CIDECO recently completed a comprehensive structural diagnosis of Buildings 001 and 043 of the Damesme Barracks in Fontainebleau, a former military site undergoing rehabilitation.
Commissioned by the Université Paris-Est Créteil, this study aimed to assess the structural and material condition of the buildings and to define suitable strengthening solutions for their future renovation.
Investigations included:
- Non-destructive testing using GPR and precise geometric surveys to identify load-bearing elements and their characteristics
- Destructive testing to determine material properties and assess structural condition
- Core sampling followed by compressive strength testing
- Foundation reconnaissance
- Load-bearing capacity calculations for floors and roof structures
The two buildings exhibit distinct construction typologies:
- Building 001, dating from the 19th century, features traditional masonry and timber roof trusses
- Building 043, built in the 1980s, includes modern steel roof frames and reinforced concrete columns and beams
This required tailored diagnostic and design approaches for each structure.
To achieve the desired load-bearing capacity, several strengthening solutions were proposed:
- Addition of braces or double-beam reinforcement using steel or timber sections for wood structures
- Jacketing or application of carbon fiber plates for concrete elements
- Installation of lateral bracing to prevent lateral buckling in steel components
The final diagnostic report delivered by CIDECO provides recommendations to ensure structural durability and safety, supporting the rehabilitation project’s objectives.
This mission highlights CIDECO’s expertise in diagnosing both historic and modern structures, combining heritage preservation with technically sound engineering solutions.
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