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Strengthening Division

Carbon Fibre Strengthening

Fibrwrap systems are specialist carbon, glass, aramid and hybrid fabrics combined with epoxy resins which in unique combination, create the tested and proven Fibrwrap advanced composite systems for carbon fibre strengthening (FRP). Fibrwrap Systems are specified by structural engineers, design, installed and guaranteed by CCUK, FRP solves a host of structural deficiencies or demands in existing structures.

FRP is capable of enhancing the structural capacity of existing structural elements which require additional strengthening, rehabilitation, and repair, including seismic retrofit, pipe rehabilitation, structural preservation, comprehensive force protection, blast mitigation, corrosion related repair and rehabilitation, additional loading, and environmental protection.

Fibrwrap Systems are primarily used as externally bonded or near surface mounted additions to existing structural elements such as columns, beams, slabs, walls, pipes/ tanks/ chimneys and structural connections.

Structural Rehabilitation and Repair

What Composites Construction has to offer beyond the expertise of most repair contractors is an engineered approach to the restoration of concrete, masonary and timber structures . Following a survey of the root cause of the degradation, a CCUK engineer will analyse the construction of the structure, its current suitability and its surrounding conditions. This added value allows us to offer more than a sticking plaster approach, by providing a menu of suitable options a long-term solutions.

The repair of concrete buildings and structures requires quality materials but more importantly experienced and skilled tradesmen to ensure that the repair is undertaken correctly. The removal of the defective areas of concrete, preparation of the exposed steel reinforcement, and concrete reinstatement has to be done correctly for the repair to last.

For small repair areas we use electric or pneumatic tools to remove the concrete and for larger volumes we often use hydro demolition contractors. The concrete reinstatement can be hand applied mortars or for large volumes it may be sprayed concrete or flowable self-compacting mortars. The concrete surface finishing often needs to match the existing colour and texture.

After repairing the concrete a protective coating can be applied to all the exposed concrete surfaces to enhance the durability and for aesthetic reasons. These coatings can protect against further carbonation of the concrete and chloride ingress.

In addition to the repair of concrete, Fibrwrap also offers the Tyfo Fibrwrap system to prolong the life and protect the concrete restoration. Tyfo products have been proven to arrest and resist corrosion, when applied to concrete in aggressive environments.

Pipeline & Liquid Storage

Water transmission lines or large diameter pressure pipes are strengthened using the Fibrwrap system either internally or externally. Decades of continuous service of large diameter buried pressure pipelines have led to deterioration that threatens the structural integrity of these lines. Pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) are in a state of distress due to the loss of steel wires due to corrosion and other factors. Similarly, reinforced concrete pressure pipes, steel and ductile iron pipelines are also in need of structural renewal for extended service. Our patented process has been successfully utilized worldwide for over a decade to rehabilitate many miles of pipelines ranging in diameter from 36-inch – 201-inch.

In addition to replacing the structural performance of existing PCCP, RC and steel pipes, they can also be used to upgrade other pressure vessels, such as storage tanks.

Strengthening methods include…

Increase Available Hoop Stress (increase internal pressure capacity)*
Leak Remediation and Prevention
Protection from Corrosion and Replacing Strength Lost Due to Corrosion
Emergency Repairs
Increase Bending Strength
Increase Compression Strength Due to External Loading

Fire Protection Services

CCUK is a leading specialist fire protection contractor providing, specialist coatings passive fire protection systems and life safety solutions throughout the UK and Europe.

We specialise in supplying fire protection to carbon fibre strengthening, concrete and structural steel. We apply a variance of coatings, cement based systems, boarded fire protection systems and intumescent paint systems.

CCUK are certified installers of Fibrwrap Systems which includes the only UL approved fire protection systems for Carbon Fibre Strengthening

We also carry out fire stopping and penetration sealing; penetration-sealing systems are a fundamental requirement of the fire safety design in buildings. CCUK offer solutions, including; Fire Barriers, Fire Compounds and Intumescent Sealants

Fire Statement

It is well recognised that composite strengthening systems do not behave very well in a fire condition, the fact that any epoxy resin will soften as its meets high temperatures means that there is a high risk of your system de-bonding. Whether your Fibrwrap strengthening system actually requires fire protection (from a structural perspective) will be calculated by our competent design teams, there is a good chance it’s not applicable.

However should your carbon fibre require a fire protection system (structurally or to meet building authority approvals) then Fibrwrap has two very specialist coatings for both internal and external applications, we can meet both a 2 and 4 hour fire protection requirement. These systems are fully tested as part of the Tyfo Systems and are approved by the Underwriters Laboratory, UL.