STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
Italy’s housing stock is generally quite old, and the majority of buildings date back to times when seismic regulations were not yet in effect; it follows that many buildings have suffered damage in earthquakes after their construction.
In addition, many buildings have undergone structural changes throughout their history, including extensions, elevations, volumetric changes to interior layouts, and changes in use. All of these changes, at the present time, need verification and structural adjustment and consolidation.
Reinforcement techniques using composite materials are particularly suitable in these situations, both because the minimally invasive nature of the project and their excellent value for money.
CAMS has the expertise to carry out structural reinforcement work for your buildings: civil dwellings, condominiums, industrial sheds, schools, heritage buildings and infrastructure.
We handle structural reinforcement projects in a comprehensive and integrated manner, offering full assistance to designers, individuals, agencies and companies.
CAMS specializes in structural reinforcement of existing buildings and, thanks to its expertise and the quality of its services, has obtained UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 certification and SOA attestation for category OG1.
Structural reinforcement works
CAMS offers consolidation and structural reinforcement services for:
FLOOR SLABS
ROOFS
BALCONIES
PILLARS
VAULTS
WOODEN BEAMS
REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS
FOUNDATIONS
FRP composite materials for structural reinforcement
FRP structural reinforcement systems fall into two main categories:
- Preformed systems consisting mainly of sheet or bar-shaped elements, prepared directly at the plant by pultrusion and then bonded to the structural element being reinforced;
- On-site impregnated systems consisting of uni- or multi-directional fiber fabrics that are directly impregnated on site using resin that also acts as an adhesive to the substrate.
The fibers used for FRP production are distinguished by high mechanical strength or high modulus of elasticity, and the type is chosen according to the problem we face.
Carbon fiber
Originally employed in aeronautical and mechanical engineering, carbon fiber are used in construction for most structural reinforcement projects due to their versatility, light weight and resistance to environmental factors.
They also allow for non-invasive measures.
Galvanized steel fiber
Galvanized steel fiber fabrics are formed of micro steel strands fixed in a fiberglass micro mesh. They offer high tensile and shear strength, improving the strength of structural elements subjected to high loads; they also have considerable corrosion resistance, making them ideal for applications in aggressive environments.
Glass fiber
Glass fibers (GFRP) can withstand very high pressure, and are heat-resistant and recyclable. They are ideal for reinforcing masonry structures (floors, slabs, etc.) during initial construction or renovation to improve the earthquake-resistant qualities of heritage buildings following natural disasters and subsidence.
Aramid fiber
Aramid fibers (AFRP) are polymeric fibers that are gaining increasing acceptance in the market due to their excellent physical and mechanical properties:
in particular, shear strength and resistance to cutting, making them indispensable in numerous structural reinforcement applications, as well as high temperature resistance.
FRCM composite materials for structural reinforcement
FRCM (Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) systems are always implemented in situ and consist of fibers, in the form of fabrics or meshes, embedded within inorganic matrices, typically lime-based or cementitious mortars.
These technologies are mainly used on masonry structures (partitions, columns, slabs, vaults) and buildings of heritage or listed value in which resins cannot be used.
Basalt fiber
Basalt fibers help improve the strength and stability of structures. In particular, they offer high tensile strength (higher than that of steel and glass fiber), an ideal feature for improving the strength of structural elements subjected to high loads. They also offer remarkable heat resistance due to their high melting point, high oxidation resistance, high corrosion resistance and long service life.
PBO fiber
PBO fibers offer high performance in absorbing stresses generated by overloads and exceptional events such as earthquakes. They are especially suited to masonry structures and heritage buildings.
For the techniques and materials employed to be as effective as possible, a
detailed preliminary study must be done.
CAMS, with its specialized expertise and know-how, is ideally placed to guarantee exceptional results in terms of safety, as well as minimizing the invasiveness and encumbrance of the project while ensuring total reversibility.
CAMS TECHNICAL STAFF IS CERTIFIED
FRP materials require manual installation by skilled labour, which is why our technical staff is certified with Personal Qualification Certificates for laying fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMPTNESS IN STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT PROJECTS Noticing structural failure in time and taking quick corrective action is the only way to avoid major problems.
It is important not to underestimate the symptoms of compromised soundness and strength of the existing structure.
The most common examples are paired cracks on facades, which may indicate damage concealed by the plaster work, bulging masonry walls, etc.
CONTACT US
For a quote and more information about our structural reinforcement services for your buildings, please fill in the form.
