A large number of existing buildings do not have adequate

earthquake resistant features as specified as in IS Codes. This

is because of some reasons like non availability of competent
technical manpower, lack of regulatory mechanisms to
check earthquake resistance of proposed constructions and
economic constraints.
Earthquake creates great devastations in terms of life, money
and failure of structure. It is very important to upgrade certain
building systems to make them more resistant to seismic
activity. Retrofitting proves to be a better economic
consideration and immediate shelter to problems rather than
replacement of the building. Retrofitting is the modification
of existing structures to make them more resistant to seismic
activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquakes.
Retrofitting techniques are also applicable for other natural
hazards such as cyclones, tornadoes and wind forces.
The aim of retrofitting techniques is to upgrade the lateral
strength and increase the ductility of the structure. It also
increases the lateral stiffness of the building.
Problems faced by Reinforced Cement Concrete(RCC
)structural members:
There are several problems which are faced by RCC
structural members. These are-
• Structural cracks.
• Excessive loading.
• Damage to structural members.
• Errors in design and construction.
 • Seismic damages
Retrofitting methods for RCC structural members:
1) Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites: It is defined as
polymer that is reinforced with fiber. FRP bars, sheets are used
for strengthening of various structures.

Fig 1: Retrofitting with FRP composites.

2. External plate bonding: Reinforced concrete beam is
repaired with externally bonded steel plate, which is
economically preferable.

Fig 2: External plate bonding in Retrofitting

3. Grouting: grouting is the process of placing a material into
cavities in concrete for the purpose of increasing the load
bearing capacity of the structure.
Fig 3: Grouting in Retrofitting
4. Section enlargement: In this method the entire height of
the column section is increased and additional main
reinforcement bars are provided right from the foundation as
per the requirement of additional load.

Fig 4: Section enlargement in Retrofitting

Classification of Retrofitting Techniques:
1. Global Retrofitting Techniques: Global retrofitting
techniques are used to stiffen the building, by providing
additional lateral load resisting elements, or to reduce the
irregularities or mass. It includes:
• Adding infill walls
• Adding shear walls
• Adding steel bracing
• Reduction of irregularities
• Mass reduction
• Base isolation

Fig 5: Masonry infill

Fig 6: Addition of shear walls
Fig 6: Addition of steel bracing
2. Local retrofitting techniques: local retrofitting techniques
include local strengthening of beams, columns, slabs, beam-
to-column or slab-to-column joints, walls and foundations.
Local strengthening allows one or more under-strength
elements or connections to resist strength demands
predicted by the analysis without affecting the overall
response of the structure. This technique is assumed to be the
most economical alternative when a few of the building’s
elements are deficient. This method includes:
• Jacketing of beams.
 • Jacketing of columns.
• Jacketing of beam-column joints.

(Jacketing is the process whereby a section of an

existing structural member is restored to original
dimensions or increased in size by encasement using
suitable materials)
• Strengthening of isolated footings.
India has witnessed several moderate earthquakes in the last
two decades causing over 25,000 fatalities and innumerable
house collapses. Every year a large number of new houses
are getting added to existing stock of the country, each
earthquake in the last 25 years has identified some major
deficiencies of the existing large stock of housing across the
country. The prevalent high earthquake hazards, large
exposure and high vulnerability indicate that urgent
proactive action is necessary to save lives. That is why we can
call retrofitting as national urgency.
The main challenge of the retrofitting method is to achieve a
desired performance level at minimum cost. In this case,
proper design codes are required to be published as code of
practice for professionals related to this field. A
comprehensive approach is also required for promoting
retrofitting of deficient houses.