Carbon Fiber Post-Tension Slab Strengthening – Milwaukee, WI

During a routine inspection on a Milwaukee high-rise project, it was discovered that three post-tensioning tendons had been missed during construction. Without these tendons, the slab no longer met the required temperature and shrinkage reinforcement requirements, creating a structural deficiency that needed correction before work could continue.

Rather than demolishing and re-pouring the newly placed concrete, the engineering team proposed using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) to restore the necessary slab strength. Externally bonded CFRP offered a cost-effective and non-intrusive repair method that avoided major delays and preserved the existing slab.

MKE Iron Erectors contacted Structural Reinforcement Solutions (SRS) to provide material, engineering documentation, and installation guidance. SRS supported the contractor through the approval process and supplied training to ensure proper application. Once the CFRP installation was completed, the structural requirements were met, allowing the topping slab to be placed and construction to resume as scheduled.