Methods to Strength concrete walls

Concrete Jacketing:

This is a traditional retrofitting method, where the retrofitting technique is performed to increase the dimension of the wall.

The method focuses on the increase in the wall thickness, an increase beyond a limit increase the dead weight. This would demand the increase in load capacity of the existing foundation in order to take the additional weight.

FRP Laminates:

Use of composite materials like Fiber Reinforced Polymer(FRP) in different forms for retrofitting reinforced concrete wall is a method used from past decades. FRP gains high strength and high resistance to corrosion. In addition to this, they are light in weight and therefore can be applied easily.

 

 Shape Memory Alloys:

Shape memory alloys have been gaining a great amount of attention in civil infrastructure researches where it is seen to have a huge future in retrofitting of structure. The use of SMA for the retrofitting of RC walls is being studied through various tests and researches.

Concrete Replacement:

This is one of the simplest and cheapest way to restore the strength and the ductility of the R.C walls. The method initially involves the removal of the damaged concrete. The final surface is cleaned and brushed properly to remove all loose materials. If the reinforcement present in the compression zone is buckled in small amounts, then it should be straightened.

Retrofitting by Steel Materials:

The use of steel for retrofitting R.C walls only adds a small weight to the old structure. It is a retrofitting technique that causes minimum disruption to the building occupants.