Carbon fibre has very high tensile strength and is also very lightweight. When bonded to the exterior of a concrete column, beam, or slab, it can add significant strength without adding weight that would increase the load on foundations and other structural members.
Used on steel, masonry, concrete and timber structures, carbon fibre wrapping (sometimes referred to as carbon fibre strengthening or structural carbon fibre) is a mixed material, usually made up of carbon fibre strands woven or formed to solid plates. Glass fibre fabrics can also be used for structural strengthening purposes.
There are many advantages to carbon fibre wrapping;
Because of the flexibility of the material, it can be “wrapped” around structures that may not be suitable for traditional structural strengthening methods, such as beams and columns. Carbon fibre-reinforced concrete can benefit from an enhanced load-carrying capacity, service life and durability; the wrapping is impermeable, meaning it can protect structures from additional moisture and corrosion. This makes it an excellent solution for reducing the need for further maintenance and repair work.
Carbon fibre wrapping is not only used in repairs, it can also be used in new construction, to both increase structural load and also provide long-term protection.
Quick to install and with minimal visual impact, successful installation requires experience and skill. Our teams will complete a pre-installation survey, engineered design solutions and installation by qualified fitters as standard.
As with all refurbishment work, the first step is correct surface preparation to remove any chemicals or dirt. Following surface preparation and removal of dust, any defects in the concrete are repaired. Sharp edges and corners are smoothed to prevent stress concentrations. The concrete is then coated with a primer to allow for a mechanical bond before the carbon fibre is installed. The fabric can be placed in up to three layers, depending upon design. A topcoat will then be installed to provide temperature, chemical and abrasion resistance.
This technique isn’t suitable for every strengthening project and you should always get advice from a specialist contractor about the best method to use.
We are also experienced in the use of carbon fibre plates and rods as cost-effective and rapid solutions for reinforcing concrete structures and increasing carrying capacity and stiffness.
We installed an innovative solution for structural carbon strengthening at Hinkley Point B Power Station for client EDF Energy. At CSC Services we have used structural carbon strengthening to add structural strength to the DW Plinths in the Turbine Hall.