Is your building being renovated or given a new purpose? In that case, stricter fire resistance requirements often apply than under the original design. Sanacon inspects the existing structure, determines the current fire resistance, and provides targeted advice on measures to increase it. Has a fire occurred? Then we assess the residual load-bearing capacity so that you know whether repairs are sufficient or if reinforcement is necessary.
When renovating or repurposing an existing building, the original fire resistance is often no longer sufficient. A new function generally entails stricter requirements, and without the original design data, it is unclear whether the structure meets them. Sanacon inspects the existing structure on-site and determines the current fire resistance of the load-bearing elements based on this assessment.
This investigation maps the relevant parameters: the effective concrete cover of the reinforcement, the concrete composition, the dimensions of the elements and, in the case of steel structures, the presence and condition of any fire-resistant protection. Where necessary, this is supplemented with material analysis, carried out by BETON+ , to confirm the exact material properties.
Based on this data, Sanacon calculates the current fire resistance per element and compares it with the required standard for the new function. Where a deficiency is identified, we provide targeted advice on the most effective measures to increase fire resistance. This may involve applying additional fire-resistant cladding, optimizing concrete cover during repair work, or other structural interventions, always tailored to what is technically feasible and economically justifiable for your project.
After a fire, the first question is always: is the structure still safe, and which elements have lost their load-bearing capacity? Sanacon conducts a thorough post-fire assessment to objectively evaluate the structural impact of the fire damage. This is done through visual inspection, targeted material testing, and a recalculation of the load-bearing capacity based on the actual damage determined.
We map out which elements have been superficially affected and which have suffered a significant loss of load-bearing capacity, for example due to concrete spalling, discoloration indicating high temperatures, or deformation of steel profiles. Where necessary, this is supplemented by BETON+ laboratory analysis, such as testing the residual strength of concrete samples exposed to the fire.
Based on this structural assessment, Sanacon formulates clear advice: which elements can retain their function without intervention, which require local repair, and which reinforcement or replacement is necessary to make the structure safe again.
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