Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have recently developed a fiber-reinforced polymer rapid wrapping material called "FasRaP" that will halve the number and time of workers required for concrete repair / reinforcement.
Previously, people used fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets to repair or strengthen concrete structures. When FRP sheet is applied to cracked or otherwise damaged concrete, the resin must first be applied to the concrete surface, and the entire job requires up to 6 workers. The wrapping material consists of a glass fiber reinforced polymer and a pre-coated proprietary adhesive resin that cures only when exposed to light. Because the resin is pre-added to the wrapping material under controlled conditions, the repair / reinforcement quality of the concrete is more consistent and easier to evaluate. The use of wrapping materials for concrete repair / reinforcement reduces the number of workers to three and is half the time required to use traditional FRP panels. In laboratory tests that met industry standards, researchers found that concrete columns wrapped with FasRaP were able to withstand 80% higher loads than ordinary concrete columns, similar to the strength data of traditional FRP.
"FasRaP can save labor costs, increase efficiency, and make structural strengthening easier to implement." Said Ng Kee Woei, an associate professor in charge of the research. "As Singapore and other cities age, this will help them meet future Building standards and extending the life of old buildings and structures. "