MINOR PROJECT

PROGRESS REPORT

RETROFITTING TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE

STRUCTURAL RESILIENCE OF OLD AND NEW
BUILDINGS

SUBMITTED BY

Rishant Thakur : 21102017

Vedant Ojha : 21102092
Nyayi Lombi : 21102132

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Prof. Dr. R.R. Singh

Professor of Civil Engineering Department
Former HOD (Civil Engineering)

Department of Civil Engineering

Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University)
Chandigarh-160012, India

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 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that the project work entitled “Retrofitting techniques to enhance
structural resilience of old and new buildings” submitted for the partial fulfillment for the
award of degree Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering is an authentic record of my
own work carried out under the supervision of Prof. Dr. R.R. Singh, Civil Engineering
Department, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh-160012’

We also declare that this report has not been submitted to any other University or
Institution for the award of any degree, diploma, or another similar title.

Rishant Thakur
(21102017)
B. Tech 3rd Year
Punjab Engineering College
(Deemed to be University)
Vedant Ojha
(21102092)
B. Tech 3rd Year
Punjab Engineering College
(Deemed to be University)
Nyayi Lombi
(21102132)
B. Tech 3rd Year
Punjab Engineering College
(Deemed to be University)

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate is correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief.

(Supervisor)
Prof. Dr. R.R. Singh
Professor of Civil Engineering Department
Former HOD (Civil)
Punjab Engineering College (D.U.) Chandigarh – 160012, India

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT 4

INTRODUCTION 4

REVIEW OF LITERATURE 5-6

PURPOSE OF RETROFITTING 7

TECHNIQUES OF RETROFITTING 8- 12

1. Steel bracing 8

2. Base Isolation 9-10

3. Epoxy injection technique 10-11

4. Fibre reinforced concrete 11-12

REFERENCES 13

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 ABSTRACT
Concrete structures worldwide face deterioration due to construction variations, material aging,
and structural weakening. To ensure safety against natural disasters like earthquakes, floods,
and cyclones, retrofitting offers an alternative to demolition and reconstruction. Retrofitting
involves modifying existing buildings, bridges, and heritage structures for increased resilience.
It is not only vital for urban construction but also crucial for property management disciplines.
While modern buildings adhere to earthquake resistant codes, a significant portion of older
structures in earthquake-prone regions like India remains vulnerable. Retrofitting proves cost
effective, reduces labour, shortens project durations, and improves sustainability. This study
advocates retrofitting as a practical solution to adapt structures to new functionalities while
preserving historical landmarks and reducing environmental impact.

INTRODUCTION
The concept of retrofitting techniques for both old and new structures has a rich history. These
techniques, introduced by various experts and innovators over the years, have evolved to
address the changing needs of structural preservation and adaptation. The term "retrofitting"
itself has become synonymous with the process of modifying existing structures to enhance
their resilience and functionality.
The worldwide deterioration of concrete structures poses a significant challenge. This
degradation arises from several factors. Firstly, the construction of buildings rarely aligns
precisely with the designer's specifications, leading to numerous defects and uncertainties
during the construction process. Additionally, the quality of materials degrades over time,
rendering the assessment of existing buildings a time-dependent challenge. Consequently,
structures gradually lose their strength, resulting in problems such as roof, foundation, wall,
column, and beam damage.
Ensuring the safety of these buildings against various loads, including natural disasters like
earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and landslides, is paramount. The conventional method for
transforming a structure, such as changing a building site for commercial purposes, often
involves demolition and reconstruction, which causes environmental pollution and waste.
Retrofitting entails the modification of existing structures, such as buildings, bridges, and
heritage structures, to enhance their resistance to seismic activities and other natural disasters.
While retrofitting is a necessity for urban construction, it is especially critical for preserving
historically significant of heritage structures. Unlike private and public buildings that can be

