Existing buildings are increasingly being upgraded and modified to meet new functional, operational, and safety requirements without the need for complete reconstruction. Instead of demolishing and rebuilding structures, the focus is on strengthening and adapting existing systems to extend their service life and improve performance.
At AIG Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, a complex structural modification project was undertaken by UCON PT Structural System Private Limited to integrate a passenger lift system from ground level to terrace while strengthening the existing mezzanine slab structure. The project demanded high precision engineering, minimal disruption, and strict compliance with hospital safety standards.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
AIG Hospitals is a leading healthcare facility located in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The project involved structural modification works within the hospital premises to accommodate new functional requirements while ensuring full operational continuity. UCON PT addressed the challenge by executing specialized cut-out & strengthening services tailored for working within an active hospital environment.
The scope of work included structural cutout, strengthening, and retrofitting of an existing mezzanine steel slab to facilitate the integration of a passenger lift system from ground level to terrace. Since the building remained fully operational during execution, special attention was given to safety, structural stability, and minimal disruption to medical services. The intervention was carefully planned and executed to maintain the integrity of the existing structure while enabling modern vertical mobility solutions within the hospital environment.
The project involved modifying an existing hospital structure while ensuring uninterrupted medical operations and maintaining complete structural stability.
KEY CHALLENGES
The execution of the project involved several engineering and operational challenges:
1. Structural Modification in Active Facility
The hospital remained fully operational during execution, requiring noise control, vibration control, and strict safety protocols.
2. Slab Cutout for Lift Shaft
Creating a lift shaft opening in an existing slab posed risks of load redistribution and structural imbalance.
3. Load Redistribution Requirements
After cutout works, the structural load paths needed to be redefined and strengthened to avoid localized failure.
4. Space Constraints
Limited working space made equipment movement and execution planning more complex.
SERVICES IMPLEMENTED
To overcome these challenges, a combination of advanced structural techniques was adopted:
✔ Precision Cutout Execution
Controlled cutting techniques were used to create slab openings for the lift shaft. Structural monitoring ensured that no unintended stress was induced in surrounding members.
✔ Strengthening of Existing Slab
High-strength steel reinforcement systems were introduced to enhance load-bearing capacity after modification. This ensured redistribution of loads without compromising safety.
✔ Retrofitting for Structural Stability
Advanced retrofitting techniques were applied to restore and improve structural integrity. The existing slab system was upgraded to handle additional load demands from the lift system.
✔ Lift Integration Design
A carefully engineered lift shaft was integrated from ground to terrace, ensuring alignment with the modified structural grid while maintaining long-term durability.
EXECUTION METHODOLOGY
The execution was carried out in a phased and controlled manner:
• Structural assessment and load analysis of existing slab
• Marking and controlled slab cutout for lift shaft preparation
• Installation of temporary supports during modification
• Reinforcement placement and strengthening works
• Retrofitting of affected structural zones
• Final integration of lift system structure
Each stage was monitored to ensure safety, precision, and compliance with structural engineering standards.
OUTCOME
The project successfully delivered a fully integrated lift system within an existing hospital structure while ensuring:
• Enhanced structural strength and stability
• Safe load redistribution after slab modification
• Seamless lift integration from ground to terrace
• Zero disruption to hospital operations
• Long-term durability of upgraded structure
This project demonstrates how advanced retrofitting and structural strengthening techniques can transform existing buildings into modern, functional spaces without demolition. The combination of precise cutout works, reinforcement strategies, and engineered lift integration highlights the importance of specialized structural engineering in healthcare infrastructure upgrades.
UCON PT Structural System Private Limited continues to deliver high-precision cutout and strengthening services designed to improve the performance and longevity of existing buildings. With a strong focus on safety, engineering accuracy, and compliance with structural standards, the company ensures that every project is executed with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Its expertise in controlled cutting, strengthening, and retrofitting enables seamless upgrades to existing structures, making them suitable for modern functional requirements while maintaining full operational continuity.
For more details;
UCON PT Structural System Private Limited
No 45, 5th street, Padmanaba Nagar, Adyar, Chennai 600020.
Phone: +91-44 244 68 001/2/3
Email: info@uconpt.com
Website: www.uconpt.com
