Strengthening of Buildings

Building reinforcement is the process to prevent loss of life that may occur as a result of the collapse or collapse of a structure during a possible earthquake. In this process, we can not only strengthen the existing carriers, but also add additional carriers to the system. In the first construction of our buildings, there is a prescribed period of use according to the current conditions and the materials used. Over time, this period of use may be shortened due to external factors that our building encounters. As we cannot predict exactly when the earthquake will strike and with what intensity it will come, it is of great importance to carry out this process. In this way, we can both extend the life of our building and continue our lives safely.

Such a reinforcement is mostly not required since the newly constructed buildings will be constructed according to our current earthquake regulations and receive adequate engineering services. It is more correct to carry out such strengthening works for our buildings that have not received adequate engineering service, were built according to our old earthquake regulations or have been damaged due to small earthquakes over time.

What are the Building Retrofit Stages?

A seismic ground survey is prepared to learn the current state of the ground where the building is located. (In cases where it is not enough, soil survey with drilling support is prepared.)

A survey of the building is taken under the leadership of expert engineers and technical painters.

With the X-ray device, the spacing and diameters of the reinforcements in the carrier elements are found.

A few of the carrier elements are stripped and the corrosion and weakness of the reinforcements are checked.

Concrete samples are taken from the building in sufficient numbers and from necessary places.

The samples taken from the building are tested in the laboratory and the current strength of the concrete is determined.

The building is modeled in a computer environment and its condition under earthquake loads is checked.

A report is prepared as a result of the data obtained as a result of the operations carried out from the building and the modeling.

To go into a little more detail, the first stage is the reinforcement decision taken by the building owner or beneficiaries. Once this decision is taken, a company specialized in this field is contacted. Expert engineers share the information they need and reference, and the preparation of the strengthening project begins. Afterwards, necessary permits and licenses are obtained from the necessary places so that the transactions can be carried out on site.

After these procedures, we move on to the stages that we briefly listed above. All of these are meticulously done and followed. Afterwards, the procedures to be carried out on-site are started. These operations should be carried out as quickly as possible, but also as carefully as possible, without damaging the carrier elements. Finally, it is to deliver this building, which has an extended period of use, to the owner or beneficiaries of the building, where they can safely shelter.

What are Building Reinforcement Techniques?

Fusion of existing concrete and new concrete

Coating of columns

Jacketing of steels

Sheathing of reinforced concrete

Adding wings

Epoxy injection

Shirting

The most widely used of these techniques is sheathing processes. However, this may not be an adequate technique for every building. The techniques to be used are determined as a result of the reports prepared by expert engineers. In fact, all of these techniques and stages are processes that require expertise. However, there is an important point, which is; It is to determine the weak points of our building and to find out what actions should be taken at these points. From an engineering point of view, we should choose the most economical reinforcement technique. As a result of the use of each technique with each other, different combinations and different results emerge. Therefore, it is very important to determine which technique will be used, with which technique, and in what proportions.