Simpson Strong-Tie Flat-Weave technology
Simpson Strong-Tie has introduced the 44-oz. CSS-CUCF44F easy-to-saturate carbon FRP fabric to its family of Composite Strengthening Systems for the structural reinforcement and strengthening of concrete, masonry, and timber structures.
Upgraded with new, flat-weave fiber technology, the 44-oz. fabric now saturates as easily and quickly as lighter fabrics, significantly reducing installation time.
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems, created by combining carbon fabrics with a polymer material, are commonly used in concrete repair and restoration projects as a lightweight, high-strength reinforcement. The strength and performance of FRP systems have made them increasingly popular in construction and retrofit applications involving aging, damaged, or overloaded concrete structures.
Simpson Strong-Tie has the only 44-oz. carbon fabric available, which is the heaviest code-listed option and provides contractors with a solution that requires fewer fabric layers for reduced labor costs, consistent quality control, and more successful inspection rates.
“Since fewer layers of fabric translates to fewer potential issues in the field, the new 44-oz. CUCF from Simpson Strong-Tie provides FRP engineers and installers with a solution to achieve design strengths without worrying about saturation issues that prevent fabrics from directly transferring to substrates,” said Simpson Strong-Tie product manager Aniket Borwankar.
After testing several designs, Simpson Strong-Tie said it opted for a flat-weave technology that incorporates a fiberglass cord in the FRP fabric to allow saturant to flow around fabric bundles, improving the overall absorption of the saturant.
Easier to saturate and install, the 44-oz. FRP carbon fabric is ideal for retrofit, wastewater, and bridge and marine applications, and joins a complete line of composite strengthening systems from Simpson Strong-Tie — including North America’s only code-listed precured laminate; FRP anchors; protective coatings; underwater saturant; and a full arsenal of tools to address a variety of situations and budgets.
