Strengthening of Structural Members

Strengthening of structural members can be achieved by

• replacing defective, or poor quality material
• attaching additional load bearing material (for example: reinforcement, high quality concrete, thin metallic or non-metallic straps, post-tensioning tendons, or various combinations of these methods)
• redistributing action effects through imposed deformation of the structural system.

Strengthening of bridges

Bridges of any material can be strengthened by adding external post-tensioning tendons. The influence of post-tensioning on serviceability and ultimate limit states can be varied within wide limits by selecting different methods of introducing prestressing forces and using various tendon profiles.Columns, piers, and tension ties can be strengthened using ground anchors.In this case, the ground anchors act as external tendons to supply additional uplift capacity or to increase the tie force between different parts of the structure.

DSI Reference: MRT Transportation Network, Taipei, Taiwan
DSI Reference: Won Hyo Bridge, Seoul, South Korea
DSI Reference: Rio Lima Bridge, Portugal
DSI Reference: Burlington Skyway, Ontario, Canada
DSI Reference: Cripple Creek Bridge, Ontario, Canada
DSI Reference: Gänstor Bridge, Ulm, Germany

Strengthening of historic buildings

Degradation of ancient building materials, prolonged exposure to environmental influences and uneven settlements make the strengthening of historic buildings unavoidable.
Furthermore, it must be considered that many historic buildings were built to a much lower degree of safety compared to similar modern structures.
Strengthening measures must be integrated into the building without altering its character and appearance.
  
DSI Reference: San Lorenzo Cathedral, Perugia, Italy