Installation Process for Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)

The exact installation procedure will be made available as a part of the Project Specifications by the Project Engineer. The purpose of this page is to familiarize the visitor with the general steps required in installation of Installation Process for Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP).

One of the most important steps in successful completion of any project is surface preparation. Because the forces in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) fabrics are transferred to the substrate structure (e.g. beam, column, slab, etc.) through bonding of QuakeBond™, it is imperative that the substrate surface be clean and free of any loose paint and dust. Normally, this is achieved by sandblasting. However, in certain cases, acid washing or other means of surface preparation may be acceptable.

As a part of this process, any large voids in the substrate will also be filled with appropriate material so that the surface of the substrate is fairly smooth. Final cleaning with pressurized air is also recommended to get rid of any dust.

Depending on the substrate (e.g. steel, concrete, wood, etc.) a layer of Resin primer is applied with a brush to the surface of the substrate.

The two-component tack coat is prepared and a 40 mil-thick layer is applied to that area of the substrate that is to be strengthened. Tack coat is provided in pre-measured kits to prevent any measurement errors in mix proportioning in the field. The tack coat remains workable for about 2 hours.

The two-component saturating resin is mixed in a bucket and is poured in the space between the rollers of the Saturation Machine. The dry fabric is passed between the rollers and is uniformly saturated with the saturating resin. The saturated fabric is automatically wrapped around the take-up reel that can be removed from the Saturation Machine and passed to the installing crew.

The saturated fabric remains workable for approximately one hour. In extreme hot days, it is recommended to provide a shade cover over the Saturation Machine to prevent rapid setting of the saturating resin. The measuring counter on the Saturation Machine facilitates measurement of the saturated fabric to the desired length.

Please note that when our carbon plate is used, there is no need for the Saturation Machine.

As the saturated fabric is unrolled from the take-up reel, it is pressed against the tack coat that was previously applied to the surface of the substrate. Hand pressing or a porcupine roller can be used to remove any bubbles from the fabric. An overlap of the fabrics along the seams may be required and such information will be provided on the project drawings. The overlapping edges of the fabrics must be carefully finished with resin.

Here the crew is installing a strip of saturated carbon fabric, while a larger portion of the substrate has been covered with tack coat.

A porcupine roller shown here is a helpful tool for getting rid of any bubbles in the saturated fabric and pressing it against the substrate.

If required, Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) installations can be painted. Such painting must be done before a glossy film is formed on the surface; this usually takes place after 24 hours.

If painting is delayed, the surface of the installation must be lightly scuffed to ensure good bonding between the paint and cured Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP).

Video of Installation Process

You may also view a video clip from an actual field application by clicking here.