Introduction
In today’s evolving construction industry, structural upgrades are often necessary to meet increasing load demands or to extend the life of aging buildings. One highly effective technique is beam enlargement using RC jacketing, where existing reinforced concrete (RC) beams are strengthened by adding a new layer of reinforcement and concrete around them.
At Structural Repairs (M) Sdn Bhd, we specialize in RC jacketing works to restore, reinforce, and enhance the performance of structural elements—without the need for demolition.
📌What is RC Jacketing?
RC jacketing is the method of enlarging and strengthening existing concrete members (such as beams, columns, or slabs) by encasing them with new reinforcement and high-strength concrete. For beams, this method increases both flexural and shear capacity, helping them support higher loads and resist further structural distress.
🔍When is Beam Enlargement with RC Jacketing Needed?
- 🧱Concrete spalling or reinforcement corrosion
- 🏢Change of building usage or additional floors
- 📉Deflection or cracks due to underdesign
- 🔧Installation of new heavy equipment or M&E systems
- 📏To meet updated design codes and safety standards
🛠️Step-by-Step Process of Beam Enlargement (RC Jacketing)
- Site Assessment & Structural Design
- A professional engineer evaluates the existing condition and load requirement.
- Proper design of jacket thickness, reinforcement, and anchoring is done.
- Surface Preparation
- Existing beam surfaces are hacked and roughened.
- Exposed reinforcements are cleaned and treated for rust.
- Dowel Bar Installation
- New reinforcement bars are anchored into the existing structure using chemical anchoring or mechanical fasteners.
- Fixing Reinforcement
- Longitudinal and stirrup bars are fixed as per the structural design.
- Proper spacing and clear cover are ensured.
- Formwork & Concreting
- Formwork is erected, and non-shrink, high-strength concrete (typically >30 MPa) is poured.
- Vibration ensures good compaction and bonding.
- Curing & Finishing
- Proper curing (minimum 7 days) ensures strength development.
- Surface finishes are applied if needed for aesthetic or fire protection reasons.
✅Advantages of RC Jacketing
- ✔️Increases the existing beams’ capacity to support loads
- ✔️Strengthens both flexural and shear performance
- ✔️Extends service life of structure
- ✔️Cost-effective compared to full replacement
- ✔️Minimal interruption to building usage
📍Project References
In our recent project, our team carried out RC jacketing for multiple beams that showed signs of overloading and concrete cracking. Using dowel bars and 40 MPa high-performance concrete, we achieved structural strengthening without disrupting business operations.
🏢Why Choose Structural Repairs (M) Sdn Bhd?
- ✅Over 40 years of industry experience
- ✅Professional engineering supervision
- ✅CIDB and ISO certified
- ✅Use of SIRIM-approved materials
- ✅Proven projects in commercial, residential & heritage buildings
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is RC Jacketing? RC Jacketing is a structural strengthening method where additional reinforcement and concrete are added around an existing beam to increase its strength and durability.
- When should I consider RC jacketing for my beams? You should consider it if:
- Your structure is experiencing cracking or sagging.
- You’re changing the building’s use (e.g., adding heavy equipment or new floors).
- There is visible concrete spalling or rusting reinforcement.
- Your building needs to comply with updated safety codes.
- Is hacking during surface preparation noisy or dusty? Yes, hacking does generate noise and dust. However, our team uses dust control measures, noise reduction tools, and works during off-peak hours if required to minimize disturbance.
- How long does beam jacketing work take? The duration depends on beam size, quantity, and site conditions. On average, jacketing one beam may take 5–7 working days, including curing time.
- Can beam enlargement be done while the building is in use? Yes, with proper safety precautions and temporary supports, RC jacketing can be carried out in live environments (e.g., commercial buildings, factories, etc.) with minimal disruption.
- Is RC jacketing a permanent solution? Yes. When done correctly, RC jacketing significantly enhances the structural capacity and lifespan of the beam—often adding decades of service life.
- What type of concrete is used for jacketing? We typically use high-performance non-shrink concrete with a compressive strength of 30– 40 MPa to ensure bonding and durability.
- Do I need approval from authorities for beam enlargement works? Yes, most beam enlargement works require PE (Professional Engineer) endorsement and may need to be submitted to the local council or building management depending on the building type and location.
- Can RC jacketing be applied to beams with severe corrosion? Yes, but the existing condition must first be assessed. If reinforcement is too damaged, partial replacement or additional strengthening may be recommended.
- Why choose Structural Repairs (M) Sdn Bhd for RC jacketing? We offer:
- PE-certified designs
- Experienced site team
- Use of SIRIM-approved materials
- Proven project track record
- Minimal downtime with professional execution
📞Contact Us
Need to strengthen your building structure? Contact Structural Repairs (M) Sdn Bhd for site inspection and a professional proposal on beam enlargement using RC jacketing.
📧 Email us: structuralrepairs@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: https://structuralrepairs.com.my
📞 Whatsapp: +60 12-334 9113
📍 Based in Kuala Lumpur, serving all of Malaysia
🔖Tags
#RCJacketing #BeamEnlargement #StructuralStrengthening #ConcreteRepair #BuildingUpgrade #StructuralRepairsMalaysia #ReinforcedConcrete #Retrofitting #CIDBMalaysia
