Structural Investigation & Retrofitting

Our Structural Investigation and Retrofitting Services

Somers Engineering Ltd is the leading company in East, Central and Southern Africa in carrying out structural audits of buildings and infrastructural projects through geotechnical investigation, material testing, forensic and non-destructive testing and integrity assessment. We provide structural enhancement and retrofitting solutions through jacketing and carbon fiber reinforced polymers.

Our well-trained, highly experienced Engineers provide our clients with discrete, confidential and result-oriented investigative and retrofitting services, using the most innovative techniques and technology available. They assess the structures to identify the extent of the problem and understand the underlying cause, while considering the needs of the client and accurately interpreting their requirements to develop the most suitable solution.

At Somers, we analyse the structural integrity and improve safety margins on the existing buildings and structures, investigate failures, performance problems, and further give testimony on the findings of these investigations before a court of law or other arbitration forum as an independent and expert witness.

Investigation

Our highly skilled and experienced team are able to analysis and diagnose structural faults, failures and performance issues quickly and efficiently providing a forensic and actionable assessment in the shortest possible time frame.

Repair Design

Our well-trained, highly experienced Engineers provide our clients with repair design using the most innovative techniques and technology available whilst at the same time ensuring the most suitable and cost effective solutions.

Retrofitting

Unlike most investigation firms, at Somer's are are also contractors, capable of on implementing the most complex or difficult structural enhancements and retrofitting solutions through jacketing and carbon fiber reinforced polymers.

Structural Investigation

Somers Engineering Ltd is the leading company in East, Central and Southern Africa in carrying out structural audits of buildings and infrastructural projects through geotechnical investigation, feasibility studies, material testing, forensic, chemical and non-destructive testing, and integrity assessment.

Somers Engineering long history of delivering structural investigations paired with its expertise and dedication to Health and Safety means that it is a professional you can trust. With more than 35 years’ experience, we have unmatched expertise in inspecting and reporting on factual findings.

We conduct structural investigations in many parts of Africa on a wide variety of structures, irrespective of size, budget or location. Each project receives the same detailed attention by our experienced Engineers, and our clients receive a high-quality investigation report tailored to their needs. By employing experienced engineers that are skilled in specialist-access techniques, including rope access, confined space access and pontoon access, we can undertake work in potentially hazardous locations efficiently, safely and professionally.

The Structural Investigation provides the client with a robust report of the elements investigated to help make informed decisions. Some of the findings are used by the client to place claim for defective works by the contractor and as testimony for expert witnesses during arbitration.

Some of the projects successfully carried out in the recent past include;

  • Structural investigation of the Cooperative House next to the former US Embassy in Nairobi after the bomb blast to check the integrity of the structure.
  • Structural assessment of Alibhai Sharif Building in Nairobi after adjacent building caught fire and affected its structural elements.
  • Structural investigation of Powerhouse Foundation of the Nyagak Hydro Power Plant in Uganda
  • Assessment of the damages to reinforced concrete structures at Mombasa Refineries
  • Structural assessment of the Kenya Airways Hangaer II Annexes, Nairobi.
  • Structural integrity assessment for Yaya towers and Commercial Centre in Nairobi
  • Structural investigation of the Kenya Institute of Business Management Building
  • Structural assessment of Ground Floor slab of the Old Hanger for the Kenya Airways
  • Structural and Electrical assessment of fire damaged structures for Kavia Panel Beaters and Painters
  • Structural investigation on the construction and quality of materials used for Muthangari Suites.
  • NDT Assessment of Olkaria II Geothermal Power Station
  • Investigation of the Collapsed Weir for the National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation in Narok
  • Investigation of the collapsed excavation wall of a proposed Development (Alpha Business Centre) in Nakuru.
  • NDT assessment of Olkaria I Geothermal Power Station
  • Investigation of collapse of grain silos in Nakuru
  • Structural investigation survey for Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited

Design

After the investigation stage and issue of the investigation report, most of the clients request us to provide them with a detailed design solution to fix the problems. Some of the problems identified on these structures can result to collapse of the buildings leading to loss of life and investment.

At this stage, and depending on the nature of the investigation, our highly experienced Engineers using the most innovative techniques and technology available carry out the analysis of the existing structures and propose the most suitable solution (e.g. to the structural failures, performance problems, change of use, refurbishment, enhancement of load carrying capacity) while considering the needs of the client and requirements of the structure.

Some of the projects successfully carried out in the recent past include;

  • Design method statement for demolition of a 20m high Chimney with adjacent buildings for Aga Khan University Hospital
  • Preparation of the retrofit solution for deteriorated concrete silos in Atbara, Sudan.
  • Design proposal for building extension for Arrow Motors, Mombasa Road
  • Design proposal for the demolition of yaya Centre, Tower B
  • Preparation of methodology of demolition of Royal Mathenge Apartments, 15 floors
  • Design and repair of 36No. damaged piles at the Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania
  • Enhancement solution for the first-floor transfer beams for Apartments on Munae Road, Nairobi

Retrofitting

As a design and build company, we provide the most cost effective and practical solutions depending on the issues identified on the structure.  Most of the solutions range from structural enhancement and retrofitting through jacketing and carbon fiber reinforced polymers, piling in foundations, and underpinning.

Even with the production of investigation report and design solutions, not many experts are able to implement such complicated solutions on the project. With our highly experienced Engineers and material specialists, we integrate advanced retrofit and repair products with design support to provide most comprehensive solutions in the industry.

Our renown material suppliers offer guarantees on their products and we give a professional indemnity cover for the design and performance bond for execution of the work to provide assurance to our clients that our technology solutions are installed by experienced professionals with the highest standards for quality control, health and safety.

We further provide value-added solutions to engineering professionals such as Engineers, Architects, Contractors and Owners for services such as CFRP supply and installation, shotcrete and modification of concrete elements, concrete repair and epoxy crack injection.

We Provide the Best Service in Construction Engineering

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