Brick Column Structural Reinforcement Using Carbon Fiber – Owens-Illinois Glass Factory, Zanesville, OH

The Owens-Illinois glass factory in Zanesville, Ohio—an industrial facility operating since 1929—needed an urgent repair solution after cracking was discovered in a brick support column beneath a major glass-melting furnace. The column plays a critical role in supporting a tank that holds over 300 tons of molten glass, making structural reliability essential for both safety and uninterrupted production.

SRS worked closely with Owens-Illinois engineers to develop an engineered repair plan utilizing the SRS-600 Unidirectional Carbon Fiber System to fully encapsulate the column. Prior to CFRP installation, voids and uneven areas in the aging brick surface were repaired to ensure optimal adhesion. Because of tight production schedules, the repair required fast turnaround — and SRS delivered, coordinating on-site engineering, surface prep, and installation so the tank loading process could begin on time.

The carbon fiber wrap system provided exceptional strengthening, creating a continuous structural reinforcement around the column and restoring long-term performance without demolition or extended downtime. Tested beyond AC125 requirements, the CFRP system was ideal for the extreme thermal and environmental conditions inside the glass factory.

This project demonstrates how modern CFRP solutions can preserve aging industrial infrastructure, reduce cost and disruption, and deliver long-term structural reliability.