Case Study: Dynamic Performance Enhancement of Power Substation Reactor Foundations through Vibration Analysis and Self Leveling Concrete Retrofitting
Received: 23 January 2026 | Revised: 7 February 2026 and 19 February 2026 | Accepted: 20 February 2026 | Online: 6 June 2026
Corresponding author: Sangeeta Pandey
Abstract
This study proposes a systematic methodology for seismic retrofitting of vibration‑sensitive reactor foundations in high‑voltage power substations. Structural distress in 80 MVAR bus reactor foundations—marked by surface unevenness and 3–4 mm wide, 500–650 mm deep cracks concentrated at steel–concrete interfaces—was identified through comprehensive diagnostics including visual inspection, concrete core testing, carbonation assessment, and vibration heat‑map analysis. Although concrete strength (28.64 N/mm²) and reinforcement conditions were found satisfactory, vibration mapping revealed pronounced dynamic instability and localized stiffness loss. Considering the operational constraints of a continuously energized substation, a phased retrofitting strategy was implemented using self‑leveling concrete, micro‑concreting, and pressurized epoxy injection grouting, selected for their superior flowability, bonding efficiency, shrinkage control, and vibration‑damping characteristics. Heat‑map‑guided rehabilitation allowed precise treatment of critical stress zones. Post‑retrofitting evaluations exhibited significant improvement, with average vibration decreasing from 23.25 µm to 4.98 µm and peak displacement reducing to 23.31 µm, indicating restored monolithic behavior and enhanced structural stiffness. The proposed framework strengthens the seismic and dynamic performance of reactor foundations, improving the resilience and long‑term operational reliability of critical power‑substation infrastructure.
Keywords:
case study, heat map analysis, self-leveling concrete, reactor foundationReferences
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sangeeta Pandey, Ajay Kumar Sinha
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