A Case Study on the Use of Advanced Fiberwrap Composites for the Seismic Retrofit of Waterfront Structures: Fid-Bau Portal

A Case Study on the Use of Advanced Fiberwrap Composites for the Seismic Retrofit of Waterfront Structures

Jiménez, T. / Arnold, S.

Advanced fiberwrap composites (i.e. fiber reinforced polymers, FRP) have been used to structurally rehabilitate concrete, timber and steel structures in North America for more than two decades. Using these advanced composite systems, engineers routinely strengthen bridges, buildings, industrial facilities, large diameter water pipes, and many other several works structures that have been in service for many years. There are multiple reasons for using the FRP systems as a construction alternative in waterfront structures as well. Seismic retrofitting, structural strengthening (due to change of use or for code compliance), environmental protection and corrosion mitigation of coastal structures are the primary reasons. FRP composite systems have been used in municipal port facilities as well as industrial private facilities for more than a decade. To illustrate the capacities of FRP's more specific to waterfront structures, a case study recently completed by Fibrwrap Construction Inc. will be discussed in depth. The structural problems requiring attention on the case study include: structural strength deficiencies, high volumes of spalled concrete and steel corrosion. The following items regarding the case study will be explored in the paper: 1). Methods of concrete repair 2). Addressing the corrosion issue 3). Selection of proper Advanced Fiberwrap Composite System to perform structural strengthening The project that will be discussed is on the San Diego Harbor, in National City. Part of the scope of work was to work from floating platforms to execute concrete repair, apply corrosion inhibiting materials and install FRP strengthening systems. The FRP applicator successfully completed the project within schedule.