Column strengthening in Kuwait

During construction of the new Al Kout shopping mall in Kuwait for which CCL provided a value engineering proposal and designed the post-tensioned slabs and beams, the client wished to reduce the size of two edge columns by 200 mm in order to comply with architectural requirements at the project elevation.

As the columns had already been constructed before the need to modify the layout was identified, strengthening works to the two columns were required.

A solution based around the application of CFRP was proposed by the project designer. After approval by the client and the issue of the shop drawings, a team from CCL’s specialist repair and strengthening unit in Kuwait undertook the strengthening operation, supplying the CFRP materials and successfully carrying out the installation within a short space of time to ensure project continuity.

Al Kout Mall will cover an area of 100,000 square meters and include retail outlets, restaurants, cafes, a food court, a gym and spa, and a multi-storey car park with space for 3,600 cars.