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The basic constituents of FRP are fibers such as carbon or glass in a resin matrix. CarbonWrap™ Solutions supplies both types of fibers, as specified by the requirements of the projects.
The fibers come in the form of woven or stitched fabric that is saturated on premise and bonded to a substrate using a specially formulated structural epoxy. The combination of fibers and resins are called composites. The fiber/resin composite also comes in the form of pre-cured laminates for application to surfaces that are smooth and can handle the relatively rigid, cured laminate. The fibers within the fabric or the laminate can be oriented in a multitude of directions to enhance the mechanical properties of the composite (e.g., in the same direction (unidirectional) or in orthogonal directions (bidirectional)).
FRPs have superior strength and durability, compared to conventional materials such as steel. The specific weight of FRPs is much less than that of steel, about one-fifth, while the tensile strength can be as much as ten times. This makes the strength to weight ratio of FRPs more than fifty times that of steel, and it is also completely resistant to electrochemical corrosion. Such properties are ideal for structural engineers.
The superior characteristics of CarbonWrap™ Solutions' composite wraps and laminates make them the materials of choice for engineers and contractors in the retoration of existing infrastructures around the world. Some of the outstanding features are:
- Less Weight
- Greater Fatigue Resistance
- Greater Strength
- Lower Themal Expansion
- Greater Stiffness
Values to contractors and engineers are:
- Corrosion resistant -- minimizing maintenance costs and long-term wear
- Minimal change to structure's shape, weight, and appearance
- Cost savings over alternative methods
- Only 1/8th of an inch thickness added to the repaired surface
- Reduction of installation time since welding & heavy equipment is eliminated
- Strength & ductility of damaged structure increased up to and at times beyond its initial design value
- Flexible wrap conforms to any shape
- Minimal disruption & noise
Supported by 20 years of development work at the University of Arizona, CarbonWrap™ Solutions offers the most comprehensive line of high strength composite materials for reinforcing, repairing, and protecting structures against earthquakes, blasts, and environmental damages. CarbonWrap™ Solutions continues to develop its technology and, in 2007, has submitted 7 patent applications on composite systems for soil reinforcement, sound walls, blast protection, ballistics, and hollow structures.
