Shear Cracks in Concrete Columns | Underground Parking Garage Carbon Fiber Rehab – Structural Strengthening with Carbon Fiber
- Jarred Jones, P.E.
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 15h
A Non-Invasive Approach to Essential Structural Improvements – Enhancing Public Safety in a Seismic Zone
We’ve all stepped out of a vehicle in an underground parking garage, noticed a crack in the concrete, and wondered if it was something to worry about. You wouldn’t be alone—thousands of parking garages across the U.S. show signs of structural distress or are in immediate need of repair due to aging materials, corrosion, and exposure to moisture or seismic activity.
Shear Cracks in Concrete Columns | Underground Parking Garage Carbon Fiber Rehab
Aging concrete, environmental exposure, vehicle loads, and seismic activity can weaken structural elements and reduce internal confinement. When these factors lead to diagonal cracking, understanding the type of cracking becomes critical in determining the right repair strategy. Carbon fiber structural rehabilitation offers a non-invasive solution that restores confinement, improves ductility, and enhances long-term structural reliability without major demolition or downtime. This case study highlights how shear cracks in reinforced concrete columns were effectively addressed through a targeted carbon fiber rehabilitation process.
In a public parking garage in Oregon, several reinforced concrete columns began showing shear and confinement cracks, indicating a need for immediate structural repair and strengthening. The project called for a non-invasive carbon fiber reinforcement system to restore load capacity, improve seismic performance, and maintain the garage’s operational schedule without downtime.
Understanding Shear Cracks in Concrete Columns | Underground Parking Garage Carbon Fiber Rehab
Shear cracks appear as diagonal (≈45°) fractures caused by high lateral or shear stress that exceeds the concrete’s tensile strength or the capacity of internal steel ties (stirrups). Unlike vertical compression cracks, shear cracks form suddenly and indicate a serious loss of load-carrying capacity. They’re most often seen in short columns, seismic zones, or corroded structures where stirrups have weakened.
Prompt inspection is critical, as shear failure can be rapid and catastrophic.
Foundations First NW was awarded the project and partnered with Structural Reinforcement Solutions (SRS) to provide the carbon fiber reinforcement materials, engineering guidance, and onsite supervision. Work was strategically scheduled for Friday nights when the garage was closed to minimize disruption and maintain tenant access.
Carbon Fiber Strengthening Systems designed around long term strength and stability
SRS provided material support and onsite supervision throughout the installation process. The use of CFRP confinement improved axial load capacity and enhanced performance under lateral and seismic loads—an essential requirement for underground structures in Oregon’s seismic zone.
The non-invasive surface-applied system provided a durable, corrosion-resistant repair without enlarging the column footprint. The CFRP composite acted as a continuous confinement jacket, restoring integrity to deteriorated sections while maintaining the architectural profile of the structure.
How Carbon Fiber Strengthening Repairs Shear Cracks in Concrete Columns
The solution utilized SRS-600UNI Carbon Fiber, a unidirectional fiber system, combined with SRS-1000 Structural Epoxy Resin to create a high-strength CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) wrap.
Each column was confined using 12-inch wraps, effectively restoring capacity and improving ductility in accordance with structural repair recommendations for seismic zones.
By utilizing SRS advanced carbon fiber systems, Foundations First NW and SRS were able to restore the structural integrity of the garage columns, ensuring long-term safety, durability, and compliance with modern seismic performance standards.
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