Plates and carbon fibre mesh are the best solution to reinforce and consolidate deteriorated wooden structures. Read why and how to use them.
Composite materials: why should I use them?
In the past, several techniques to strengthen and stiffening wooden structures have been developed. These solutions have never been used own to their high costs and the lack of versatility. None of them have universally been recognised or adopted.
On the contrary, the interventions with fibre-reinforced composite materials are distinguished by compatibility and complementarity of the features over the wooden structures. The lightness of the wooden structure, in fact, is absolutely not affected by reinforcement intervention using FRP. The composite systems mitigate the high anisotropic and inhomogeneity, typical of the wooden structural elements.
FRP for the consolidation of wooden structures: case histories
The main applications of FRP in the consolidation of wooden structures involve the use, in the reconstruction process, of deteriorated wooden heads and the reinforcement of the elements affected.
In the former case is possible to perform the reconstruction of the deteriorated wooden heads by using epoxy castings:
- Extrados excavation and formwork preparation
- Inserting of FRP synthetic rebars
- Collaborative epoxy casting and localised reinforcement with the use of fibres
In the reinforcement of wooden elements mainly inflexed, such as individual beams, ceiling joists or individual elements of more complex structural systems such as trusses and frames, the reinforcing material can be made of mesh or plates and applied according to criterias, to achieve advantages in terms of strength and deformability or ductility.
Mesh Reinforcement
Frp reinforcing mesh, mainly used as a flexural reinforcement allow the improvement of the elements strength. The reinforcement will be made using glass fibre mesh bands Kimitech VR or carbon fibre Kimitech CB.
Plates Reinforcement
Kimitech PLATE can also be used to reinforce wooden structures. To reduce the aestethical impact of the intervention we usually suggest to proceed as follows:
- Incision of the beam on the side
- Pre-fIll the cavity with resin
- Insert the plate
- Plaster with resin
- Paint after seasoning
