Structural retrofit work requires more than installation. It requires planning, sequencing, field coordination, and a strong understanding of how new strengthening systems interact with existing structures.
In this project, RapidCrete was involved in the structural retrofit of an existing commercial concrete building in Surrey, BC. The building was being adapted for a new function that required the upper floor to carry over 1,000,000 lbs of load.
The project later received the CISC-ICCA BC Region 2026 Sustainability Award for structural steel retrofit and adaptive reuse, recognizing the sustainable approach of extending the functional life of an existing 50-year-old building.
This project was a successful collaboration between RapidCrete, BMP Engineering, and Solico Metal.
Project Type: Commercial structural retrofit
Location: Surrey, BC
Structure Type: Existing concrete building
Purpose: Strengthening for new use and increased load capacity
Recognition: CISC-ICCA BC Region 2026 Sustainability Award
RapidCrete’s scope included the complete installation of the structural steel strengthening system and the related concrete modification work required to execute the structural engineer’s design.
The work involved:
This combination of structural steel installation, concrete modification, scanning, drilling, coring, and grouting was completed by RapidCrete’s in-house personnel.
This project had several major challenges:
The installation required detailed planning before execution because each component had to fit into a constrained space and connect properly to the existing concrete structure.
The work was performed in a low-height parking area with limited room to maneuver. Installing beams, joists, columns, rods, and other strengthening components in this environment required careful sequencing and field coordination.
Some components could not simply be lifted and installed in a conventional way. RapidCrete had to temporarily suspend certain pieces using scaffold as a field installation method. This allowed the team to position components, fit them together, and then tie them into the concrete structure.
Because the structure was already built, RapidCrete had to work around existing reinforcement in columns, slabs, and walls.
GPR scanning was used to locate existing reinforcement and reduce the risk of damaging critical structural elements during drilling, coring, and cutting.
This allowed the team to complete concrete modifications while respecting the existing structure and the structural engineer’s requirements.
Another major limitation was the lack of space to receive and store large steel components on site.
To manage this, RapidCrete coordinated closely with the steel supplier to phase deliveries and align them with the installation sequence. This just-in-time delivery approach reduced site congestion and helped keep the work moving efficiently.
RapidCrete approached this project as a coordinated retrofit installation, not just a steel installation scope.
The approach included:
The success of the project came from combining technical understanding with practical field experience.
The project followed a controlled and carefully planned sequence:
The project was completed one week ahead of the proposed schedule.
The project was completed successfully and ahead of schedule.
Key results included:
The project later received the CISC-ICCA BC Region 2026 Sustainability Award for structural steel retrofit and adaptive reuse.
RapidCrete also received recognition from BMP Engineering, as the structural engineer, and Solico Metal, as the steel fabricator, detailer, and general contractor, for its contribution to the successful execution of this complex structural strengthening project.
Working inside an existing structure requires understanding of the existing concrete, reinforcement, tolerances, access conditions, and the structural engineer’s intent.
RapidCrete’s ability to provide scanning, cutting, coring, drilling, adhesive reinforcement, steel installation, and grouting with in-house personnel helped reduce coordination risk and improve execution control.
In tight spaces with limited storage, the order of delivery and installation matters. Detailed planning allowed the team to manage the work efficiently and complete the project ahead of schedule.
Successful structural retrofit work depends on strong coordination between engineering, fabrication, field planning, and installation. In this project, that coordination was one of the key factors behind the successful outcome.
Strengthening an existing building can extend its service life, improve performance, and support new functions without requiring full replacement of the structure.
This project highlights the value of combining technical knowledge with hands-on field experience.
RapidCrete continues to support structural retrofit and concrete modification projects where planning, precision, and execution control are critical to success.