How Do I Know if My Home Is Retrofitted?

Retrofitting involves enhancing and strengthening existing structures, so they are more able to withstand the detrimental impacts of disasters.

Through the inclusion of new technology or features, retrofitting helps to increase a property’s energy savings and can assist you in saving money on your long-term energy costs.

How Do I Know if My Home Is Retrofitted?

Retrofitting is done to buildings to increase their quake resistance.

Several methods are used to do this; some notable ones that you should be on the lookout for include added structural bracing to the structure, secured floor joists, rafters, and beams to the base and framed components, and preventing furniture and equipment from toppling.

Here are some of the things to be on the lookout for to identify buildings that have been altered to make them safer:

Added Additional Support Structures

This approach is particularly used when the framework already in place is unable to support the weight of the roof or when there is insufficient redundancy. 

The recently installed elements are also intended to support the lateral loads associated with earthquakes.

It is accomplished by incorporating additional structures like beams and columns.

Braces at Specific Locations to Improve Lateral Load Resistance

This method is employed when the structural frame cannot support the lateral loads or when there are allegedly severe deformations under lateral loading.

The use of bracing considerably increases the structure’s ability to carry lateral loads and redistributes forces.

Thick Walls Being Made

Brickwork and concrete are added with steel alignments at specific points, reinforcing the walls and giving them that extra thickness.

The wall becomes heavier and is able to support higher vertical and horizontal loads. A

dditionally, it is constructed following specific guidelines to prevent the wall’s unexpected breakdown due to transverse loads.

Rust prevention is done by covering the reinforcement using a mortar.

Jacketing Method

It is the most popular method of building retrofitting.

The most widely utilized technique for strengthening a building’s columns and beams is jacketing.

Around the existing columns, jacketing is created by adding cement with transverse and longitudinal reinforcement.

It increases the column’s axial and shear strength, which may save the need for significant foundation strengthening.

Because foundation strengthening is not necessary and the column’s shear strength is increased, less effort is required.

Additionally, it tightens up the confinement of concrete in spherical columns.

Steel jacketing speeds up construction while not significantly increasing the column’s weight.

The Use of Concrete Reinforced with Fiber 

The use of reinforced polymer is an efficient way to reinforce and repair structures that have grown weak structurally over time.

This uses the axial  method in which a reinforced polymer is used for strengthening concrete beams

It is applicable on beams of different shapes but is more preferred on circular columns. This method improves the tension of steel and concrete, which increases their overall load capacity.

Such strengthened columns have better ductility.

Before using polymers to repair composites, they must first be dried because the majority of such polymers absorb moisture.

Use of Mass Reduction Techniques

As with the bulk reduction process, where one or more storeys are removed.

It is clear from this method that removing the bulk will result in a reduction in stress, which will result in an improvement in the needed strength.

Structural Repair Through Epoxy Injection Method

Epoxies can be injected under pressure to bind the fissures.

It is frequently used to repair the condition of concrete slabs and beams without necessarily boosting their strength.

When exposed to flames or high temperatures, they lose strength. In the event of such structural repairs, fireproofing measures must be taken.

By providing additional reinforcement to the afflicted area, this retrofitting technique strengthens the structure.

When injecting fissures that are not readily visible on all surfaces, great caution must be taken.

Enlarged Cross Section

This technique is utilized to boost the aspects of the building and the reinforcement area.

In addition to improving the bearing capacity, it can also stiffen the cross-section of the structure and alter the natural vibration frequency, which improves the performance of the structure when used normally.

When it comes to increasing the building’s strength, the increased cross-section has proven to be a wise choice.

Types of Retrofitting

Retrofitting is divided into four main categories, namely:

1. Preservation Retrofitting

The primary goal of this kind of retrofitting is to preserve the structure’s original design.

Without compromising the integrity of the building, repairs are made. The substance and worth remain unchanged.

2. Rehabilitation Retrofitting

Rehabilitation retrofitting is employed when a structure is no longer functionally useful in light of the requirements of the present.

Rehabilitation retrofitting is employed since, often, ancient structures become unusable for contemporary needs.

3. Restoration Retrofitting

Over time, a structure’s strength deteriorates. As time goes on, a building loses its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Restoring a property to its original shape involves restoration retrofitting.

4. Reconstruction Retrofitting

Reconstruction retrofitting refers to the construction of an exact replica of the original building.

The Benefits of a Retrofitted Building

The followings are some advantages of retrofitting of building 

• This method is employed to keep the structure from shifting on its concrete foundation. It raises the structure’s levels of stability and safety.
• Buildings that have been retrofitted are more versatile, ideal for current activities or upcoming activities, and more pleasant to withstand loading.
• The procedure enhances a home’s capacity to safeguard occupants during an earthquake.
• Additionally, most insurance companies have enhanced their insurance coverage when you have retrofitting done to your home.
• Buildings that have been retrofitted use less energy and produce less carbon emissions.

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