Retrofitting & Engineering Solutions
Structural rehabilitation stands for repairs to be carried out at building areas damaged during service life, whereas structural retrofitting is a complete re-strengthening exercise where necessary changes are made in old design to serve the intended purpose of the structure.
For example – grouting of plaster, concreting repairs by guniting spray & epoxy, welding of steel sections/ reinforcements and painting are rehabilitation methods. While column jacketing, addition of reinforcement on beam on old structural members constitute part of retrofitting.
Rehabilitation is a methodology based approach where effectiveness of a solution is dependent on application whereas retrofitting is a design and methodology based approach. Retrofitting is commonly employed to increase the seismic resistance and addition of stories in a structure. Success of both depends on sound diagnosis, proper selection of materials and repair techniques. These structural solutions are effective in economics and quick delivery of desired results.