Structural strengthening is a vital practice in the construction and engineering fields. It entails upgrading current structures to improve their performance under existing loads or boost their ability to support additional loads. This can be done for various purposes, such as:
- Compliance with construction regulations: As building codes change over time, current structures may need to be strengthened to meet the latest safety requirements.
- Deterioration: Over time, all structures experience wear and tear due to environmental factors, usage, and natural processes. Strengthening can help to fix damage and prevent further deterioration.
- Change in usage: If a structure’s intended purpose changes, it may need to be strengthened to accommodate new loads and stresses.
- Design or construction defects: Sometimes, flaws in the design or construction of a structure can result in flaws that need to be corrected.
There are many different structural strengthening methods available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most popular methods are:
- Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs): These are strong, lightweight materials that can be bonded to the surface of a structure to provide extra reinforcement. FRPs are particularly effective for increasing flexural and shear capacity.
- Steel plates: Steel plates can be bolted or welded to the surface of a structure to provide additional strength and stiffness.
- Concrete encasement: Concrete jackets can be used to strengthen columns, beams, and other structural components. This approach is successful in increasing compressive strength and confinement.
- Ground anchors: These are tension elements that can be used to stabilize foundations or restrain movement of structures.
- Structural system modifications: This approach entails altering the way a structure distributes loads, frequently by adding new structural elements or removing existing ones.