CFRP Strengthening
About the Service
CFRP Strengthening
structUK are specialist contractors in the field of structural strengthening using different types of composites including CFRP, GFRP, UHM CFRP, NSM and FRCM.
We work with specialist design teams and provide a design and build service to clients. Following completion of the works, we carry out pull-off testing to provide the client with quality control records and an inspection and maintenance list to help them manage their assets.
We then advise clients on the future inspection and maintenance of the structures strengthened with composites — including buildings, infrastructure assets, bridges and tanks.
CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers)
We provide structural strengthening using Carbon fibre reinforced polymers, offering clients a repair and strengthening method based on extremely lightweight laminates or mesh fabric (usually 1.2–1.4mm thick or less), which supports a wealth of structural strengthening and rehabilitation jobs.
These are either surface-mounted using a thin layer of adhesive, or near surface mounted (NSM) in grooves using laminates or bars.
- Corrosion-related repair.
- Seismic retrofit (rehabilitation of a building’s connections).
- Structural preservation.
- Flexural strengthening of beams and slabs.
- Shear strengthening of beams and slabs.
- Axial strengthening of columns.
FRCM (Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix)
FRCM systems consist of fibres embedded in a cementitious matrix. The fibres carry tensile stresses. In FRCM composites, the sheets used in FRP are replaced with open fabric meshes assembled in at least two directions.
We have used FRCM systems for flexural and shear strengthening of concrete and masonry members. Failure is less brittle than FRP — progressive slippage or delamination replaces sudden debonding from the substrate.
UHM CFRP (Ultra High Modulus CFRP)
UHM CFRP laminates offer even greater strength and stiffness compared to conventional CFRP. When strengthening metallic structures such as cast iron beams, cast iron bridges and jack arch bridges, UHM CFRP brings several advantages:
- Enhanced strength and stiffness — significantly reinforces metallic structures against external loads.
- Reduced weight while maintaining or enhancing structural integrity.
- Improved fatigue resistance under cyclic loading.
- Tailored reinforcement customised to the structure’s shape, thickness and fibre orientation.
- Excellent corrosion resistance, extending lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
- Ease of installation on complex geometries via adhesive bonding or mechanical fastening.
- Good temperature resistance for high-temperature environments.
