Advanced Composite Materials – FRP Strengthening For Concrete

Vector Construction uses fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite systems to strengthen a wide variety of structures for flexure, shear, axial loads, and seismic upgrading. Both Glass FRP (GFRP) and Carbon FRP (CFRP) are used in these applications with CFRP being used for most structural applications. FRP composites have been used for decades in aerospace and manufacturing applications where low weight, high tensile strength, and non-corrosive structural properties are required. In civil engineering applications, CFRP has proven to be extremely effective as externally bonded reinforcement. CFRP materials are successful because they exhibit low creep, and compared with steel, are thinner, lighter, and have 10 times the tensile strength. In addition to bonding the CFRP to the surface, it can also be placed in slots routed into the concrete to strengthen the structure for both flexural and shear strengthening applications. This type of strengthening system is commonly referred to as near surface mounted (NSM) FRP strengthening. Vector Construction has the resources to undertake any concrete strengthening project that utilizes advanced composite materials. From preliminary design concepts, to budgeting, to execution, Vector can be your single source solution for concrete structural strengthening.

Applications:

All concrete, wood, and steel structures

Benefits:

• Quick completion time
• Cost effective when compared with the remove and replace option
• No additional dead load added to the structure
• Minimal access to work area required
• No heavy equipment is involved
• Corrosion resistant system
• No maintenance required

Sample Project Histories:

Bridge Substructure (PDF)
Airport Powerhouse Slab (PDF)
Meat Plant Beams (PDF)
Manitoba Legislative Building (PDF)