Title: Challenges in the approach to strengthening reinforced concrete columns

Author(s): Enrique Calderón Bello, Eduardo Díaz-Pavón Cuaresma

Publication: ACHE

Volume: 69

Issue: 284

Appears on pages(s): 49 - 58

Keywords: Strengthened column, Load transmission, Concrete jacket, Steel jacket

DOI:

Date: 1/1/2018

Abstract:
The lack of regulations with regards to strengthening reinforced structures prevents the adoption of a standardised approach to even the simplest building structures. Following the analysis of refurbishment projects, it has been concluded that the common denominator in many reinforced columns was the lack of justification of the calculation of the column reinforcement, or even the load transmission between the existing structure and this new reinforcement. Of special concern were the numerous interventions carried out following the earthquake that took place in Lorca in 2011, where many columns had been severely damaged. Although the strengthening solutions implemented in Lorca were diverse, they all followed a similar pattern presenting design solutions that were rushed and lacked a proper evaluation of their effectiveness. This article focuses on an example of a damaged column on a random building floor and the associated challenge related to the design of a strengthening solution and how this may eventually result in a significantly larger scope than initially envisaged.