Vertical Extension of a Multi-Storey Reinforced Concrete Building

Abstract

The global population is increasing annually; thus, there is a need for more housing and buildings worldwide. As cities grow outward and buildable lands become scarce, it is necessary to increase the height of existing buildings in cities, especially where the height of the buildings is low. For crowded cities, the storey extension is an increasingly popular measure that can meet market demand for centrally located houses. This paper examines the possibility of the vertical extension of an existing (reference) reinforced concrete building in Gävle in Sweden. The StruSoft FEM-Design program is employed to carry out the research. The building is firstly modelled, analysed and designed completely. Thereafter, a storey extension is conducted vertically. The stresses and utilisation ratios of the load-bearing elements of the reference and extended buildings are assessed. It is found that some of the load-bearing elements of the building after the extension need strengthening. Different practical strengthening solutions are proposed. It is concluded that the building can successfully withstand the vertical extension after applying these proposed solutions. The maximum vertical reaction forces of the reference and extended buildings are obtained and compared. A comparison of the deflections of the buildings is made. The structural stability of the buildings is evaluated as well.