Typical Methods of Structural Strengthening
Structures that have been in service for many years may face trouble with deformation and insufficient bearing capability, which threatens stability and safety. Structural strengthening is an effective and resource-saving way to increase the bearing capacity of structures, extend their service life, and ensure the safety of users.
Common methods of reinforcing structures are as follow:
1. Bar Planting
This is widely used for reinforcement by adding load-bearing members such as beams, columns, and slabs. To do so, drill holes in the existing concrete structure, inject anchoring adhesive, and insert new bars into the holes by rotation.
2. Steel-Encasing
Steel-encasing is usually used for reinforcing columns and beams by increasing cross-sectional bearing capacity and seismic resistance. Encase concrete beams or columns with steel plates to enhance the overall bearing capacity. Fix the steel plates to the existing concrete members by bolts and weld the joints together. Seal the edges and inject structural adhesive between the concrete structure and steel plates to bond them together. The advantage is that it barely increases the cross-sectional size of the original members while substantially strengthening the structure.
3. Steel-Bonding
Steel bonding shares the same principle as steel-encasing, and the difference is that concrete surface and steel plates are coated with structural adhesive first and then fixed together by clamps or bolts. It is suitable for reinforcing beams, walls, and slabs.
4. Carbon Fiber Bonding
The application procedures of carbon fiber bonding are similar to that of steel bonding, using carbon fiber plates or fabrics as reinforcing materials instead. Carbon fiber materials have great strength performances and are much lighter in weight than steel plates. They are also resistant to aging, fatigue stress, acids, and alkali.
5. Section Enlargement
This is achieved by adding additional new concrete to the original structure to enlarge the sectional area under force and disperse loads. It is usually applied in combination with bar planting.
6. Underpinning
Underpinning is for strengthening the foundations of structures. It can be accomplished by strengthening the soil layer by injecting filler or extending the existing foundation to distribute loads over a larger area.
Aquaprufe provides solutions to structural strengthening by bar planting, steel encasing, steel bonding, and carbon fiber fabric bonding. Please check out our webpage for corresponding products and contact us for more info.
