Introduction to Column

Strengthening
Column strengthening is a crucial aspect of structural engineering,
aimed at enhancing the load-bearing capacity and resilience of
columns. It involves the application of various methods and techniques
to reinforce existing columns, ensuring they can withstand increased
loads and external forces.

RA by Rounak Mulik
Reason for Column Strengthening in
Structural Engineering
1 Deterioration Over Time
Columns may weaken due to aging, environmental factors, and structural
degradation, necessitating strengthening to ensure long-term structural
integrity.

2 Increased Load Requirements

With changes in the building's usage, there might be a need to
strengthen columns to support heavier loads than they were originally
designed for.

3 Reinforcement for Seismic Events

Column strengthening is often essential in earthquake-prone areas to
improve the building’s resistance to seismic forces.
Common Methods of Column
Strengthening
Steel Jacketing Concrete Jacketing Steel Plate Bonding

Wrapping the column with Application of additional Connecting steel plates to

steel plates to enhance its concrete layers to the the column using adhesives
load-bearing capacity. existing column to increase to reinforce its load-carrying
its strength. capability.
Reinforcement Techniques for Column
Strengthening
1 External Steel 2 Concrete 3 Reinforcement Bars
Bracing Encasement Addition
Installation of external Encasing the columns in Insertion of new
steel bracing systems to additional layers of reinforcement bars
improve the lateral reinforced concrete to within the column to
stability of columns. enhance their load- strengthen its structural
bearing capacity. properties.
Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for
Column Strengthening

1 2 3
High Tensile Strength Corrosion Resistance Lightweight Nature
FRP materials offer FRP materials are immune to Being lightweight, FRP
exceptional tensile strength, corrosion, ensuring long-term materials facilitate easy
making them ideal for durability and low handling and installation,
reinforcing structural maintenance requirements. reducing construction time.
elements.
Detail Process of Fiber-Reinforced
Polymers

1 2

Surface Preparation Applying Adhesive

Thoroughly cleaning and profiling the column Utilizing specialized adhesives to secure the
surface to ensure proper adhesion of the FRP FRP materials onto the column’s surface
materials. effectively.

3 4

Fiber Wrapping Finishing

Wrapping the column with layers of FRP Final treatment and finishing to guarantee a
sheets, ensuring uniform coverage for seamless and visually appealing application
structural enhancement. of the FRP materials.
Surface Preparation
Cleaning
Removal of dust, debris, and
contaminants from the column's
surface through thorough cleaning
methods.
Profiling
Creating a rough profile on the
column's surface to facilitate strong
adhesion of the FRP materials.
Applying Adhesive

Adhesive Bonding
Application of high-strength adhesives to secure the FRP materials onto the column’s surface
effectively.
Fiber Wrapping
1 Layered Application
Strategically wrapping the columns
with multiple layers of FRP
materials for comprehensive
reinforcement.
2 Ensuring Uniformity
Paying attention to ensure uniform
coverage and alignment of the fiber
wrapping for consistent
strengthening.
Applying Adhesive & Epoxy sand

Adhesive Bonding
Application of high-strength adhesives to secure the FRP materials onto the column’s surface
effectively & provide epoxy sand for rough surface to increase workability at column.
Finishing

Project Completion Quality Check Durability Assessment

Final treatment and finishing Thorough inspection to ensure Evaluation of the long-term
to achieve a visually appealing the effectiveness and quality durability and performance of
and structurally enhanced of the fiber-reinforced polymer the strengthened columns.
column reinforcement. application.