Case Study of Strengthening an Existing Newly Constructed Reinforced Concrete Building in Prishtina
Session
Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Environment
Description
The strengthening of structures is a key process for their long-term maintenance and use, particularly when buildings face construction deficiencies, increased loads, damage from natural hazards, or new functional demands that exceed their original design capacity. Instead of replacing damaged elements, various strengthening methods can be applied to enhance loadbearing capacity and stability. These methods include the use of advanced fibers, epoxy injection in damaged members, and the addition of new structural elements to improve load distribution. This paper reviews the advantages and limitations of strengthening techniques, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and applicability depending on materials and objectives. The focus is placed on reinforced concrete, which, despite its durability, is prone to degradation due to environmental exposure, continuous loading, or sudden impacts. A case study of a residential building is presented, where changes in the use of the lower floors required global and local reassessment of the structure. Structural verification was performed using engineering software, identifying elements failing to meet ultimate or serviceability limit states. Strengthening interventions included advanced fiber application and cross-sectional jacketing of members. The study highlights how tailored strengthening strategies ensure safety, extend service life, and adapt existing structures to evolving demands.
Keywords:
Reinforced concrete, sustainability, strengthening, degradation
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.63
Recommended Citation
Peja, Rina; Nela, Bledian; and Morina, Liron, "Case Study of Strengthening an Existing Newly Constructed Reinforced Concrete Building in Prishtina" (2025). UBT International Conference. 25.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/CEIE/25
Case Study of Strengthening an Existing Newly Constructed Reinforced Concrete Building in Prishtina
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
The strengthening of structures is a key process for their long-term maintenance and use, particularly when buildings face construction deficiencies, increased loads, damage from natural hazards, or new functional demands that exceed their original design capacity. Instead of replacing damaged elements, various strengthening methods can be applied to enhance loadbearing capacity and stability. These methods include the use of advanced fibers, epoxy injection in damaged members, and the addition of new structural elements to improve load distribution. This paper reviews the advantages and limitations of strengthening techniques, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and applicability depending on materials and objectives. The focus is placed on reinforced concrete, which, despite its durability, is prone to degradation due to environmental exposure, continuous loading, or sudden impacts. A case study of a residential building is presented, where changes in the use of the lower floors required global and local reassessment of the structure. Structural verification was performed using engineering software, identifying elements failing to meet ultimate or serviceability limit states. Strengthening interventions included advanced fiber application and cross-sectional jacketing of members. The study highlights how tailored strengthening strategies ensure safety, extend service life, and adapt existing structures to evolving demands.