Strengthening an Existing Low-Rise for Conversion to a New Hip Hotel with a Rooftop Swimming Pool, Bangkok

摘要

An existing low-rise building was constructed in 1996 and then bought in 2006 for conversion into a new hip hotel with a rooftop swimming pool. A reinforced concrete static analysis was performed using relevant computer programs, consideration of codes, the actual reinforcement amounts, as well as concrete core compression values, UPV test results of the concrete properties, and existing structure dimensions. It was found that there were 6 existing columns with insufficient strength. Hence, a structural engineer decided to strengthen these existing columns by using steel jacketing in order to increase their strength and ductility including the improvement of its earthquake-resistance capacity to support all loads. Finally, it was found that the strengthening had been done effectively and proved that the existing columns have sufficient strength. Since its renovation in 2009, the hotel has been in continuous use with no signs of structural deficiencies.