Olin Library Case Study - FRP Reinforcement

OLIN
LIBRARY

PROBLEM:

FRP reinforcement was needed to strengthen areas identified by Streeter Associates. FRP was identified as the best solution for this reinforcement, for it's minimal footprint on the jobsite and for the strength that it provides, without additional beams or structural solutions being added to the existing structure.

PICTURED:
Cleaned and prepped surface being marked for instillation of FRP.

ANALYSIS:

In preparation to laying the CFRP, CSC technicians readied the area for repair by grinding out any imperfections in the concrete, creating a CSP-2 profile. After surface preparation was complete CSC used chalk lines to mark out fiber areas for installation.

PICTURED: FRP completed by CSC.

SOLUTION:

Following proper surface preparation, a prime coat of thickened Tyfo® S Epoxy was applied to the substrate to fill all minor imperfections. The Tyfo® CFRP SCH-41 fabric was then hand saturated to ensure proper impregnation with Tyfo® S Epoxy. Saturated Tyfo® CFRP SCH-41 was then applied to the surface and smoothed to ensure no imperfections during its’ curing process. System was then leveled, set, and sealed using an additional coat of thickened Tyfo® S Epoxy. The following photos show the application process of the CFRP system as well as its’ completion.

RESULT:

After CFRP installation, a thorough inspection of the completed work was done confirming proper installation and that all materials used had been properly recorded. Sample panels were cast for future tensile testing (by others, if required) and provided to Streeter Associates. CSC Technicians ensured a clean and orderly work area was left prior to de-mobilization and completion of the CFRP installation.