Golf Course Bridge Column Repair With Carbon Fiber in Ramona, California
At a golf course in Ramona, California, the concrete columns supporting three golf-cart bridges had reached an advanced state of deterioration. Large sections of concrete were cracked and spalled, leaving reinforcing steel exposed and several columns visibly compromised.
The golf course has operated in Ramona’s rugged terrain since opening in 1991. Its bridges connect cart paths across the property’s natural elevation changes and drainage areas, making these crossings an essential part of the course’s daily operation.
Rather than replace the bridges, Dalinghaus Construction completed a comprehensive rehabilitation of the damaged columns and pier caps using concrete repair materials and SRS-660BI Bidirectional Carbon Fiber supplied by Structural Reinforcement Solutions.
Removing the Damaged Concrete
The repair began with the removal of all loose and unsound concrete. This exposed the true extent of the damage, including substantial section loss and deteriorated areas surrounding the reinforcing steel.
Since carbon fiber cannot be applied to unstable concrete, the initial step involved removing the compromised loose material to establish a solid foundation for subsequent repairs. Before preparing the existing concrete by mechanically grinding the surface, the exposed areas were chemically treated prior to beginning reconstruction.
Rebuilding the Columns
The level of deterioration varied across the three bridges. Smaller voids and surface imperfections were repaired with SRS-2000 Structural Repair Paste.
Where significant portions of concrete were missing, Dalinghaus built forms around the supports and poured additional concrete to restore their profiles. The rebuilt sections established the smooth, consistent geometry required for the carbon fiber installation.
This was one of the most important stages of the project. Carbon fiber fabric must remain in close contact with the substrate. Deep voids, sharp irregularities, and uneven transitions can prevent the fabric from lying flat and interfere with the continuity of the installed system.
Dalinghaus achieved an exceptionally well-prepared substrate, restoring the column geometry and refining corners and transitions so the fabric could maintain continuous contact with the concrete. This level of workmanship minimized bridging, wrinkles, and air pockets, resulting in a uniform, void-free laminate around each structural member.
Watch the Golf Course Bridge Column Repair
See how Dalinghaus Construction removed the deteriorated concrete, rebuilt the damaged supports, prepared the surfaces, and installed carbon fiber around the golf-course bridge columns.
Wrapping the Columns and Pier Caps
After the concrete repairs had cured and the surfaces were ready, Dalinghaus installed SRS-660BI Bidirectional Carbon Fiber Fabric.
SRS-660BI is a 660 gsm carbon fiber fabric with fibers oriented in both the 0-degree and 90-degree directions. It is used for structural applications such as column confinement, shear reinforcement, crack stabilization, and the rehabilitation of deteriorated concrete members.
The fabric was applied around the vertical columns and across the pier caps at the top of the supports. This created a continuous carbon fiber installation over the repaired portions of each bridge support.
The finished wraps were flat, uniform, and fully saturated. Their clean appearance reflects the precision of the concrete rebuilding and surface preparation completed beforehand.
A Well-Executed Bridge Column Repair
Dalinghaus Construction did an outstanding job on this project. The work required selective demolition, chemical treatment, formwork, concrete placement, detailed surface preparation, and careful carbon fiber installation across three separate bridges.
SRS supplied the concrete repair and carbon fiber materials and provided product support throughout the project. Dalinghaus brought the system together through skilled field execution and close attention to every repaired surface.
The completed project strengthened the deteriorated columns and pier caps while allowing the golf course to preserve the existing bridges rather than replace them.
Other Golf Course Bridge Supports
While the bridges featured in this project were supported by concrete columns, golf-cart and pedestrian bridges may also be constructed on timber piles. These supports can experience rot, section loss, splitting, and deterioration from prolonged moisture exposure. Depending on their condition and the project-specific repair design, deteriorated timber piles may also be rehabilitated using epoxy restoration and carbon fiber reinforcement. Learn more about strengthening timber piles with carbon fiber
Repairing Deteriorated Columns Without Replacement
Projects like this demonstrate how concrete restoration and externally bonded carbon fiber can be combined to rehabilitate aging structural members. The carbon fiber may be the most visible component, but its installation depends on the quality of the concrete beneath it. For these three bridges, careful preparation made the difference.
If you are evaluating deteriorated columns, bridge supports, or similar concrete members, submit photographs, measurements, and project details through the SRS Project Review form. Our team can help identify suitable materials and provide product support for the repair.
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