Structural Strengthening

Carbon fibre strengthening has become an increasingly common method of structural reinforcement used throughout the concrete repair industry. This is due to its ability to address the structural deficits caused by aging concrete members and external corrosive factors on existing building and bridges.

In situations where building structures require increased structural reinforcement, carbon fibre strengthening is a highly effective measure that can be used. The weaved bonding of carbon fibre material provides a greater strength to mass ratio and increased flexibility. Thus serving as far superior method of structural support compared to that of structural steel reinforcement.

Additionally, carbon fibre strengthening is a cost effective approach to structural reinforcement as it poses little disturbance to the pre-existing services of the building during instalment. As a material less subject to the implications of corrosion, carbon fibre is a durable, long-term approach to structural reinforcement.

Concrete Structural Strengthening

Structural Strengthening describes the process of upgrading the structural system of an existing building to improve performance under existing loads or to increase the strength of structural components to carry additional loads.

Each structure requiring upgrade and strengthening presents a unique challenge. The need for strengthening may arise from deterioration, change in use, change in building code, structural defects, construction errors, or seismic conditions. Whether strengthening Commercial and Civil Structures or Industrial Structures and Bridges, we are capable of providing the most suitable product and repair solution.

The structural strengthening capabilities extend to externally bonded Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) products – thin laminates that significantly increase a structures load bearing capacity. We are able to apply a wide range of FRP wraps and laminate strips to a variety of structures requiring strengthening.

Pozzolan-reaction Mortar

Two-component, high-ductility, pozzolan-reaction mortar applied in layers up to 6 mm thick for “reinforced” structural strengthening of masonry substrates in combination with the MAPEGRID meshes and for smoothing and levelling surfaces in concrete, stone, brickwork and tuff.

Technical Data:

Maximum dimension of aggregate: 0.4 mm.
Mixing ratio: 3.7 parts of Pozzolan-reaction Mortar comp. A with 1 part of Pozzolan-reaction Mortar comp. B. Pot life of mix: approximately 1 hour (at +20°C).
Thickness applied: 2-3 mm per layer.

Classification:

– EN 1504-2 – surface protection systems for concrete.
– EN 1504-3 – class R2 non-structural mortar.
Storage: 12 months (comp. A); 24 months (comp. B).
Application: gauging trowel, trowel or rendering machine. Consumption: approximately 1.8 kg/m² per mm of thickness.
Packaging:
30 kg kits:
– 24 kg vacuum-packed polyethylene bags (comp. A);
– 6 kg drums (comp. B).

Carbon Fiber Wrap

It comprises of unidirectional, carbon or glass fibre fabrics and structural epoxy resin based, impregnating resins. These unique combinations provide a wide range of strengthening and upgrading solutions to meet the many varied demands of different projects and applications.

Uses:

For structural column confinement, strengthening of weaker concrete, masonry, natural stone and timber structures. Strengthening irregularly shaped structures and substrates.

• Carbon fiber fabric for structural strengthening of reinforced concrete, brick works and timber
• Increases the flexural and shear load capacity due to changes of building utilisation, seismic movement, pre­vention of defects, improved service ­ability, etc.
• Suitable for wet and dry application

Features and Advantages:

• Multifunctional use for any kind of strengthening requirements
• Flexibility of surface geometry (beams, columns, chimneys, piles, walls, silos, etc.)
• High strength
• Low density for minimal additional weight
• Economical compared to traditional techniques

Typical Applications

• Confinement
• Shear strengthening
• Seismic strengthening
• Weak substrate strengthening

Glass Fiber Wrap

Uses:

• Woven glass fiber fabric for structural strengthening
• Suitable for wet and dry application process

Features and Advantages:

• Manufactured with weft fibers to keep the fabric stable (heat-set process)
• Multifunctional use for every kind of strengthening requirement
• Flexibility of surface geometry (be­ams, columns, chimneys, piles, walls, silos, etc)
• Approvals available in several coun­tries
• Excellent cost performance compared to traditional techniques
• Non-conductive

Carbon Fiber Plates

Uses:

• Pultruded carbon fiber plates for structural strengthening to improve, increase, or repair the performance and resistance of structures

Features and Advantages:

• Non corroding
• Very high strength
• Excellent durability and fatigue resis­tance
• Unlimited lengths, no joints required
• Lightweight, very easy to install, especially overhead (without tempora­ry support), easy transportation (rolls)
• Minimum preparation of plate, appli­cable in several layers
• Smooth edges without exposed fibres as result of production by pultrusion
• Extensive Testing and Approvals available from many countries world­wide

Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Structures

1. Flexural strengthening of beams, floor joists and floor slabs

The strengthening system may be applied using Carboplate pultruded carbon fibre plates.

The strengthening system may be formed by applying carbon fibre, glass fibre, basalt fibre or steel fibre fabric.

2. Shear strengthening of beams

The strengthening system may be formed by applying carbon fibre, glass fibre, basalt fibre or steel fibre fabric.

3. Confinement of columns

Compressive strength and ductility may be increased.

Ductility may be increased

4. Combined bending and axial load strengthening at the base of pillars embedded in foundations

The strengthening system may be formed by carrying out the following operations:

• Bending and axial load strengthening
• Anchoring ropes
• Confinement of pillars

5. Strengthening frames: confinement of column-beam junctions

The strengthening system may be formed by carrying out the following operations:

• Shear strengthening
• Increasing shear strength of column-beam junction
• Confinement of the ends of pillars
• Shear strengthening of the ends of beams

6. Anti-seismic protection for non structural partition walls

The strengthening system is formed.

7. Anti-overturning system for buffer walls

The strengthening system is formed.

8. Anti-collapse system for floor slabs

The strengthening system is formed.

9. Strengthening the outer face of floor slabs

The strengthening system is formed.

Strengthening Masonry Structures

1. Structural strengthening of masonry arches and vaults using inorganic matrix composites

The strengthening system may be formed.

Dedicated connections are recommended to protect the strengthening.

2. Structural strengthening of masonry arches and vaults using organic matrix composites

The strengthening system may be formed by applying dedicated bands of carbon fibre, glass fibre or basalt fibre fabric.

Dedicated connections are recommended to protect the strengthening.

3. Shear strengthening of walls using inorganic matrix composites

The strengthening system may be formed.

Dedicated connections are recommended to protect the strengthening.

4. Reinforced stitching for disconnected masonry (corner and “t” intersections)

Reinforced stitching is carried out.

5. Strengthening of wooden structures

Flexural strengthening of wooden beams using Carboplate pultruded carbon fibre plates.

Flexural strengthening of wooden beams using carbon fibre, glass fibre, basalt fibre or steel fibre fabric.

Flexural strengthening of wooden beams using pultruded carbon fibre or glass fibre bars.

6. Tie area strips

The strengthening system may be applied using carbon fibre, glass fibre or basalt fibre fabric.

Dedicated connections are recommended to protect the strengthening.