|
contents | news | |||||||||
| Fibrwrap completes bridge strengthening project  Fibrwrap Construction Inc. has announced the successful completion of a bridge strengthening project on the Jamestown - Verrazano Bridge in Rhode Island using the Tyfo SCH Carbon Fiber Fibrwrap System. The bridge spans 7,350 feet over the west passage of the Narrangansett Bay connecting the towns of Jamestown and North Kingstown, RI. The Verrazano bridge construction is a double cell post-tensioned girder which supports four lanes of traffic on State Highway 138. The bridge was found to be deficient in shear strength in several critical areas located near the existing column bents.Fyfe Company’s Tyfo SCH Carbon Fiber Fibrwrap System was specified to provide the additional required shear strength to the bridge structure. The SCH Fibrwrap System consists of high strength carbon fibers that are combined with an epoxy matrix and bonded to the existing structure to provide additional capacity. The design for this project called for the FRP System to be installed to the internal and external faces of the concrete girder. This proved challenging as access to the inside of the girder was only available through manholes and the exterior of the bridge could be reached only by extensive scaffolding and lifts. The light-weight nature of the Tyfo Systems allowed for easier access by making it possible to carry all of the required materials by hand to the locations needing reinforcement. Fibrwrap Construction Inc. uses advanced composites, or Fibre Reinforced Polymers, FRPs, to add strength and ductility to structures that are in need of upgrade, repair or rehabilitation. Structures include bridges, concrete and wood piers, buildings, pipes and other structures. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |