First of all, the structure with the strengthening works that will be;
More robust
Safer
According to regulations
They become healthier.
Most of the structures that remain standing after earthquakes are at risk for re-use. With the effects of the earthquake, damage to the structure's carrier system, which can be seen from the outside or not, may occur on its basis. For both types of damage, interaction with the necessary authorities should be carried out and the current condition of the structure should be analyzed before the structure is used again. The structure should not be opened for use again without obtaining the approval of an “earthquake-resistant, safe structure” as a result of earthquake analysis by the authorities.
What is Earthquake Analysis?
Earthquake analyses are procedures performed by the authorities to determine how resistant the structure is to earthquakes. In earthquake analyses, the quality of concrete is measured first. Concrete quality is measured by taking CORING from concrete. Then the IRON STRIPPING processes are started. Columns are broken in certain areas to make their internal steel visible. Thus, the corrosion levels of the steel can be checked and corrosion measurements can be made. After the tests, the necessary data are examined and a REINFORCEMENT PROJECT is prepared to improve the structure. The ground survey, ground drilling, geotechnical report, and inspection geophysical reports are prepared. With these reports, a REINFORCEMENT PROJECT is prepared to strengthen the static condition of the structure.
Within the scope of the reinforcement project, earthquake simulation is applied to the structure and how the structure will react in the event of a possible earthquake. As a result of the simulation, the structure should fall into one of three categories as LOW DAMAGE, MEDIUM DAMAGE, and SEVERE DAMAGE. In the category of low damage, no operations may be performed on the structures. In the category of medium damage, it is necessary to apply STRUCTURE STRENGTHENING OPERATIONS for the structure to be re-used.
In buildings with low concrete strength, advanced rusting of column-beam reinforcement, damage to the load-bearing system, difficulty in carrying the system load, and exposure to loads above the load-bearing capacity, structure strengthening should be carried out urgently.
If the approval of ”The structure is earthquake resistant, safe" is not obtained, two ways should be followed according to the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake effect.
Completely demolishing the building, processing a new project, and rebuilding it.
Strengthening of the existing building
Making reinforcement applications in a structure is a much more economical solution than demolishing and rebuilding the structure.
How is Structure Strengthening Performed?
The purpose of building reinforcement is to make the old-damaged structure durable. Structure strengthening techniques and the materials to be used vary depending on which part of the structure will be reinforced at which level. Priority is given to columns in strengthening works. Operations are performed to prevent damage to the columns forming the main carrier system of the structure and to restore the static forces of the columns.
Building Reinforcement Methods
Building reinforcement methods are divided into classes according to the type of material to be used and the place where it is applied.
Concrete
The most common building reinforcement material in our country is concrete. In examples where the building reinforcement material is concrete, the columns are covered with reinforced concrete sheathing to increase the horizontal and vertical load-bearing capacity. The only negative aspect of this building reinforcement material is that the construction time takes longer than other materials.
Steel
It is used in the joints of columns, beams, curtains and load-bearing elements of the structure. The damaged areas can be wrapped with a steel layer to provide the necessary support.
Steel is preferred as a building reinforcement material in cases where concrete is insufficient. Although it is more costly than concrete, faster and more durable productions can be made in building reinforcements made with steel material. Steel reinforcements are applied to the entire structure or a certain part of the structure in order to support weak beams against the load on them in the structure and thus prevent vertical fractures in the structure.
Carbon Fiber
This method of strengthening is a practical and economical solution. It can be used in the whole structure, masonry walls, column-beam reinforcements. Before starting carbon fiber reinforcement applications, the area where the application will be performed should be completely cleaned of dirt and dust, and the structural defects found in the area should be corrected. After the structural defects are removed, epoxy adhesives are applied to the area and carbon fiber reinforcement materials are applied on these epoxy adhesives. After applying the strengthening materials, another layer of epoxy adhesive layer should be applied on top of them. 2. Finally, a protection layer is applied on top of the epoxy adhesive layer. When the process is completed, the resistance of the structure to external loads will increase by a large amount. In addition, after the strengthening process is completed, there are no changes in the external appearance of the side.