Increasing the load-bearing capacity of concrete constructions
Strengthening structures with carbon fibres
Strengthening structures with CFRP plates or CF non-woven mesh is a tried-and-tested alternative to other conventional reinforcement methods. This state-of-the-art technique is often the most cost-effective and aesthetically appealing solution.
Our StoConcrete strengthening systems increase the tensile strength of load-bearing building elements without considerably affecting the dimensions and weight of these elements. The reinforcing elements are inconspicuous and can be almost fully laminated. In most cases, supply and disposal lines can remain in place during the installation process.
Why is it important to strengthen structures?
In most cases, reinforced concrete constructions are expected to have a service life of several decades. Changes to the intensity of use, renovation measures, or external influences such as storms, earthquakes, or accidents during this time often result in new requirements with regard to load-bearing capacity. Subsequent reinforcement measures need to be carried out in order to preserve or restore the structural integrity of the construction.
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Carbon fibre vs. conventional methods
Conventional methods such as an additional in-situ concrete layer, sprayed concrete with supplementary reinforcement, or additional steel beams have a number of disadvantages: they increase the dead weight and restrict the minimum clearance outline. Furthermore, they are costly and time-consuming to install – the huge amount of downtime involved often means that the work is not carried out due to time constraints. Architectural and urban planning considerations can also make the logistics of the work more difficult.
Building with conscience
- 1.
Permanent
Carbon fibre reinforcing elements do not corrode or weaken.
- 2.
Safe
National technical approvals have been issued.
- 3.
Aesthetically appealing
Our strengthening systems blend almost invisibly into the building architecture.
- 4.
Regular external monitoring
The suitability and quality of our strengthening systems have been confirmed.
- 5.
Flexible design
Our strengthening systems can be clad or coated.
- 6.
Conservation of resources
In most cases, existing installations can be preserved.
Areas of application
Area of application: building engineering
It is becoming increasingly common for existing constructions to be redesigned or repurposed. Furthermore, the maintenance of existing structures is becoming more and more important.
StoConcrete strengthening systems for buildings include solutions to increase the load capacity of ceilings or to ensure structural integrity when repurposing a building.
StoConcrete strengthening systems provide a reliable means of securing ceiling penetrations, replacing load-bearing walls, bracing walls, and reinforcing supports and piers.
Our partner, Simpson Strong-Tie GmbH (https://www.strongtie.com/about/locations), carries out feasibility studies and provides assistance with fire protection solutions.
Benefit
StoConcrete strengthening systems can even be installed during normal operations. In comparison with conventional reinforcement methods, they are highly cost-effective, visually unobtrusive, and have a low dead weight.
Application area: civil engineering
In the field of civil engineering, StoConcrete strengthening systems can be used for applications such as upgrading existing bridges. Increased loads or tightening of legal requirements may mean that this becomes necessary over the service life of a construction.
CFRP plates or CF non-woven mesh can be used to increase the load capacity of existing buildings, for example, or to widen the carriageway. With this technology, the service life of numerous bridges can be extended considerably.
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Benefit
Our reinforcement solutions ensure safety and are an economical alternative to demolition and new construction.
Alongside bridges, many other civil engineering structures can also be upgraded – including tunnels, hydraulic structures, supporting structures, and trough structures.
Area of application: protection of historical buildings and monuments
Historical constructions are integral to the appearance of our country. These monuments are unique and, once lost, are gone forever. They must therefore be preserved and protected, without changing their function or appearance.
CFRP strengthening systems are ideal for upgrading historical structures. The reinforcing elements have a low dead weight, they are narrow, and they can be flexibly adapted to building elements.
Benefit
Claddings or coatings can be used to incorporate the reinforcing elements into the construction in such a way that they are virtually invisible.
In comparison with other reinforcement measures such as sprayed concrete, the installation process only generates a small amount of debris and the work can be carried out very quickly.
The lamella, which is glued into slots, also reliably and permanently reinforces low-strength concretes.
