We regularly see news reports about falling balconies or galleries breaking off from apartment buildings. The problem occurs all over the Netherlands. Anyone who searches via Google for falling balconies will see examples from Brabant to Friesland. To prevent breaking parts, we often structurally reinforce the concrete construction with carbon reinforcement during renovation. SealteQ is one of the small group of experts in the Netherlands in this application. For example, our specialists from SealteQ Ivacon reinforced the galleries of an apartment in Beverwijk, above the Plantage shopping center.
Galleries in Beverwijk reinforced with carbon reinforcement
Carbon reinforcement prevents falls
Professor of structural engineering Rob Nijsse of the Delft University of Technology (TU) says it regularly: the main cause of falling balconies or galleries can always be identified. A balcony almost never falls ‘just like that’. A ‘structural defect or neglect’ in maintenance is, according to the professor, the cause in all cases. By applying carbon reinforcement, a concrete construction is structurally strengthened and further danger is prevented. Carbon reinforcement strengthens existing concrete structures that no longer have sufficient load-bearing capacity. This may be because the legal requirements for reinforcement were lower at the time of construction than they are today. We also apply carbon reinforcement to structures that have been affected by concrete damage.
Renovation of Apartment in Beverwijk
Fortunately, engineering firm Nebest discovered that reinforcement of the galleries of the Beverwijk apartment De Plantage was necessary well in advance. Research showed that the reinforcement in the concrete construction was too low. The Owners Association (VVE) of De Plantage and GZ Bouwadvies then engaged our specialists from SealteQ Ivacon to thoroughly renovate and reinforce the galleries.
In Beverwijk, we not only applied carbon reinforcement to structurally strengthen the galleries. We also carried out concrete repairs to, among other things, thickness edges and ceilings, replaced rainwater drains and cement screeds, and installed expansion joints – which absorb shrinkage or expansion (thermal behavior). In addition, we provided the floor with a new coating system. An extensive job, which means that the residents of De Plantage can safely use their galleries again for years to come.
More Information
Would you like more information about structural repair or concrete repair? Please contact us by telephone on working days via 0599-696333 or email info@sealteq.com. Our colleagues will be happy to assist you.