Latest News
Balvac introduces FRP strengthening to BSR Metros Covered Way 21 project at Londons Temple Station.
13 June 2006
The Covered Way 21 project involves the strengthening and protection of 44 cast iron beams spanning the District Line near Temple Station.
The beams, dating from 1870, are in need of additional strength, which is being provided by Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) plates bonded to the beam soffits. The thin, lightweight plates have obvious advantages over steel in a situation where headroom is at a premium and access is difficult.
The plates are 7.3 metres long, weigh 25 kilos and can be lifted by hand; equivalent steel plates would weigh 120 kilos and would need mechanical handling.
Balvac was one of the pioneers of FRP strengthening, bringing it to the UK construction market over a decade ago. The strength comes from a carbon fibre core, a mere 5mm thick. FRP plates are typically twice as strong and a quarter of the weight of equivalent steel sections.
FRP composites have largely replaced steel plate bonding as the technique of choice for strengthening bridge beams and columns.
eUpdates
Sign up to receive email updates of our latest news.