Reinforcement of concrete beams – Belfry Ypres

Preservation of historical heritage through innovative stability solutions

The Belfry of Ypres, as part of the Cloth Halls, is an iconic monument and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the recent renovation works, the preservation of the historical structure and safety were paramount. SANACON was engaged for a crucial part of this project: inspecting and reinforcing the existing concrete beams of the floor slabs.

Our approach: Thorough analysis as the foundation

Every historical project begins with facts for us. To determine the exact condition of the concrete structure, SANACON conducted an extensive preliminary investigation:

• Reinforcement detection: Using advanced scans, we accurately mapped the reinforcement present in the beams.
• Materials investigation: Through concrete boreholes and laboratory analysis, we determined the current compressive strength and the depth of carbonation.
• Stability calculations: Based on this data, we calculated the remaining load-bearing capacity and compared it to the new load requirements for the repurposing.

The solution: Smart reinforcement with bonded reinforcement

The biggest challenge was to increase the load-bearing capacity of the beams without compromising the historical structure or carrying out major demolition work.

SANACON designed a solution with innovative, externally bonded reinforcement. By applying carbon fiber laminates or steel strips externally to the beams, the original beams could be fully preserved. This technique adds the necessary tensile strength without adding extra volume or weight to the structure.

Added value for the project

The application of this innovative technique offered direct benefits for the execution:

• Respect for heritage: No significant changes to the appearance or structure of the monument.
• Time savings: By avoiding complex demolition and formwork, the total lead time of the construction site was significantly shortened.
• Sustainability: Maximum preservation of existing materials instead of replacement with new concrete.

Thanks to the close collaboration with Monument – Vandekerckhove NV, the Belfry of Ypres is now technically ready for the future, with respect for its rich past.