Structural Modifications, Strengthening & Retrofitting in Dubai

Adapt, repair and strengthen existing structures with Skylark Contracting LLC. Our services cover engineered structural alterations, concrete repairs, CFRP strengthening, RCC jacketing and steel strengthening.

We work with property owners, contractors and appointed structural consultants to execute works according to approved designs, specifications and project requirements.

Established in 2014 · Dubai-Based Contractor · DED Licence No. 720039

Structural Modifications, Strengthening & Retrofitting

Engineering-Led Works for Existing Structures

Changes to a building’s layout, use or loading can require structural modification or strengthening. Existing structures may also need repairs where concrete deterioration, reinforcement corrosion or other defects are identified.

Skylark coordinates the execution of structural repair and alteration works, including temporary supports, controlled removal, concrete reinstatement and specified strengthening systems.

The repair or strengthening solution is established through assessment and design by the appropriately appointed structural consultant.

Structural Modification & Strengthening Services

Structural Alterations & Openings

Engineered slab and wall openings, staircase openings and alterations associated with approved layout changes

CFRP Strengthening

Specified carbon fibre wrapping, fabrics and laminates for suitable beams, slabs, columns and other structural elements

RCC Jacketing & Section Enlargement

Reinforcement installation, anchorage, formwork and concrete or microconcrete placement to approved details

Engineered steel beams, plates, brackets, frames and jackets, including specified connections and protective finishes

Concrete Repairs

Removal of unsound concrete, reinforcement treatment and reinstatement using compatible repair materials

Crack Injection & Grouting

Specified epoxy or other injection systems selected according to the defect, movement and treatment objective

Load-Capacity Upgrades

Execution of strengthening associated with revised equipment, storage, occupancy or other assessed loading requirements

Structural Retrofitting

Implementation of engineering-designed measures to improve an existing structure’s performance for defined requirements

Designed propping, shoring and sequenced removal associated with structural alterations

Micro Concrete Works

Repair of structural components with micro concrete

Understanding the Work

Repair, Strengthening, Retrofitting & Modification

The appropriate scope depends on the existing condition and the performance required from the structure.

Structural Repairs

Address defects and deterioration, with the objective of restoring the affected element’s condition and performance as specified.

Structural Strengthening

Increase or supplement structural capacity where an engineering assessment identifies a requirement.

Structural Retrofitting

Introduce designed measures to improve an existing structure’s performance against defined criteria, such as revised loading, changed use or identified deficiencies.

Structural Modifications

Alter the existing structural arrangement, such as forming an opening or introducing new supports, with appropriate assessment and design.

Applications

Where These Services May Be Required

  • Villa renovations, extensions and layout alterations
  • Staircase, lift and service openings in existing slabs
  • Warehouse and industrial building modifications
  • Changes associated with mezzanines or new equipment
  • Commercial and institutional refurbishment
  • Repairs to deteriorated concrete structural elements
  • Strengthening identified by structural assessments
  • Remedial works associated with construction defects

Planning a Column or Beam Alteration?

Removal, relocation or reduction of a structural element cannot be confirmed from photographs alone. Feasibility depends on the load path, existing reinforcement, foundations, condition and proposed replacement support system.

The structural consultant must establish the design and construction sequence before execution.

Assessment & Design Coordination

Establish the Structural Requirements First

Before works proceed, the project team may require the following information and engineering documents.

  • Existing structural and architectural drawings
  • Details of proposed alterations or additional loads
  • Condition surveys and measurements
  • Reinforcement scanning and material testing
  • Structural calculations and strengthening drawings
  • Temporary works design and execution sequence
  • Required permits and inspection arrangements

Where records are incomplete, investigations may be needed to establish a reliable basis for design.

Execution Approach

Controlled Execution from Preparation to Protection

Structural works follow the approved methodology, temporary works requirements and inspection arrangements.

Temporary Support & Work Sequencing

Install specified supports and follow the approved sequence before cutting, removal or changes to load-bearing elements.

Substrate & Reinforcement Preparation

Remove unsound material, prepare surfaces and treat or supplement reinforcement according to the approved repair details.

Strengthening System Installation

Install the specified CFRP, steel or RCC system using approved materials, anchorage details and application procedures.

Inspection & Finishing

Coordinate required checks, testing, curing and protective finishes. Release temporary supports only in accordance with the approved sequence and required authorisation.

Approvals & Responsibilities

Defined Engineering & Approval Responsibilities

Structural works require coordination between the owner, consultant, contractor and relevant approving entities.

Required submissions and permissions depend on the property location and proposed scope. Where applicable, landlord, developer, building-authority and other approvals must be obtained before the associated works.

Our proposal identifies construction responsibilities, consultant appointments, temporary works, testing, approvals coordination and exclusions.

Our Project Process

From Structural Requirements to Completed Works

  1. Share the Information

    Provide the location, photographs, available drawings, assessment reports and proposed changes.

  2. Review & Site Assessment

    Clarify accessible conditions and identify further investigations or engineering information needed.

  3. Engineering Details & Scope

    Coordinate the approved methodology, strengthening details, temporary supports and inspection requirements.

  4. Proposal & Permissions

    Agree the execution scope, exclusions, programme and required approvals.

  5. Controlled Execution

    Undertake preparation, alterations, repairs and strengthening in the approved sequence.

  6. Inspection & Handover

    Coordinate testing, completion records and required consultant acceptance within the agreed scope.

Cost & Quotation

Structural Works Need Project-Specific Pricing

Costs depend on the structural element, condition, access, temporary support requirements, strengthening design, materials and testing.

For meaningful pricing, share the structural drawings or assessment report where available. Photographs help explain the requirement but may not provide enough information for a detailed quotation.

Submit Your Structural Enquiry

Frequently Asked Questions

Structural Modification & Retrofitting FAQs

Answers to common questions about structural alterations, concrete repairs and strengthening existing buildings.

Can you remove or relocate a column?

We can review the enquiry, but feasibility must be established by an appointed structural consultant. Any proposal requires an engineered load-transfer solution, temporary support arrangements and applicable approvals.

What is the difference between strengthening and retrofitting?

Strengthening generally addresses structural capacity. Retrofitting is a broader upgrade of an existing structure to meet defined performance requirements. The works can overlap.

Is CFRP suitable for every strengthening project?

No. Suitability depends on the structural requirement, substrate condition, anchorage, exposure, fire-protection requirements and engineering design. Another system or combination may be appropriate.

Can cracks be repaired by injection?

Some cracks are suitable for injection. The cause, movement, moisture conditions and repair objective must first be assessed. Structural bonding and leakage sealing may require different materials and methods.

Do you provide structural design and certification?

Structural assessment, design and certification are undertaken through appropriately appointed consultants. Skylark coordinates and executes the agreed construction scope.

Can works proceed in an occupied building?

Some localised works may be possible with suitable segregation. Structural alterations can require restricted occupation, service shutdowns or temporary evacuation, depending on the assessed conditions and approved methodology.

Can strengthening support additional equipment or storage loads?

Potentially, subject to assessment. The consultant must review the proposed loads and their effects on the relevant elements, connections and foundations before confirming a solution.

What should I provide for a quotation?

Share the location, proposed works, photographs and available drawings, structural reports and strengthening details. Include access restrictions and whether the property will remain occupied.