What is fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)?
FRP material is a non-intrusive solution that provides support for added loads, can be used to make necessary upgrades to meet new code requirements, and protects against stresses from earthquakes and other natural disasters. The combination of a durable epoxy with high-strength fiber creates the FRP system.
The purpose of the epoxy is to bond the fiber and allow the fiber filaments to share the load with each other—the fibers provide stiffness to the composite material and generally carry most of the applied loads. Tensile strength can range from 60,000lbs. to over 350,000lbs, making FRP a durable, versatile choice for your reinforcement needs.
Penhall Company is certified in the application of FRP, advanced composite materials, and the fireproofing of these solutions.
FRP Application
FRP is a lightweight, high-strength solution that can be applied virtually anywhere.
Traditional retrofit methods are costly, time consuming, and add significant weight and mass to the existing structure. FRP does away with disruptive retrofitting: significant axial, flexural, and shear strength gains can be realized with fiber reinforced polymer. It is an easy-to-apply, lightweight composite and it is the best way to retrofit a structure. Reinforcement solutions can be used for seismic retrofit, blast mitigation, underwater repair, non-intrusive/rapid repair, concrete restoration, increased load capacity or change of use/change of code.
Applications are versatile and can be placed both indoors and out, while maintaining the integrity of the FRP. The composite material is also corrosion resistant, which is not true of other reinforcement methods or materials which can deteriorate over time.
Structural Reinforcement
Use Penhall’s FRP services to strengthen columns, walls, slabs, unreinforced masonry, and other structures.
Fiber reinforced polymer systems are great for strengthening the integrity of concrete, masonry, and even wood structures. In particular, the composite system can be used to reinforce a variety of concrete structures, including slabs, slab openings, walls, columns, silos, and more. Unlike traditional retrofitting methods, which are not versatile in use or application, FRP is a viable option for a vast number of structural repair or reinforcement projects.
FRP can be applied to:
Concrete Structures
Pipes
Tanks & Silos
Tunnels
Bridges
Chimneys
Shear Walls
Columns
FRP Code Requirements
Our fiber reinforced polymer system meets national code standards.
Because FRP is a highly versatile reinforcement solution—applicable for many types and kinds of structures—there are stringent codes that regulate its use, including the American Concrete Institute, ANSI Code of Standard Practice, FDOT Design Criteria Specifications, and more.
At Penhall Company, we work to ensure our FRP system not only meets code but exceeds it. We want to supply every client with excellent workmanship and a durable, long-lasting reinforcement solution.