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dismantled in extreme cases, historical structures cannot be dismantled, making retrofitting the
only viable preservation option.
Choosing retrofitting over reconstruction offers several advantages, including energy
efficiency, cost-effectiveness, reduced workforce requirements, shorter project durations, and
improved structural sustainability. This approach is particularly relevant in regions prone to
earthquakes, such as India, where many buildings were constructed before the implementation
of modern seismic codes. Retrofitting serves as a practical and sustainable solution for
renovating structures to meet new functional requirements.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
L Hao (2020) reviewed the impact of climate change on retrofitted historic buildings, stressing
the need for conservation-friendly solutions. These buildings, comprising a significant portion
of Europe's stock, play a vital role in energy efficiency goals but face climate challenges. With
rising greenhouse gases, global temperatures are predicted to increase by 1°C. European
projects, although valuable, often focus on unaltered historic buildings. Retrofitting is crucial
to mitigate climate change, particularly for buildings built before 1960. Effective strategies are
needed to address energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and heritage preservation in the face of
climate change.

Sarah Griffin (2017) conducted a comprehensive analysis following the Canterbury

earthquakes of 2011, which significantly heightened the demand for concrete crack repair in
New Zealand. Epoxy resin emerged as a prevalent choice for mending concrete cracks and
bolstering durability. Repair methods encompassed various approaches, including
electrochemical methods, polymer-based materials, and the injection of epoxy resin. The
historical development of epoxy resins underscored their pivotal role in adhesive materials.
Swift epoxy repair played a pivotal role in preserving structural integrity and safeguarding
reinforcement. Two prevalent application methods included epoxy resin injection and gravity
filling. Despite epoxy materials boasting high tensile and compressive strength, their
performance in repairing concrete structures lacked extensive literature coverage. This study
delves into the evaluation of epoxy-repaired concrete beam flexural tensile capacity, revealing
variations contingent on epoxy type and application methods. When applied correctly, epoxy

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can fully restore structural strength and continuity, with epoxy viscosity emerging as a critical
factor influencing outcomes.

Yogendra Singh (2003) emphasized the pressing issue of a large number of structurally
deficient buildings in India, particularly concerning their vulnerability to earthquake forces, a
concern underscored by past seismic events. Retrofitting existing buildings in India presents a
complex challenge, with a particular focus on reinforced concrete (RC) structures due to the
intricate behaviour of RC composite materials. The seismic performance of these buildings
depends not only on the size of structural members and reinforcement quantity but also
significantly on the placement and detailing of reinforcement. The construction practices in
India often result in substantial defects, further complicating retrofitting efforts. The retrofitting
process involves several key steps: establishing performance goals and seismic hazard
assessment, systematic visual inspection and documentation study, in-situ investigations to
assess material strength and degradation, identification of deficiencies, detailed evaluation
encompassing strength, ductility, and deterioration, and ultimately designing a retrofitting
scheme based on identified deficiencies, followed by evaluation of the retrofitted structure.

Oliveto and Marletta (2005) The paper explores strategies for seismic retrofitting in
buildings susceptible to earthquakes, encompassing both conventional and innovative
approaches. Among these methods, the paper extensively delves into stiffness reduction
techniques. It particularly focuses on a practical implementation involving a set of springs to
isolate the building's base. This configuration employs one spring to symbolize the structure
and another for the base isolation system. The enhanced system exhibits substantial
earthquake resistance, showcasing the effectiveness of this method. Additionally, it
contributes to the building's performance parameters.

N.M. Bhandari and A.K. Dwivedi (2003) The authors discussed the materials employed in
retrofitting, including Epoxy, Steel, Mortar, Quick Setting Cement Mortar, and FRP Sheets.
Additionally, they provide insight into a range of retrofitting methods, such as Shotcrete
Jacketing, Mechanical Anchorage, Insertion of new walls, Masonry arches, and reinforcing
existing Unreinforced Masonry Infills.

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 PURPOSE OF RETROFITTING

Addressing Structural Cracks:

Structural cracks in concrete buildings result from various factors, including weathering
processes like freezing and thawing, poor construction practices such as inadequate curing,
construction overloads, and drying shrinkage. These cracks not only affect aesthetics but also
signify structural problems, posing durability and safety concerns. As they widen, moisture
ingress can lead to reinforcement corrosion, weakening the structure or even causing its failure.

