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Strengthening columns and beams: rules and tips

Column defects requiring reinforcement may be caused by various reasons, including natural aging of materials, corrosion of reinforcement, loss of stability or damage due to emergency situations.

Critical defects may manifest themselves in the form of cracks, concrete delamination, deformations and deflections. To ensure safety and extend the service life of buildings, reinforcement of building structures becomes a necessary measure. It is important to detect and assess the extent of damage in a timely manner in order to select the optimal reinforcement method.

Reinforcement of reinforced concrete columns is a process aimed at restoring and increasing the load-bearing capacity of elements. There are various reinforcement methods, including strapping columns with steel collars, applying an additional layer of concrete or installing external reinforcement. Another method of reinforcement is using composite materials, such as carbon fiber, which has high strength at low weight. The choice of reinforcement method depends on the nature of the damage, the loads acting on the column and the specific operating conditions of the building.

Reinforcement of metal beams and trusses is also an important task in the field of reinforcement of building structures and structures. Metal elements may require reinforcement due to material fatigue, corrosion or insufficient load-bearing capacity from the start. Methods for reinforcing metal structures include:

  1. Installing additional ties and stiffeners.
  2. Reinforcement with welded attachments or bolted connections.
  3. Applying protective coatings to prevent further corrosion.

Each of these methods requires careful calculation and professional execution of work so that the reinforcement is reliable and durable. The purpose of reinforcing metal structures is not only to restore their original characteristics, but also, if necessary, to adapt to new operating conditions or increased loads.