional Shear Walls
Shear walls are elements that significantly increase the lateral load-carrying capacity of a building. These walls directly counter the effects of an earthquake and reduce floor drifts to a minimum.
* Application Stages: Determination of shear wall locations based on static projects, preparation of connection reinforcements with existing floors and columns, installation of rebar and steel reinforcement, formwork setup, and application of high-strength poured concrete.
2. Column Jacketing (Encasement)
This is one of the most critical applications for damaged or cross-sectionally insufficient columns. With jacketing, the column section is enlarged, the amount of reinforcement is increased, and the load-bearing capacity of the element is enhanced.
* Method: Preparation of the existing column surface, drilling and anchoring of reinforcements according to the project, and reconstruction of the column with high-strength concrete.
3. Foundation Strengthening (Raft – Beam – Footing Enlargement)
If a deficiency is identified in the existing foundations while strengthening the main structural system, foundation strengthening is applied.
* Techniques: Beam and footing enlargement, additional new raft foundation, and rebar anchoring. This method spreads the building’s loads over a wider area, increasing carrying capacity.
4. Beam and Slab Strengthening
In some structures, not just columns and foundations, but beams and slabs also require strengthening.
* Scope: Beam cross-section enlargement, reinforcement support, and slab concrete thickening.
5. Reinforcement Improvements and Quality Enhancement
Corrosion of reinforcement or loss of section is common in existing buildings. In such cases, reinforcement cleaning, anti-corrosion chemical applications, and new rebar anchoring are performed.
CONCLUSION: Strong, Safe, and Compliant Structures
Reinforced concrete strengthening projects bring the load-bearing system of a building into compliance with modern regulations through correct engineering analysis and application methods. Our firm operates all strengthening works under the principles of Steel Reinforcement + Formwork + High Strength Concrete, Additional Shear Walls, Column Jacketing, and Foundation Enlargement.