Combating Steel Reinforcement Corrosion:

Steel reinforcement in concrete structures is naturally susceptible to corrosion when exposed
to oxygen and moisture. Concrete's alkaline environment typically provides protection through
a passivating film. However, this film can break down due to carbonation or chloride ingress,
leading to active corrosion. Corrosion expansion displaces concrete, generates tensile stress,
and results in cracks and spalling of the cover concrete.

Enhancing Seismic Resistance:

Global seismic events have demonstrated the devastating impact on life and property.
Recognizing that earthquakes are not limited to specific zones, measures to enhance seismic
performance are crucial. The lessons from past earthquakes, such as the Nepal earthquake in
2015, emphasize the need for seismic fortification in regions with historically less seismic
activity. Buildings designed without seismic considerations face challenges in meeting current
seismic requirements, emphasizing the importance of earthquake disaster prevention.

Retrofitting Historical Buildings:

Traditional heritage structures, constructed before widespread use of reinforced concrete, often
lack seismic design. These historically significant buildings, constructed based on builders'
experience, are vulnerable to earthquakes, aging, and various factors like humidity and
pollution. Retrofitting is essential to improve the seismic resilience of these structures,
especially in seismically active regions.

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 TECHNIQUES OF RETROFITTING

Steel Bracing
Steel braced frames serve as structural systems employed to withstand earthquake forces in
multi-story buildings. Retrofitting is often required for existing reinforced concrete buildings
to address deficiencies in seismic resistance. The use of steel bracing systems to strengthen or
retrofit these inadequately seismic-resistant reinforced concrete frames offers an effective
solution. These bracing systems mitigate bending moments and shear forces in columns,
transmitting lateral loads through axial action to the foundation. Importantly, they do not
significantly alter the existing structure's overall weight. Steel bracing systems are cost-
effective, easy to install, space-efficient, and adaptable to meet required strength and stiffness
criteria. Furthermore, they enhance lateral stiffness, strength capacity, and displacement
capacity of the structure.
A steel bracing system can be integrated into a frame to enhance lateral stiffness, strength,
ductility, hysteretic energy dissipation, or a combination thereof. Such braces are especially
effective for more flexible frames lacking infill walls.
The utilization of steel bracing represents an advantageous concept for strengthening and
retrofitting existing structures. These bracings reduce flexural, and shear demands on beams
and columns, transferring lateral loads through axial mechanisms. Notably, X-bracing systems
minimize bending moments compared to other bracing types.

Decision-Making Process for Implementing Bracing in Structural Retrofitting:

1. The initial steps involve evaluating the seismic adequacy of the structure by comparing
performance requirements with expected behaviour under seismic loads.
2. If inadequacies are identified, the owner must decide between retrofitting or replacement.
3. The retrofitting scheme should be designed to rectify structural deficiencies, including issues
related to strength, stiffness, or ductility. Additionally, aesthetic and usability aspects during
and after construction should be considered. Bracing may complement other retrofitting
techniques, such as combining perimeter frame bracing with column strengthening or interior
infill shear walls. The design of the bracing system also involves choosing the configuration,
including selecting frames and bays to be braced and determining bracing patterns, which can
lead to changes in force distribution within the existing structure.

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Base Isolation
Base isolation (BI) systems for buildings aim to disconnect the building structure from
potentially damaging earthquake motion, preventing the building from absorbing seismic
energy. This mechanism extends the structure's natural period and reduces its response to
earthquake-induced acceleration.

Varieties of Base Isolators:

1. Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB): LRBs consist of laminated rubber bearings with lead plugs
for shear deformation. Lead within the bearing physically deforms under a flow stress of 10
MPa, providing a bilinear response. Proper fit is ensured by slightly oversized lead plugs
inserted into the elastomeric bearing.
2. High Density Rubber Bearings (HDRB): HDRBs consist of thin layers of high damping
rubber and steel plates. Unlike LRBs, they do not contain lead at their core. The rubber used is
either natural or synthetic and offers effective damping properties.
3. Friction Pendulum System (FPS): FPS is a sliding isolation system composed of a spherical
stainless steel surface and an articulated slider covered with Teflon-based composite material.
It operates based on the principle of a simple pendulum and is installed between a structure and
its foundation to safeguard the structure from earthquake shaking.

