Presently, the scenario in the construction industry is such that the owner of a building that has issues of distress or has not complied with the recent standards of safety faces the challenge of whether to renovate the building or erect a new structure. This challenge is not an easy decision to make at the BS Structural Innovation Company. We view the challenge with the application of forensic engineering concepts.

A closer examination of its present condition is required to identify the best way forward. This is not a mere visual examination; it is a thorough structural examination. Under the supervision of Soumyendu Ganguly, our investigation employs non-destructive testing, “to determine the health of the concrete and the level of reinforcement corrosion.” By gauging the level of carbonation and chloride, it is possible to establish if the “framework has another thirty years of life within it or if it has reached a state of terminal decay.”

The Mechanics of Structural Retrofitting

This refers to an operation that involves improving an existing building in order to shield it from seismic activities, ground motions, as well as extra floor loadings. Retrofitting can be very effective in many business and industrial buildings, as it is often the most cost-efficient and time-critical alternative compared to other reconstruction approaches.

Some of the advanced methods, which are commonly employed by BS Structural Innovation Company, to increase the lifespan of a structure include:

• Column Jacketing: This entails encasing columns that already exist in a new “jacket” of concrete or steel. This process enhances the structural columns’ bearing power and is required when a building is to be reused for different purposes.
• FRP Wrapping: Carbon fibre wrapping is a novel method used for the strengthening of beams as well as slabs. This method offers unparalleled tensile strength, which has little or no weight. These wraps are used in situations whereby it is paramount to maintain the original dimensions.
• External Bracing: This may be done using steel braces that will strengthen the structure in cases where lateral forces were not considered in the design of the structure. Examples of lateral forces include seismic forces or the force of wind.

Assessment of the Need for Reconstruction

Although there are numerous advantages associated with strengthening, reconstruction becomes the only best alternative whenever the “bones” of a building have been seriously compromised. For example, whenever a building’s foundation has experienced profound settlement, where a part of the building settles at a higher rate compared to another part, the resulting stresses might beset a building beyond repair through strengthening measures.

Moreover, reconstruction involves a comprehensive modernization of the “serviceability” of the structure as a whole. The original structure usually lacks sufficient ceiling height and supports columns that are inadequate for modern office space and industrial facilities. Reconstruction makes it possible to implement state-of-art MEP systems and green building materials starting from the foundation. At BS Structural Innovation Company, we conduct a comprehensive benefit/cost analysis for our clients to ensure that, in the event they elect to reconstruct, it stops being worthwhile financially and structurally for them to invest in the original structure.

Conclusion 

One of the most important aspects that Soumyendu Ganguly touches upon in these discussions is the effect upon the environment. Reconstruction is not an environmentally sound process since it results in massive amounts of demolition waste and the usage of “embodied carbon” found in materials such as cement and steel. Retrofitting the building means the “embodied carbon” is conserved.

Through this approach, developers will be able to reduce the carbon footprint of their project by rebuilding and structuring their developments in such a manner as to obtain equal safety standards compared to newly developed buildings. Irrespective of whether they choose to reinforce the past or build the future, the top priority of BS Structural Innovation Company is to offer engineered solutions.