Localized Repair of Columns – Beams – Slabs, Restoring Structural Integrity to Engineering Standards
Restoring Buildings on Phi Phi Island with a Professional Engineering Team
Resort and bungalow buildings located on slopes or coastal areas, such as Phi Phi Coralbay Bungalow in Krabi, often face structural problems such as cracks, concrete deterioration, and corroded reinforcement steel due to moisture and sea air. If left unrepaired, these issues can compromise the strength of columns, beams, and slabs, posing safety risks to occupants.
Samsaen Engineering Co., Ltd., a specialist in building structural repair in Phuket and Southern Thailand, undertook the repair of Phi Phi Coralbay Bungalow using Localized Structural Repair techniques. These methods are safe, compliant with engineering standards, and minimize disruption to building usage.
Structural Strengthening Repair Process (Case Study – Phi Phi Coralbay Bungalow)
The structural repair at Phi Phi Coralbay Bungalow, Krabi, required meticulous planning and execution due to its location on a sloped coastal site, exposed to constant humidity, sea air, and soil pressure. The engineering team at Samsaen Engineering Co., Ltd. carried out the work systematically in the following steps:
1. Inspection & Layout Plan
Conducted a detailed survey of the building’s columns, beams, and slabs to identify cracks, spalled concrete, and corroded reinforcement.
Prepared a structural grid plan (A–H, 1–9) marking the damaged positions such as Columns B1, B6, C7, and several deteriorated beams.
This ensured targeted repairs, accurate material estimation, and efficient labor planning.
2. Chipping & Demolition
Used electric chipping hammers to remove cracked or loose concrete until reaching the reinforcement steel (rebar).
Inspected the rebar to assess corrosion and loss of cross-sectional strength.
The goal was to halt corrosion and cracking while preparing a sound surface for repair.
3. Reinforcement & Tying Stirrups
Installed new reinforcement bars alongside existing ones to restore load-bearing and shear capacity.
Tied stirrups around columns and beams to confine and strengthen them against future cracking.
Applied anti-corrosion coating to all reinforcement to extend service life.
4. Formwork & Jacketing
Assembled timber or plywood formwork around the damaged columns and beams.
Performed concrete jacketing using high-strength concrete to increase cross-sectional area and structural stability.
This process restored the building’s strength and safety to engineering standards.
5. Slab & Beam Repair
Removed spalled concrete from slabs and beams.
Cleaned and treated reinforcement with anti-corrosion coating.
Repaired surfaces using structural repair mortar with high adhesion and compressive strength.
This step prolonged slab and beam lifespan, preventing further settlement or cracking.
6. Finishing & Quality Control
Smoothed and leveled repaired concrete surfaces through finishing work.
Checked column and beam alignment against structural engineering standards.
Conducted strength testing of repaired concrete and issued a structural safety certification for building owner confidence.
Outcome
Upon completion, Phi Phi Coralbay Bungalow was successfully restored to its original structural strength. The building is now safe for long-term use without interrupting guest comfort and resort operations.
Key Advantages of Structural Repair with Samsaen Engineering
Localized Repair: Focused on damaged areas without affecting the overall building usage.
Structural Strength: Restored or exceeded original load-bearing capacity of columns, beams, and slabs.
Engineering Safety Standards: All work conducted by licensed structural engineers.
Coastal & Hillside Suitability: Designed to withstand moisture, sea air, and soil pressure in challenging environments.
