Yes, while concrete is known for being a sturdy and durable building material, the reality is that it can suffer damage or weakness over time. Whether due to overloading, the age of the building, or environmental factors, concrete structures sometimes also need extra help to remain standing strong and safe. Well, this is where reinforcing concrete structures plays an important role.
What is it? Well, this time we will discuss the various types of building concrete reinforcement and how they are applied in the field. So that it is not only theoretical, but can also be understood and applied easily. Check it out!
Why is concrete reinforcement so important?
Reinforcing concrete structures is done for no other purpose than to make them stronger, more durable, and more stable. That’s because there are many things that make concrete need extra attention, ranging from additional loads, the appearance of cracks, to natural damage over time.
Especially if during renovation, usually the building structure must be adjusted so that it can support the new load. Well, if not reinforced in the right way, concrete structures can fail, and this is certainly a big problem. So, it’s important to know the right reinforcement techniques so that the solution is effective and safe.
Types of Concrete Structure Reinforcement Methods
Every building has its own characteristics. Because of this, concrete reinforcement techniques can’t just be chosen. There are several methods that can be used, depending on the conditions and needs of the structure. Here we explain them one by one so that you can understand better and not take the wrong steps.
1. Adding a New Layer of Concrete
This is one of the most classic ways to make old concrete stronger. How do you do it? You simply add a layer of fresh concrete on the surface of the old structure.
This will increase the bearing capacity of the concrete and cover up any surface damage. If you add additives, the strength of the new concrete can be even better! However, before application, the old concrete must be cleaned to maximize bonding. This method is suitable for bridges, columns, or floors with minor cracks. One of the Estop products that can be used is Estogrout MP70 (using formwork) or Estopatch MP (without formwork).
2. Use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
FRP is a contemporary material that is lightweight but very strong. Suitable for reinforcing concrete without overloading it. FRP is corrosion resistant and fast installation. So it is very suitable for projects with tight deadlines. Usually, FRP is also installed in concrete parts that are exposed to high tensile loads, such as beams or floor slabs. FRP is also often a mainstay for making earthquake-resistant buildings. One example of FRP products from Estop is Estowrap 300 and Estoglass 450.
3. Jacketing Technique
The jacketing technique is a method of reinforcing concrete by wrapping structural elements such as columns or beams using additional material, usually reinforced concrete or steel. This method is effective to increase the dimension of the structure, so that the load capacity can increase significantly.
In addition to being flexible and easy to apply in various building conditions, this concrete structural reinforcement technique is often a mainstay solution for older buildings that require additional bearing capacity, especially to make them more resistant to the risk of earthquake collapse. One of Estop’s products for jacketing is Estogrout MP70 (with formwork) and Estopatch MP (without formwork).
4. Adding Steel Plate
Adding steel plates to concrete structures is a simple but effective way to increase compressive and flexural strength. Steel is known to have a very high tensile strength, which improves structural performance. In addition, the installation process is relatively easy and does not interfere with other surrounding elements.
This method is often used on bridges that experience increased traffic loads, where steel plates are attached with bolts or special adhesives for strong and durable adhesion.
What about the Use of Chemicals?
Well, in the world of concrete reinforcement, construction chemicals also have an important role to play! From epoxy adhesives, concrete additives, to protective coatings, everything can make the quality and durability of concrete even better. But remember, for maximum results, make sure you use quality products that you can get at PT Hissan Trading Indonesia!
So, although concrete is known as a strong building material, the fact is that it can also be damaged over time. Therefore, reinforcing concrete structures is key to maintaining the robustness and stability of the building.
With the various methods we have shared, you can choose the right way according to the condition of the building, ranging from adding a new layer of concrete, using polymer fibers, jacketing techniques, to adding steel plates. Don’t forget, chemicals can also help improve the durability of concrete, as long as you choose quality ones.
Remember, for quality concrete reinforcement products, don’t hesitate to visit PT Hissan Trading Indonesia. We are ready to help meet your project needs!
