Any technology or material has its limitations and to meet the new requirements, new technologies
have been invented and used over the ages. A large number of reinforced concrete structures located at seismic prone
areas are not capable of withstanding earthquakes according to the current coal provisions. Furthermore the seismic
behaviors of the existing buildings are affected due to design deficiency, construction deficiency, additional loads,
additional performance demand, etc. Recent earthquakes have clearly demonstrated an urgent need to upgrade and
strengthen these seismically deficient structures. The retrofitting is one of the best options to make an existing
inadequate building safe against future probable earthquake or other environmental forces. Retrofitting reduces the
vulnerability of damage of an existing structure during a near future seismic activity. It aims to strengthen a structure to
satisfy the requirements of the current codes for seismic design. A significant amount of research work has been carried
out in recent years to develop various strengthening and rehabilitation techniques to improve the seismic performance
of structures. This paper aims to present an overview on different innovative and cost effective techniques of
retrofitting for strengthening the damaged structures.
Seismic protection of buildings is a need-based concept aimed to improve the performance of any structure under
future earthquakes. Earthquakes of varying magnitude have occurred in the recent past in India, causing extensive
damage to life and property. Some recently developed materials and techniques can play vital role in structural repairs,
seismic strengthening and retrofitting of existing buildings, whether damaged or undamaged. The primary concern of a
structural engineer is to successfully restore the structures as quickly as possible. Selection of right materials,
techniques and procedures to be employed for the repair of a given structures have been a major challenges. Innovative
techniques of the structural repairs have many advantages over the conventional techniques. Some guidelines regarding
selection of materials for repair work such as steel, fiber reinforced polymer, has been discussed in the present paper.
The selection of materials and techniques to be used depend on many aspects that may be viewed from different
prospective. requirement and availability of financial resources, applicability and suitability of materials for the
repair of damaged structures. Use of standard and innovative repair materials, appropriate technology, workmanship,
and quality control during implementation are the key factors for successful repair, strengthening and restoration of
damaged structures.
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