We have numerous services available for their clients:

“FRP Formula” calculation software

This software, used to verify reinforced concrete sections, has been developed in collaboration with the laboratory of the Department of Structural Analysis and Design of the “Federico II” University of Naples, and is sub-divided into a series of “Microsoft Excel” spreadsheets.

The formulas used in the calculations are taken from the technical documents CNR DT 200/2004 and NTC 2008 which are currently in force. In order to use these spreadsheets the macro option must be activated (at the top left of each file).

It contains the following modules:

• Confinement of rectangular and circular reinforced concrete columns;
• Flexural strengthening of rectangular sections;
• Flexural strengthening of “T” sections;
• Shear strengthening of columns;
• Shear strengthening of beams;
• Stress analysis of reinforced sections in compliance with RARE and QUASI-PERMANENT SLS combinations.

Each module is made up of three steps:

1) INPUT: input of the geometry of the reinforced concrete sections and the characteristics of the materials;

2) CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STRENGTHENING: selection of the appropriate strengthening;

3) OUTPUT: cross-check of the stress on the strengthened section.

On-site technical support

Our strong point is represented by the free technical support available for contractors for:

• site surveys
• commissioning trials and testing

SITE SURVEYS

We offer a free site survey service which is carried out by local sales engineers, technicians from the Large Projects Division who cover their specific geographical area of interest and the Composite Team together with technicians and engineers from the “Federico II” University of Naples.

Site supervision by one of our experienced technicians during the substrate preparation is also available.

COMMISSIONING TRIALS AND TESTING

CNR-DT 200/2004 also requires that a series of non-destructive and semi destructive quality control tests are carried out on strengthening interventions with composite materials to verify the quality of the substrate on which the strengthening system is to be applied and assess how the strengthening system itself has been applied. Our Technical Services has this type of service available to carry out, completely free of charge, semi-destructive tests such as the PULL-OFF TEST in compliance with current standards.

The following tests in particular are available:

• pre-strengthening pull-off tests to assess the mechanical performance characteristics of the substrate;
• post-strengthening pull-off tests to verify the quality of the application of the composites.

Pull-off test

The test consists in checking the force required to break a portion of the structure to which a 50×50 mm metal dolly has been applied. The test is carried out using an “Adhesion Tester” with a self-centring mechanism which applies a tensile force perpendicular to the test surface (ref. CNR DT 200/2004 par. 4.8.3.1).

As stated in the technical reference document CNR DT 200/2004 (Guide for the Design and Construction of externally bond FRP Systems for strengthening existing structures), the results are acceptable if at least 80% of the tests (both tests in case of only two tests) return a pull-off stress not less than 1.2 N/mm² and, more importantly, if the failure is localised in the concrete substrate.

The staff is made up of qualified technicians and operates in collaboration with technicians from the DIST (Department of Structural Analysis and Design) of the “Federico II” University of Naples.

Design support

Our vast experience and qualified technicians are available to contractors and designers with advice and technical support during the design phase. The “Design Guide” is also available on our website.

The Design Guide represents a new, key element in the relationship between us and the world of design, a fundamental relationship which will become even more stable thanks to this initiative. Our Design Guide is literally a “technical community”, and is just a click away. The Design Guide currently comprises 17 sections which discuss 17 different design themes, including section G entitled “Application of Composite Materials”. It is an interactive manual created in such a way that each user can identify the best solution for a design problem from within an ample range of proposals, based on the experience gained over the years directly on site by the Group organisation. Knowing that a durable, sustainable installation may only be achieved by thinking in terms of Systems rather than Products has led us to preface each Technical Specification with detailed Procedures which, if followed correctly, will enable you to design and carry out your work to perfection. The rule to construct correctly dictates that a complete, detailed cycle must be supplied, starting from substrate preparation, followed by a description of the various application phases of each different material and its specific function. By following the various procedures, developed and perfected for the most complex, articulated work cycles, it is possible to consult each single Technical Specification and execute a project in its entirety. You can also consult and attach the Technical Data Sheet for each single product, along with drawings of certain operations which are easier to represent through images.