Composite Strengthening
Norcon Corporation is a trained and approved applicator for Sika and Simpson Strong-Tie fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) Composite Strengthening Systems.
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems can simply be defined as high strength and lightweight reinforcements created by combining carbon (CFRP) or E-glass fibers with a polymer material (epoxy). The fibers provide the main reinforcing elements while the polymer matrix (epoxy resins) acts as a binder, protects the fibers, and transfers loads to and between the fibers. The performance characteristics of FRP strengthening have become increasingly popular in construction and retrofit applications, specifically in aging, damaged, deteriorating or overloaded concrete structures.
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been used for structural strengthening in the United States for over 25 years. During this period, acceptance of FRP composites as a mainstream construction material has grown, and so has the number of completed FRP strengthening projects. As a result, the use of FRP for strengthening and retrofit is gaining more popularity among design professionals over conventional strengthening techniques, such as installation of supplemental structural steel frames and elements.
The primary benefit of FRP systems versus traditional retrofit and repair methods is that significant flexural, lateral, axial or shear strength gains can be achieved with an easy-to-apply composite that does not add significant weight or mass to the structure.
These repair and strengthening methods are some of the most cost effective solutions in the industry.
