Sika concrete repair solution provides reinforcement for Reading flood protection system
Published by Emily Thomas,
Deputy Editor
World Cement,
Sika® CarboDur® carbon fibre reinforced plates (CFRP) offer external reinforcement for a range of concrete, timber, masonry, steel and fibre reinforced polymer structures. Its stabilising properties made it a good choice for the strengthening solution for the Hills Meadow Culvert flood protection system. The underground tunnel runs beneath Reading town centre, providing a non-visible barrier against weather extremes. Following concerns about the culvert’s continued robustness, a Sika approved contractor carried out repairs.
The refurbishment programme began in March 2019. It took place across a 52 m x 2.7 m area and initially involved patch repairing the culvert’s soffits and slabs using a 3-part epoxy mortar, Sikadur®-41 Normal. Sika® CarboDur® carbon fibre reinforced plates were then surface-mounted to the deck soffit, with Sikadur 30 providing the fixing solution.
The Sika® CarboDur® system an established carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) based structural strengthening solution. The high-performance solution is easy to apply and provides long-term durability.
Stuart Whitmore, at Sika Refurbishment, said: “This concrete repair project was vital to the upkeep of the Meadow Culvert flood protection system. Road closures were in place whilst repairs were carried out, hence the reinforcement system needed to offer optimum protection, as well as rapid, simple application to minimise closure times. The Sika® CarboDur® ticked both boxes perfectly.”
For the culvert reinforcement’s final phase, two coats of Sikagard®-675 W GB ElastoColor were applied to the substrate and CFRP plate protecting the slab soffit. Sikagard®-675 W GB ElastoColor prevents water ingress and is suitable for a range of concrete structures as an anti-weathering, waterproof, two-way vapour permeable solution to stop pollutants penetrating the concrete matrix whilst protecting the internal reinforcement.
The Sika® CarboDur® system has helped to ensure that an essential part of town infrastructure will continue to fulfil its function: protecting one of Reading’s highly-trafficked areas against the long-term threat of flood.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/01042020/sika-concrete-repair-solution-provides-reinforcement-for-reading-flood-protection-system/
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