ret⋅ro⋅fit–verb  (used with object)

1. to modify equipment (in airplanes, automobiles, a factory, etc.) that is already in

service using parts developed or made available after the time of original manufacture.

2. to install, fit, or adapt (a device or system) for use with something older:

3. (of new or modified parts, equipment, etc.) to fit into or onto existing equipment.

4. to replace existing parts, equipment, etc., with updated parts or systems.

1.0 OVERVIEW

Retrofitting refers to the addition of new technology or features to older systems.

Example: Car customizing, where older vehicles are fitted with new technologies: power
windows, cruise control, remote keyless systems, electric fuel pumps, etc.

Retrofitting of buildings: The process of strengthening older buildings in order to make them
earthquake resistant

Retrofitting can also refer to the improving of existing buildings with energy efficiency equipment
to reduce their consumption of fuels and concurrently reduce their carbon footprint.

1.1 KEYWORDS AND THEIR RELATION

The term “retrofit” is used as a comprehensive term including repair, remodeling as well as
strengthening of existing structures.

• Repair: Reconstruction or renewal of any part of a damaged or deterioted building to

provide the same level of strength and/ or ductility which the building had prior to
damage.eg. patching up superficial defects, re plastering walls.
 A report on ‘Retrofitting of Building structures’

• Remodeling: Reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building due to change

of usage or occupancy.

• Strengthening: Reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building to provide

better structural capacity than that of the original building.

Retrofit: concepts includes strengthening, remodeling, and repair.

• Rehabilitation: Reconstruction or renewal of a damaged building to provide the same

level of function which the building had prior to the damage.

• Restoration: concepts including both retrofit and rehabilitation.. This includes actions
taken for restoring the lost strength of structural elements of the building.

This is done by making the columns, piers, beams and walls at least as strong as originally
provided.

1.2 AIM OF RETROFIT:

1. Increased strength

2. Increased ductility

3. Damage control

1.3 NEED FOR RETROFITTING:

There are several situations in which a civil structure would require strengthening or
rehabilitation: due to lack of strength (flexure, shear etc.), stiffness, ductility and durability.

1.4 WHEN TO RETROFIT?

Some of the common situations where a structure needs retrofitting during its lifespan are:

• seismic retrofit to satisfy current code requirements;

• upgraded loading requirements; damage caused by accidents and environmental conditions;

• initial design flaws and

• change of usage.

 Any suitable combination of the above situations.

1.5 DECISION OF RESTORATION DEPENDS ON:

• TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY

• ECONOMIC VIABLILITY
 A report on ‘Retrofitting of Building structures’

• REMAINING SERVICE LIFE

• COST AND TIME OF RECONSTRUCTION

• OTHER FACTORS (IMPORTANCE, HISTORICAL NATURE etc.)

2.0 BUILDING DISTRESS

A sign of deterioration (crack, corrosion, dampness etc) observed in a building is called a

"distress".

2.1 Factors causing Building Distress?

(i) The reason for distress during service is the lack of maintenance of the building which
results in deterioration/aging of materials and structural components leading to corrosion and
cracking.

(ii) Buildings or structures are damaged at different grades of damage when they experience
extreme loading conditions like in severe earthquakes or cyclonic storms for which they
are not designed.

(iii) They may also fail if the building is not properly designed and constructed following
the standard Codes of practice.

(iv) Inadequacy of design and poor quality of construction and maintenance are therefore
the main reasons for the distress seen in buildings during service or under natural hazards.

• Poor detailing of reinforcement in RC structural members and joints

• Corrosion of reinforcement due to aggressive environment.

• Settlement or differential settlement of foundation