Installation Steps for Base Isolation Retrofitting:

1. Excavate around the existing building's foundation.
2. Remove the ground-level slab and install Soles piles in the ground, with the choice of piles
based on soil characteristics. Place the first mat foundation slab above the piles, unconnected
to the building.
3. Prepare the second mat foundation slab and position it over the first slab, ensuring it's
connected to the building. Create holes in the second slab for hydraulic jack installation.
4. Place hydraulic jacks in the holes at even intervals in the second foundation slab.
5. Operate the hydraulic jacks to apply pressure on the lower mat foundation slab, lifting the
upper mat foundation slab and the entire building.
6. Insert base isolators between the first and second mat foundation slabs, following the design
specifications.
7. Remove the hydraulic jacks from their holes, leaving the building equipped with the base
isolation device.

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8. Construct a retaining wall around the excavated foundation area to prevent soil ingress.
9. Add a manhole in the upper foundation slab to enable inspection and maintenance of the
base isolators.

Benefits of Base Isolation Retrofitting:

1. Base isolation reduces seismic forces in superstructures, offering significant reductions,
ranging from 0.3 to 0.8, and optimizes their distribution among substructures and foundations.
2. Seismic response in retrofitted structures is notably reduced compared to conventional ones,
underscoring the effectiveness of base isolation in retrofitting.
3. Historical monumental structures maintain their original uniqueness and aesthetic value even
after base isolation retrofitting.
4. The described construction methodology can be applied to retrofitting projects involving
base isolation techniques.

Epoxy Injection Technique:

Epoxy resin is a widely employed method for repairing cracks in concrete structures,
effectively restoring their integrity. These resin products became commercially available in
1946, leading to the development of various epoxy-based systems in modern adhesive
technology. Epoxy resins have been used extensively for structural purposes and can be tailored
to specific requirements by combining them with curing agents. Rapid epoxy repairs are crucial
not only for structural enhancement but also to safeguard reinforcement from moisture and
potential contaminants that could compromise a structure's durability.

Key Properties:
1. Epoxy Resins are thermosetting, curing through internally generated heat.
2. They consist of two components: resin and hardener, which, when mixed, trigger a chemical
reaction resulting in material hardening.
3. Epoxy resins generally exhibit superior bonding and physical strength compared to polyester
resins.
4. They adhere to surfaces where polyesters may not, including redwood, hardwoods,
Styrofoam, select plastics, and metal.
5. Epoxy resins can be mixed with various fillers for specialized applications.

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6. They have low water absorption.

Epoxy injection demands a high level of expertise for effective execution. The general steps
involved in epoxy injection are as follows:
1. Crack Cleaning: Begin by thoroughly cleaning contaminated cracks, as substances like oil,
grease, dirt, or fine concrete particles can impede epoxy penetration and bonding, diminishing
repair effectiveness. Contaminants are best removed through vacuuming, flushing with water,
or specialized cleaning solutions.
2. Surface Sealing: Surface cracks should be sealed to prevent epoxy leakage before it cures.
In cases where the crack face is inaccessible, backfill or subbase materials can serve as adequate
seals.
3. Entry and Venting Ports Installation: Three common methods are used:
a. Fittings Inserted into Drilled Holes: Drill a hole into the crack and insert a fitting like a
pipe nipple or tire valve stem, usually bonded with epoxy adhesive.
b. Bonded Flush Fitting: When cracks are not V-grooved, a flush fitting is bonded flush with
the concrete face over the crack.
c. Interruption in Seal: This method utilizes gasket devices to cover the unsealed portion of
the crack, allowing direct injection without leaks.
4. Mixing: Adhesive components are premixed according to the manufacturer's instructions,
typically using a mechanical stirrer, such as a paint mixing paddle. Care must be taken to mix
only the amount of adhesive that can be used before it begins to gel.
5. Epoxy Injection: Hydraulic pumps, paint pressure pots, or air-actuated caulking guns can be
used for injection. Pressure must be carefully selected, as excessive pressure can propagate
existing cracks, causing additional damage.

Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC):

Concrete possesses strength in compression but is weak in tension, often leading to crack
formation and structural failure. To combat cracking, fibers are introduced into the concrete
mix. The shape of these fibers plays a crucial role in bonding characteristics, with variations
including straight, undulated, corrugated, and differently shaped ends. Typically, fibres have a
length 2.5 to 3 times the maximum aggregate size. They help distribute loads within the internal
micro cracks and offer numerous advantages in construction, such as excellent flexural tensile
strength, resistance to spitting, impact resistance, permeability, and frost resistance. FRC

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effectively enhances toughness, shock resistance, and resistance to plastic shrinkage cracking
in mortar. Steel fibers, for example, reduce the need for heavy steel reinforcement, improve
freeze-thaw resistance, and enhance concrete durability by reducing crack widths.

Types of Fibers:
1. Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC): SFRC combines cement concrete mix with
uniformly distributed steel fibers, offering improved tensile and impact strength. Low-volume
fractions (<1%) have minimal impact on compressive and tensile strength.
2. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC): GFRC incorporates short discrete glass fibers into
the concrete composition, enhancing tensile and impact strength.
3. Polymer Fiber Reinforced Concrete (PFRC): PFRC addresses steel reinforcement corrosion
issues by adhesively bonding fiber composites to structures. Uniform fiber distribution
throughout the concrete improves homogeneity, reduces water absorption, and increases
impact resistance, flexural strength, and tensile strength.

Advantages of Retrofitting:
1. Retrofitting makes buildings more adaptable and suitable for current or future activities,
enhancing comfort.
2. Retrofitting improves energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions from building
operations.
3. Retrofitting maximizes the sustainable use of embodied carbon investment (capital carbon).
4. Other benefits include long-term cost savings through reduced energy and water usage via
new technology, services, or equipment.
5. Enhancing interior thermal comfort by redesigning the façade and interior can increase
productivity and satisfaction.
6. Retrofitting lowers greenhouse emissions and optimizes water usage.
7. Future-proofing buildings ensures their usefulness and longevity when equipped with current
technology.

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 REFERENCES
1. Sarah Griffin (2017) Evaluation of Epoxy Injection Method for Concrete Crack Repair.
2. Yogendra Singh, (2003), “Challenges in retrofitting of RC buildings” ,Workshop on
retrofitting of structures IIT Roorkee.
3. Giusepe Oliveto, Massimo Marleta, (2005), seismic retrofitting of reinforced concrete
buildings using traditional and innovative techniques, ISET journal of earthquake
technology.
4. Ghimire, (2019) “Technique Used for Strengthening of Existing Columns with
Reinforced Concrete Jacketing”.
5. Mishra, A. Ranjan, A. Kumar Singh, Mukesh Saw, (2017) “Analysis, Design and
Application of Retrofitting Techniques in Various Structure”: International Journal of
Engineering Research & Technology.
6. Dr. S. Mageswari, D. Babhu, S.N. Sulochana, (2018) “Fibre Reinforced Concrete”.
7. Dr. Y.P Joshi, (2014) “Applications and Properties of Fibre Reinforced Concrete”.
8. Faella, E. Martinelli, C. Lima, R. Realfonzo, (2014) “Steel bracing configurations for
seismic retrofitting of a reinforced concrete frame”.
9. H.S. Rao Khode, (2019) “Advanced Retrofitting Techniques for Reinforced Concrete
Structures: A State of an Art Technical Review”.
10. J. Emmanuel, (2018) Retrofitting of RC Beams using Epoxy Injection and Epoxy
Bonded Polyester Fibre.
11. J.Y. Sudha, C.C. Mouli, P Markandeya Raju, (2017), “Retrofitting of Reinforced
Concrete structural elements - Recent Technologies and Future Scope”.

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