By The Guardian Chief Technical Advisor — GUGAFIX® Construction Chemicals Introduction There is rarely one universal method for strengthening an existing RCC structure. When a beam, column or other structural member requires strengthening, engineers may consider several approaches, including: Concrete jacketing Steel plate strengthening Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems Each method has different characteristics. The right choice depends not simply on which material is s

By The Guardian Chief Technical Advisor — GUGAFIX® Construction Chemicals Introduction When an RCC beam develops inadequate load-carrying capacity, excessive cracking, deterioration, or increased loading requirements, strengthening may be necessary. Concrete jacketing and steel plate strengthening are established methods, but they can increase member size, add considerable dead load, require extensive access and involve significant site work. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) s

When Repair Is Not Enough and the Beam Needs Additional Structural Capacity By The Guardian Chief Technical Advisor GUGAFIX® Construction Chemicals An RCC beam can deteriorate for many reasons. It can also become structurally inadequate for reasons that have nothing to do with visible deterioration. For example: Building use may change Loads may increase Original design may have deficiencies Reinforcement may have deteriorated Structural modifications may alter load paths New