Introduction:
Apartment owners frequently experience structural damage due to improper construction and poor design. The solution is to strengthen the apartment building’s structure.
Recently, the government of Haryana announced that a commission would be formed to investigate the structural integrity of all state structures, including those in the national capital region. The announcement was made days after the drawing-room roof of a unit in a city highrise structure fell in two stages, killing two of the building’s female inhabitants and seriously injuring a top central government official.
What is Structural Strengthening?
Structural Strengthening ensures that a structure or structural component is safe under typical working conditions and beyond the original design. This involves holding its weight and preventing deformation, breakage, and catastrophic failure from external forces such as natural disasters over its anticipated lifespan.
What is Structural weakness?
Structural failure is the loss of the load-carrying capacity of a structural component or the structure itself, in our case, of the apartment building. It occurs when the material in a reinforced concrete structure is stressed to its strength limit, resulting in breakage or severe deformations.
How to Identify Structural Weakness?
Cracks: Cracks appear when a building’s structural support system is compromised by shifting, settling, or deterioration. Cracks are a building’s most significant enemy because they reveal its disfigurement. Check for deep cracks in beams or columns (both inside and out). Furthermore, the framework will give way if the flooring begins to deteriorate.
Uneven floors or sagging roof lines: Uneven floors and sagging roof lines suggest structural issues that need immediate attention. This might indicate that the foundation is sinking because of issues with the soil or cracks in the walls or base of the foundation. These problems can increase if not addressed, leading to a potential building collapse. If you identify any signs, arrange for a structural inspection soon to determine the needed repairs to stabilise the apartments and preserve reinforced concrete structures.
Uneven gaps in doors and windows: Doors and windows that don’t open or close smoothly can signify structural shifting. Misaligned frames may cause sticking or form gaps, indicating possible foundation issues. If these problems continue, check for necessary repairs or reinforcements to correct the alignment and ensure the doors and windows function properly.
Weak foundation: Structural Strengthening is vital to keeping the building firm and maintaining smooth functioning. The structure cannot support the weight it needs to bear if the foundation is weak. This issue typically arises from using a design shape or materials unsuitable for its intended load. If it is not addressed, it can lead to structural failure.
Leakages: Water leakage, seepage, and dampness can cause severe damage to the apartments. Moisture can weaken materials, damage foundations, and lead to structural shifts. If you identify water stains, flaking paint, decayed smells, or dampness, it’s necessary to locate and permanently seal the leaks. Moisture in basements or crawl spaces can also damage support beams.
Factors Contributing to Structural Issues
1. Poor Workmanship – In some cases, builders may place reinforcement materials, like steel, near the outer surface of concrete structures. This proximity allows moisture from the environment to seep into the concrete, reaching the steel. The moisture weakens the concrete by draining out essential minerals and triggering a chemical reaction with the steel. This reaction can lead to corrosion and deterioration of the steel, thereby reducing the structural integrity and lifespan of the concrete structures.
2. Use of incompatible and cheap materials – When different materials that don’t mix well are used closely together, they can trigger a chemical reaction. This often results in rusting, especially if metals are involved. Rust can weaken the metal, affecting the structure’s strength and lifespan. Selecting chemically fitting materials to prevent such reactions is essential to ensuring the structural Strengthening of the apartments’ safety and durability and preserving structural integrity.
3. Faulty plumbing – Poor plumbing design or installation can cause structural damage in the long run. If pipes leak or burst, water can seep into the apartment’s foundation or walls, weakening it and requiring costly repairs. Plumbing must be done appropriately to avoid such issues and preserve structural integrity.
4. Damaged Concrete Slabs – Water leaking through defective concrete slabs can cause major structural issues. Water seeping through concrete cracks or pores can damage the internal structure, causing mould development and weakening the building’s support systems. High-quality concrete and careful installation can prevent water from harming the structure’s longevity and safety.
How can we reinforce if the apartment buildings are weak?
- Adding Steel or Concrete Reinforcements:
a) Steel Reinforcements: Steel rods, bars, or beams are added to crucial segments of the structure, such as columns and beams, to provide additional strength and stability.
b) Concrete Reinforcements: Additional concrete is poured to thicken walls or columns. The reinforced concrete structure increases its ability to support heavier loads and improves overall functionality. - Increasing the Cross-Sectional Area of Structural Elements: Enlarging structural elements such as beams, columns, and walls enhances their size. This increase in material volume helps to support more weight, withstand greater forces, and strengthen structural elements.
- Installing External Post-Tensioning Systems: This technique involves placing high-strength steel tendons around or through the existing structure. Once installed, these tendons are tensioned and anchored to the outer edges, compressing the structure to improve its stability and load-bearing capacity.
Example: The Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai utilises external post-tensioning systems, where high-strength steel tendons were installed and tensioned to enhance the bridge’s stability and load-bearing capacity against strong winds and heavy traffic.
- Applying Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP): FRP is a composite material of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres like carbon, glass, or aramid. When applied to existing structural parts, FRP sheets or strips can significantly boost the building’s tensile strength and longevity without adding unnecessary weight.
Conclusion:
Structural Strengthening is essential for apartments and condominiums, ensuring they are safe and stable for residents. Maintaining structural integrity through reinforcement extends a building’s lifespan, making it a wise investment for property owners. Structural reinforcement is critical to providing a secure living environment and preserving the property’s value.
Contact us today for Structural Reinforcement services to protect your structure from damage.