Retaining Wall Repair
Carbon Fiber can be a very effective means to reinforce, stabilize, and repair damaged or deteriorated retaining walls. In order to effectively stop movement in a retaining wall, “restraint” has to be provided. For instance, if a wall is tipping and carbon fiber straps are added, the wall could still continue to tip but would do so as one reinforced section.
Restraint is provided by wall tiebacks or anchors that are incorporated into the repair by holding back the top of the wall. This allows the carbon fiber to resist any movement between the tiebacks and the backfill, restraining the base of the wall.
The SRS-600UNI straps are used to provide an increased tensile capacity of over 195,000lbs on the face of the wall to resist movement, while the SRS-660BI straps are being used to provide localized strengthening along the horizontal cracks as well as restraint against movement in the wall between the vertical straps, similar to a waler system.
Commercial strength carbon fiber, bonded with structural epoxy adhesive forms an advanced composite strengthening system that provides over 35,000 lbs/sq ft of confinement strength over cracks. This application prevents cracks from spreading while reinstating capacity to the wall.
Since the carbon fiber is less than 1/8" thick, the overall finished appearance can have a very low aesthetic impact once the wall is coated or painted. While the carbon fiber has an unlimited lifespan and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and freeze thaw cycles, it is important to protect the epoxy component of the composite system from ultra violet rays. Most exterior paints provide sufficient protection, however some clients may prefer to parge coat the wall for a complete uniform appearance.
