What Is Repair And Rehabilitation Of Concrete Structure?
The process of upgrading an existing structure for new circumstances of use is known as repair and rehabilitation. It intends to return the structure to its former service level, which it has since lost. In some circumstances, upgrading entails providing the structure with the service level that was planned but could not be met due to flaws in the original design and/or construction.
Here are the primary reasons why we need structure restoration.
- To Enhance Surface Appearance
- To Increase Durability
- To Change In Live Load Pattern During Service
- Need For Enhancing Load Capacity
- After Failure of a Structure
There could be various reasons for the structure’s restoration, depending on the situation. The difference in the appearance of the structure before and after rehabilitation is depicted in the figure below.
Causes of Failure of Structure:
A structure might fail for a variety of causes. Some of them are as follows:
External Factors:
It is one of the most common reasons for a structure to fail. It covers failures caused by accidents, earthquakes, floods, fires, foundation settlement, and so on.
Structure ageing, weathering, and deterioration:
Any structure is prone to degradation once it is built. With the passage of time, all structural components are vulnerable to weathering. As a result, it may fail within a few years.
Underestimating Loads
In some cases, the incoming loads on a structure are significantly more than the design load, particularly in the case of a public building. As a result, the structure may fail as a result of overloading.
Lack of Maintenance
After the project is completed, the structural component must be maintained to its original service level. Repairing old and damaged plaster, white-washing and colouring, and other maintenance tasks may fall under this category.
Wrong Design, Detailing, and Construction
It is possible that the designer made some mistakes and miscalculations during the project’s planning and design, which could lead to the structure failing. Even if the design and detailing are flawless, it is likely that the labourers made faults during construction.
Failure due to incorrect connections in a steel construction
If a sufficient number of bolts or rivets are not given in the case of a steel structure, the structure may fail.
Failure to Consult an Engineer
Before embarking on any big project, the project owner should consult an engineer for structural analysis and safety. Otherwise, structural failure is a possibility.
Rehabilitation Types:
We can divide repair and restoration projects into four categories. They are called –
- Architectural Construction and Technical
- Public Services
- Social Activities
- These are briefly explained below-
Constructional and technical: Equipment refers to equipment that improves energy consumption while lowering operating and maintenance costs.
Architectural: Functional and aesthetic enhancements, resulting in an improvement in the quality and look of the housing.
Public Facilities: Improving facilities, equipment, housing, and ancillary facilities, as well as boosting the availability and quality of housing facilities.
Social Life: Improving the conditions of social and community life, reducing disputes, and improving community decision-making.
It is clear from the preceding discussion that whenever a structure is built, it is prone to deterioration. As a result, it is critical to identify the structural faults and provide an appropriate treatment that will ensure the structure’s long-term endurance. Otherwise, it would progressively lose its capability.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us right away. Cortec Middle East offers concrete repair products & materials to check concrete durability and reinforcement. Also provides a variety of effective tools for the repair of reinforced concrete structures in the UAE.
