Repairing & Strengthening Concrete: Retrofitting Techniques

Repairing and strengthening concrete structures over time is essential to maintain a healthy and durable structure for a long time. While durable concrete mix can be an essential part of repairing and strengthening concrete structures, knowing the right method of repairing is also essential to ensure effective results.

In this blog, we are going to discuss details about repairing and strengthening concrete with retrofitting techniques.

What is retrofitting?

Before we talk about the different types of retrofitting techniques for repairing and strengthening concrete, let’s understand what is retrofitting after all. Retrofitting is a science or technique of strengthening the existing structure or its elements to improve their performance or durability by adding new features and components. Therefore, retrofitting means repairing, strengthening, or rehabilitating an existing reinforced concrete. For example, the application of fiber reinforced concrete such as Fibermixcrete over an existing reinforced concrete.

Why do we need retrofitting?

The use of retrofitting to strengthen existing concrete structures has several benefits. Below, we will discuss why we need retrofitting using high-strength cement or concrete mix-

• Enhanced stability of existing structure The first and most important benefit or reason to do retrofitting for your existing concrete structure is improving the stability of existing structure such as buildings. These structures are not immunized against natural calamities or ware and tear. That’s why retrofitting help in enhancing the stability in these structures.
• Improved resistance to damage Use of retrofitting for existing concrete structures using high-quality concrete readymix has several benefits including improved resistance to damage. Retrofitting involves the application of high-strength solutions that offer shield against damage.
• Mitigating seismic risks Retrofitting helps to improve the durability and stability of a structure, making it seismic-damage resistant. This concrete strengthening technique effectively works for all kinds of structures such as residential buildings, commercial buildings and public structures.
• Alternative to reconstruction Reconstruction is an expensive process. Retrofitting technique can be a cost-effective alternative to reconstruction. Retrofitting technique can be used where reconstruction is not needed or can be damaging, specifically for structures such heritage buildings. This technique can increase the lifespan of a building without damaging it.

Types and techniques

There are several retrofitting types and techniques available for reinforced concrete strengthening. Below, we will discuss these types and techniques in detail –

• Fiber-reinforced polymer jacketing Fiber-reinforced polymer jacketing uses fiber-reinforced concrete ready mix solution to cover the concrete structures as a part of concrete retrofitting. At Firstchoice Readymix, you can get high-strength Fibermixcrete and Ferrofibracrete for this technique.
• Concrete jacketing Concrete jacketing is another essential technique of retrofitting. This involves the use of readymix concrete or micro concrete solutions.
• Mass reduction technique Mass reduction technique is also popular retrofitting technique that involves reduction of floors and wall thickness using high-strength steel or screedmix to reduce weight and seismic impact on structure.
• Base isolation technique This is an conventional retrofitting technique where the addition of shear walls for offering sesmic gaps for higher durability and strength.
• Wall thickness technique This is one of the least retrofitting techniques that involves wall thickening using high-strength cement.

Conclusion Retrofitting is one of the most advanced Concrete strengthening technique. Retrofitting is more beneficial in strengthening concrete structures over reconstruction. Above, we have discussed everything you need to know about retrofitting techniques. Also, for on-demand ready mix concrete, visit Firstchoice Readymix.