Concrete Seismic Retrofitting

Structural strengthening of concrete is a vital competency in today’s concrete repair industry. Seismic retrofitting is one of the specific contexts in which professional concrete contractors are called on to strengthen concrete structures. According to seismologists with the Geology Survey of Canada, there are more than 2,500 earthquakes in western Canada each year. Seismic activity is the highest west of Vancouver Island, with more than 100 yearly earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater.

Seismic retrofitting refers to the modification of structures to make them resistant to earthquakes. The goal is to protect the public and prevent damage to building components and contents by improving structural survivability. Strengthening structures is also a matter of complying with more recent code requirements that specifically target the threat of seismic activity.

There are a variety strategies and techniques that can be used for the seismic repair and strengthening of concrete structures. There are two general approaches. The first is the addition of new structural elements. This is typically accomplished with the addition of cross bracing and new structural walls and frames. Exterior concrete columns made of reinforced concrete may also be added to a structure.

The second approach is to strengthen existing structural elements. This usually involves adding reinforcement to existing concrete. This may take the form of steel plate bonding, where steel plates are added to the outside of an existing concrete section. It may also take the form of continuous steel plating or jacketing, where a steel plate is wrapped continuously around a concrete structural element. It may also take the form of modern advanced composite materials such as glass fiber reinforcement or carbon fibre reinforcement.

Like all major concrete repair and strengthening projects, seismic concrete retrofitting requires the work of highly experienced concrete contractors with both the technical resources and equipment to ensure complete structural integrity and compliance with relevant seismic codes. Vector Construction is recognized throughout North America as a leader in concrete repair and strengthening. Whether a building, bridge, or other major concrete structure, Vector can help with any seismic job.