Consultation, structural calculation and assessmen
The success of your construction project is our top priority
Structural strengthening is hugely complex and uses technologically advanced materials. One of the main aims of our collaboration with Simpson Strong-Tie GmbH is therefore to ensure that the necessary know-how and development expertise are available to all customers. The Simpson Strong-Tie engineering department can provide advice and support with planning and structural calculations and assessments at any time.
The StoConcrete strengthening systems are sold by StoCretec GmbH.
The structural calculation and assessment software is available free of charge from:
Simpson Strong-Tie GmbH
Hubert-Vergölst-Straße 6
61231 Bad Nauheim
Telephone +49 6032 8680 160
info@sp-reinforcement.de
www.sp-reinforcement.de
Comparison of strengthening principles
The StoConcrete Carbon Plate system with a surface-bonded plate is primarily used for flexural strengthening. It is used to upgrade concrete members under predominantly static loading and not predominantly static loading.
The plates have very high tensile strength. Without substrate levelling, the system changes the minimum clearance outline of the construction by just 3 to 4 millimetres and its impact is therefore negligible. Claddings or coatings can be used to fully restore the original character of the structure.
Due to its low dead weight, the surface-bonded plate can even be mounted overhead without any problems. There is no need for additional support while the adhesive is hardening. Criss-cross bonding can be used to reinforce two-way slabs.
The StoConcrete Carbon Plate system with plates bonded in slots features very high bond strength. It reinforces concrete members under predominantly static loading and not predominantly static loading. The plates are laid upright in slots filled with adhesive and therefore achieve very high tensile strength.
Two-way reinforcement can be implemented in conjunction with the surface-bonded plate. Slot-bonded plates are ideal for mounting on surfaces subject to traffic but can also be used overhead and do not require support while the adhesive is hardening.
They are mounted surface-flush and therefore do not change the minimum clearance outline of the construction. The reinforced areas can be combined with coatings.
The StoConcrete Carbon Sheet system is used for flexural strengthening and transverse force reinforcement of flat and round building elements. The Sto S&P C Sheets are large, flat carbon fibre fabric pieces. They are delivered on plastic sheeting and are installed on the construction site as hand-laminated reinforcement. The system is suitable for external shear reinforcement or normal force reinforcement in the case of supports.
Both versions can be combined to provide torsional reinforcement for solid building elements. Claddings or coatings can be used to adapt the appearance of the Sto S&P C Sheet to its environment.
The StoConcrete Carbon Plate system with a surface-bonded plate is primarily used for flexural strengthening. It is used to upgrade concrete members under predominantly static loading and not predominantly static loading.
The plates have very high tensile strength. Without substrate levelling, the system changes the minimum clearance outline of the construction by just 3 to 4 millimetres and its impact is therefore negligible. Claddings or coatings can be used to fully restore the original character of the structure.
Due to its low dead weight, the surface-bonded plate can even be mounted overhead without any problems. There is no need for additional support while the adhesive is hardening. Criss-cross bonding can be used to reinforce two-way slabs.
The StoConcrete Carbon Plate system with plates bonded in slots features very high bond strength. It reinforces concrete members under predominantly static loading and not predominantly static loading. The plates are laid upright in slots filled with adhesive and therefore achieve very high tensile strength.
Two-way reinforcement can be implemented in conjunction with the surface-bonded plate. Slot-bonded plates are ideal for mounting on surfaces subject to traffic but can also be used overhead and do not require support while the adhesive is hardening.
They are mounted surface-flush and therefore do not change the minimum clearance outline of the construction. The reinforced areas can be combined with coatings.
The StoConcrete Carbon Sheet system is used for flexural strengthening and transverse force reinforcement of flat and round building elements. The Sto S&P C Sheets are large, flat carbon fibre fabric pieces. They are delivered on plastic sheeting and are installed on the construction site as hand-laminated reinforcement. The system is suitable for external shear reinforcement or normal force reinforcement in the case of supports.
Both versions can be combined to provide torsional reinforcement for solid building elements. Claddings or coatings can be used to adapt the appearance of the Sto S&P C Sheet to its environment.
Looking for inspiration?
Why not take a look at our references page? Here you will find numerous reports on interesting projects in the field of structural reinforcement. Most of them in German and English.
To the references
