Project Description: During the construction of this new facility, it was discovered that the reinforcing steel in the walls had been improperly designed or incorrectly placed. Therefore, the owner requested that the walls be reinforced. The engineer had 2 choices – install structural steel beams and supports or use FRPs. This area in the building is a tunnel under a laboratory that houses all the mechanical equipment. The steel option would have meant a relocation of the already installed equipment and ducting. It also would have delayed the project.
Solution: The FRP solution allowed the equipment and ducting to remain in their original position. Also since it could be installed later, with minimal disruption, it allowed the GC to enclose the building and maintain the schedule.
Summary: The design included strips of glass at 30” intervals. Despite the building being enclosed, there was water present on the walls during the FRP installation. This was overcome by heating the substrate.
