Repair and Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract

Concrete is the most common material used in civil engineering. It has been a key factor in improving human life and creating a safe environment for society to live. Although it is the best constructing material, it is of course prone to damage and failure. Different techniques have been created and discovered in order to maintain, repair or strengthen reinforced concrete structures. The most common method used is the Concrete Repair and Maintenance System created in the late 1990’s and frequently improved by researchers and civil engineers. The system consists of seven basic steps which if implemented correctly, give results in determining and selecting the right repair method and material and repairing the concrete structure. There is a wide range of materials that can be used in the aforementioned processes of repairing which have also been studied in order to select the right material for the right process of repairing. The materials are of a wide range and variety, each having its advantages and disadvantages. Coherently with choosing the right materials, the most benefiting method or repairing is also determined. The strengthening of reinforced concrete structures is another process which has been studied and a few guidelines have been created to make a preexisting concrete structure better, stronger, more durable. Strengthening is done through various ways from jacketing to using a new methodology which has yet to be thoroughly studied. Strengthening is used to increase the longevity of concrete structures. A case study is undertaken, consisting of a 4-story building, in Linzë, Tiranë which showed signs of damage from the earthquake of 26th of November 2019. A structural and seismic analysis was done to determine the capacity of the structure and further determine the right method for the repair and strengthening of the structure.