Retrofitting RCC Grid by Jacketing

Retrofitting of RCC structural members is carried out to regain the strength of deteriorated structural concrete elements and to prevent further distress in concrete. This case study gives a quick and easy reference on the effective retrofitting and rehabiltation technique of a structurally damaged RCC beam open grid, by way of Jacketing.
E S Jayakumar (M.Tech – Structural & MIE, FIAStruct E.), Superintending Engineer, BSNL Civil Wing

RCC structural elements are subjected to deterioration and corrosion due to various reasons such as exposure to aggressive marine environment, thermal cracking, moisture ingress, freezing, thawing, corrosion of reinforcement (induced by chlorides as well as carbonation), sulphate attack, and so on. Poor construction practices, inadequate concrete cover to reinforcement, use of inferior materials, faulty formwork, wrong mix proportioning, improper placing of concrete, lack of proper supervision, insufficient compaction, lack of proper curing, etc. also add to the corrosion of concrete elements such as slabs, beams, columns, and fins.