Service

Structural Repairs & Strengthening

Investigation, design and specification of repair and strengthening solutions for commercial buildings affected by deterioration, damage, overloading, corrosion, movement or earlier alterations.

Where a commercial building has lost structural performance, the right response depends entirely on the cause. We develop practical interventions to restore that performance while minimising disruption and cost, beginning with investigation to establish why the problem has arisen before any solution is designed.

Typical scenarios include corroded steelwork, deteriorating concrete, and beams or columns that need strengthening — whether because of damage, overloading or a change of use that increases the loads they must carry. Masonry affected by movement may call for crack stitching or localised rebuilding, while propping and temporary works are designed where elements must be supported during the works themselves.

Throughout, we plan repairs to suit buildings that remain in use, phasing the works and detailing temporary support so that occupation and business continuity are maintained wherever possible. The resulting specification is prepared for contractor pricing, giving a clear, buildable basis for the works to proceed.

Key points

Corroded steelwork repair and protection
Concrete repair and reinforcement
Beam and column strengthening
Crack stitching to masonry
Increasing capacity for new loads
Propping and temporary works design

When you need this

Repairs and strengthening are needed where a structure has lost performance — through corroded steelwork, deteriorating concrete, masonry cracking, overloading or the legacy of unsuitable past alterations — or where existing elements must carry greater loads following a change of use.

Frequently asked questions

How do you decide what repair is needed?

We start by investigating the structure to establish the cause and extent of the problem. The repair or strengthening solution is then designed around those findings, rather than treating the symptoms alone.

Can works be carried out without closing the building?

Frequently, yes. We can phase works and design temporary propping so that occupation and business continuity are maintained wherever the structure and programme allow.

Can you strengthen existing elements for heavier loads?

Yes. Where a change of use or new equipment increases demand, we assess the existing beams, columns and floors and design strengthening to carry the additional load safely.

Will the specification be ready for a contractor to price?

Our output is prepared so that contractors can price and carry out the works, with the detail needed to tender competitively and build to the intended standard.

What can be done about cracking in masonry?

Depending on the cause, solutions range from crack stitching and localised rebuilding to wider strengthening. We identify why the cracking has occurred before specifying the appropriate remedy.