RELATED MATERIALS
MEGAWRAP-200 – Carbon fabric for structural strengthening
EPOMAX-LD – Two-component epoxy impregnation adhesive for composite fabrics
EPOMAX-EK – Two-component epoxy putty
MEGACRET-40 – High-strength, fiber-reinforced repairing mortar
I. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS
The columns of a structure may need confinement when they lack adequate strength or ductility due to regulation updates, ageing materials, construction defects, increased loads or seismic requirements. Column confinement improves the compression strength and ductility of concrete, prevents buckling of longitudinal reinforcement, increases deformability and ensures coherence at splice points.
II. SOLUTION
The column is encased with MEGAWRAP-200 carbon fibre fabric to create a confinement jacket. EPOMAX-LD epoxy impregnation adhesive bonds the fabric to the concrete, EPOMAX-EK epoxy putty fills cracks and provides a smooth substrate, and MEGACRET-40 high-strength mortar can be used for repair. The carbon fibre jackets are lightweight, corrosion resistant and easy to install; compared to conventional steel jackets they provide better protection and do not require heavy equipment.
III. APPLICATION
1. Substrate preparation: Remove loose material, old coatings, dust and oils. Repair spalls or irregularities using MEGACRET-40 mortar or EPOMAX-EK epoxy putty. Round column edges to a radius of at least 20–25 mm to avoid stress concentrations and ensure a good bond.
2. Apply an initial coat of EPOMAX-LD resin on the clean dry surface.
3. Cut MEGAWRAP-200 fabric to the correct dimensions. Saturate the fabric with EPOMAX-LD and wrap it around the column keeping the fibres oriented vertically. Press the fabric thoroughly with a roller to expel entrapped air and ensure full adhesion. The edges of successive wraps should overlap by about 15‑20 cm; do not create vertical overlaps.
4. For additional layers repeat the application procedure after the previous layer has become tack free. Sprinkle quartz sand on the final resin layer while still wet so that subsequent protective coatings will adhere well.
IV. REMARKS
- Efficiency depends on the column’s cross-section ratio and the radius at the corners; increasing the radius improves confinement.
- Carry out a pull-off test on each surface to ensure proper bond strength.
- Leave a minimum gap of 10 mm between adjacent fabric wraps and avoid splicing inside high-stress zones.
- Epoxy open time decreases at high temperatures; apply the system when ambient and substrate temperatures are between +5 °C and +35 °C.
- Protect the carbon fabric from exposure to sunlight and high temperatures; apply a protective coating after installation.
- Wear protective gloves, goggles and clothing during application.
MEGAWRAP-200 – Carbon fabric for structural strengthening
EPOMAX-LD – Two-component epoxy impregnation adhesive for composite fabrics
EPOMAX-EK – Two-component epoxy putty
MEGACRET-40 – High-strength, fiber-reinforced repairing mortar
I. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS
The columns of a structure may need confinement when they lack adequate strength or ductility due to regulation updates, ageing materials, construction defects, increased loads or seismic requirements. Column confinement improves the compression strength and ductility of concrete, prevents buckling of longitudinal reinforcement, increases deformability and ensures coherence at splice points.
II. SOLUTION
The column is encased with MEGAWRAP-200 carbon fibre fabric to create a confinement jacket. EPOMAX-LD epoxy impregnation adhesive bonds the fabric to the concrete, EPOMAX-EK epoxy putty fills cracks and provides a smooth substrate, and MEGACRET-40 high-strength mortar can be used for repair. The carbon fibre jackets are lightweight, corrosion resistant and easy to install; compared to conventional steel jackets they provide better protection and do not require heavy equipment.
III. APPLICATION
1. Substrate preparation: Remove loose material, old coatings, dust and oils. Repair spalls or irregularities using MEGACRET-40 mortar or EPOMAX-EK epoxy putty. Round column edges to a radius of at least 20–25 mm to avoid stress concentrations and ensure a good bond.
2. Apply an initial coat of EPOMAX-LD resin on the clean dry surface.
3. Cut MEGAWRAP-200 fabric to the correct dimensions. Saturate the fabric with EPOMAX-LD and wrap it around the column keeping the fibres oriented vertically. Press the fabric thoroughly with a roller to expel entrapped air and ensure full adhesion. The edges of successive wraps should overlap by about 15‑20 cm; do not create vertical overlaps.
4. For additional layers repeat the application procedure after the previous layer has become tack free. Sprinkle quartz sand on the final resin layer while still wet so that subsequent protective coatings will adhere well.
IV. REMARKS
- Efficiency depends on the column’s cross-section ratio and the radius at the corners; increasing the radius improves confinement.
- Carry out a pull-off test on each surface to ensure proper bond strength.
- Leave a minimum gap of 10 mm between adjacent fabric wraps and avoid splicing inside high-stress zones.
- Epoxy open time decreases at high temperatures; apply the system when ambient and substrate temperatures are between +5 °C and +35 °C.
- Protect the carbon fabric from exposure to sunlight and high temperatures; apply a protective coating after installation.
- Wear protective gloves, goggles and clothing during application.
