FRP Repair/Strengthening
FRP Repair/Strengthening
(OP)
Does anyone here have experience in using FRP to repair/strengthen structural elements? I am curious in which applications has it been most prominently used with success.
Any info or reading material recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Any info or reading material recommendations are greatly appreciated.






RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
The R J Watson Company was very helpful. They provided a lot of engineering and estimating support.
One thing to keep in mind: FRP isn't a concrete repair; it's used for additional strength. The concrete has to be repaired using conventional means
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
I can't think of anyone else right of hand. But I'venot searched the internet either.
Regards,
![[pipe] pipe](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pipe.gif)
Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
There was a bridge locally to me that was strengthened using FRP and a report was written on the topic by a local university. I have been looking at doing some research into the use of FRP but have not had the time to do any sufficient investigation into it.
One of the biggest hurdles I see myself facing is the calculations of the initial strain of the concrete cross-section when the FRP is applied.
http://eprints.qut.edu.au/26889/
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
http://www
I did not develop design equations using the NSM method in my thesis. I simply was demonstrating that the NSM method increased the out-of-plane bending resistance and ductility. The NSM method was equally or better than using external methods. Additionally, the NSM method preserves the aesthetics of the structure.
Attached below is another paper by some researches in Australia that have developed some design equations. They primarily focus on URM walls, but it might help you.
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
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RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
http://www.fyfeco.com/
I've never heard of Watson, but I haven't looked into this for a number of years.
I've seen this used to strengthen un-reinforced (or under reinforced) masonry buildings as well as to provide better confinement for concrete columns.
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
Seems Ed Fyfe and Ron Watson teamed up and developed some products and actual applicators.
Hexcel-Fyfe was a early Fyfe company and seemed to predate the Watson teaming.
Just trying to remember how it all fit together. I've worked with both companies. Good people.
Having had a course on Infrastructure Strengthening with FRP and other composite mechanics I can tell you that the main industry for FRP strengthening is parking garages, followed by buildings and then the old conservative bridge industry. The most common type of retrofit is flexure where straps are appled at the bottom of beams. In some cases, the straps are also assisted by U shaped applications. The second common retrofit is shear strengthening with u shaped straps or continuous u shaped retrofit. In the bridge industry round concrete columns were being retrofitted in California in the early 90s.
As was pointed out earlier, to strengthen an existing member ACI requires that it meet a certain load requirement to ensure that is it not only practical to retrofit but safe to do so.
Among other books, Larwence Bank (Un of Michigan) has a very nice text.
Regards,
![[pipe] pipe](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pipe.gif)
Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
Or do they do all the engineering and provide the material?
Qshake, why is it so popular in parking garages?
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
Fibrwrap is the contractor. Fyfe is designing the actual reinforcement per the "required additional strength" in shear and bending that we are providing to them.
They are submitting all calculations and data sheets to us for review, but they are providing the sealed engineering.
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
Popularity in parking garages comes from both need and a less intrusive solution. The need is obvious, parking garages take a beating from the weather and loading plus whatever salts cars track in or are in the air. Need also covers older garages that need to strengthened for today's loads. The less intrusive application is ideal because owners what their car spaces for rent and FRP takes very little time with very little equipment to complete. No tearing down interior building material to get to the concrete beams they're right there. So it's low risk for the contractor.
Regards,
![[pipe] pipe](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pipe.gif)
Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
RE: FRP Repair/Strengthening
Regards,
![[pipe] pipe](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pipe.gif)
Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.