A concrete structure is designed for a specific period and depending on the nature of the structure, its design life varies. Deterioration in concrete structures is a major challenge faced by the infrastructure and bridge industries across India. Beams are the critical structural members subjected to bending, torsion and shear in all types of structures. Similarly, columns are also used as various important elements, subjected to axial load combined with/without bending and are used in all types of structures. As complete replacement or reconstruction of the structure will not be possible and will be too costly, strengthening or retrofitting is an effective way to strengthen the beams and columns. There are many other techniques for strengthening the existing structure with certain merits and demerits, one of the emerging methods is the reinforcement by carbon wrap technology using Fiber Reinforced Polymers in the form of thin laminates or fabrics. It uses carbon fabrics/ Carbon laminates on the surface of the concrete to form a composite that works in coordination with concrete to strengthen the component structure and improve its mechanical performance. The method is a technically superior alternative to traditional techniques as it offers high strength, low weight, corrosion resistance, high-fatigue resistance, easy and rapid installation.
Carbon wrap goes right over the existing substrate. This minimizes disruption during repair and saves significantly on installation time and costs. The carbon wrap technology utilizes carbon Fiber that 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.
Advantages of Carbon Fiber Wrapping for beams and columns
The reinforcement technology of carbon-wrapped columns and beams has the least interference to structural members. Effective use of carbon fiber reinforced concrete or polymers can significantly increase the life of the structure and minimize maintenance requirements. The columns wrapped in carbon fiber are corrosion resistant, so they are used for corrosion control and repair of reinforced concrete structures. Carbon fiber reinforced concrete and carbon wrapped columns are also widely used to strengthen concrete structures. Carbon fiber is one of these materials, which is usually used in combination with other materials to form a composite. The right selection of products is the key here.
RELinforce™ product ranges from Reliance Composite Solutions are used to rehabilitate and strengthen the damaged or deficient concrete structures to take the designed loads with the use of carbon wrap technology. Relinforce™ system comprises high-strength carbon fabric fully saturated with an appropriate resin system or pre-cured laminates to provide required additional strength to any damaged structure. There is a wide range of products combined with outstanding combinations of properties, such as low weight, immunity to corrosion, excellent mechanical strength and stiffness to tackle the issues on hand with ease. Applied in the form of a flexible fabric during installation, it is then saturated with a resin matrix, allowing it to harden to a very strong material with a strength-to-weight ratio.
Its features includes;
- High strength with low weight
- Minimal change to structure’s shape, weight or appearance
- Corrosion resistance
- Thermal compatibility
- Flexible wrap allows tailoring to the desired shape
- Excellent fatigue behaviour
- Faster repair than conventional methods
- Welding and heavy equipment are not needed.
- Minimal disruption and noise during preparation or installation
- Low total cost
Application areas;
- Industrial infrastructure
- Bridges & Jetties
- Pipeline infrastructure
- Buildings
About Relinforce™ Carbon wrap & Glass Fiber-reinforced polymer products
Relinforce™ range of Carbon wrap & Glass Fiber-reinforced polymer products are manufactured and supplied under Reliance India’s Composites Solution Division. Reliance Industries Limited is India’s largest private and one of the most profitable private sector companies and the first Indian Fortune 500 company. Relinforce™ product range is used for structural strengthening & protection of the structural members using guidelines that conform to international standards. These products just don’t repair degraded structures, but it makes the structures stronger even against harmful effects of seismic forces or further corrosion. There is a wide range of products combined with outstanding combinations of properties, such as low weight, immunity to corrosion, excellent mechanical strength and stiffness to tackle the issues on hand with ease.
To know more about the product, visit- https://www.reliancecomposites.com/