Strengthening for Buildings
When your building needs more than upkeep
Many buildings in service today face new demands: heavier loads, changes in use, or updated design codes. These changes may exceed original design capacity, especially in older structures.
VSL provides customized strengthening solutions that enhance structural performance, extend lifespan, and meet new safety or regulatory requirements, without full reconstruction. We work across all structural materials, concrete, steel, masonry, timber, and adapt our techniques to suit each building’s layout, constraints, and service profile.
Our solutions for building strengthening
• External post-tensioning with bars or strands
• Reduces cracking and deflection
• Increases load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance
• Adjustable and reversible
• Jacketing with micro-concrete or steel
• Composite action between new and existing materials
• Load path optimization
• UHPFRC overlays (used without prestress)
• Applied on slabs, beams, columns or walls.
• Non-corrosive and easy to install
• High tensile strength with minimal added weight
• Suitable for both surface application (wraps and plates) and embedded use (rods)
• Underpinning with micropiles
• Jet grouting and base confinement
• Load transfer systems with jacking
• Foundation enlargement
• Energy dissipation (viscous, friction, or hysteretic dampers)
• Base isolation systems
• Joint reinforcement and ductility enhancement
• Supplemental post-tensioning and anchoring
Why choose VSL?
Integrated approach
We assess, design, execute, and monitor strengthening solutions in-house.Custom-engineered for your needs
We adapt methods to fit each building’s geometry, use case, and future plans.Minimally invasive execution
Work is phased to limit disruption, with customized temporary works and access systems.Durability and future-proofing
We select materials and methods for long-term performance and easy inspection.
FAQs about Building Strengthening
Common triggers include load changes, code updates, visible deformation, or damage. A structural assessment helps define the right approach.
Active methods apply tension or prestress; passive ones add or reinforce material. They’re often combined for optimal results.
Yes. Localized strengthening is common and effective, especially with flexible systems like external post-tensioning or FRP.