For Structural Engineers
Your Expert CFRP Installation Partner Across All 50 States
CFRP Repair works as a seamless extension of your engineering team, delivering code-compliant carbon fiber strengthening installations with unmatched technical precision. We provide ACI 440-compliant systems, PE-reviewed shop drawings, and the specialized field expertise to execute your most complex CFRP designs with confidence—anywhere in the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Why Engineers Choose Us
A Partnership Built on Technical Excellence and Trust
Specifying advanced composite materials like CFRP demands absolute confidence in the installer's technical capabilities, rigorous quality control, and ability to execute intricate designs flawlessly. Structural engineers nationwide trust CFRP Repair because we are more than just an installer; we are a dedicated technical partner committed to the success and integrity of your structural designs.
Unyielding ACI 440.2R-17 Compliance
Our entire process, from design review to final inspection, is governed by the principles of ACI 440.2R-17. Our certified crews are experts in the specific requirements for surface preparation (ICRI CSP 3-5), resin mixing, fiber saturation and placement, and cure condition monitoring to ensure every installation is fully compliant.
PE-Reviewed & Stamped Shop Drawings
We translate your structural drawings into comprehensive, PE-reviewed shop drawings that guide field execution. These documents detail fiber orientation, termination points, lap splice locations, and anchorage specifics, ensuring your design intent is perfectly preserved and field-ready.
Comprehensive & Transparent QA/QC
We provide a meticulous, fully documented QA/QC program. This includes mandatory pull-off adhesion testing (ASTM D7522) to verify bond strength, digital verification of ambient conditions, and detailed batch records for all materials, providing a complete and defensible project file.
Dedicated Project Engineer Liaison
A dedicated Project Engineer serves as your single, expert point of contact from pre-construction to closeout. They ensure seamless communication, coordinate submittals, and bridge the gap between your design team and our field crews to guarantee design fidelity.
Collaborative Design-Assist Services
Leverage our deep expertise in CFRP applications. Our engineering team can assist with load path analysis, FRP system selection, and complex strengthening calculations per ACI 440.2R, helping you optimize designs for performance and constructability.
Meticulous Material Submittals & Data
Receive complete and organized material submittals, including manufacturer data sheets, ICC-ES evaluation reports, independent lab testing, and safety documentation. We have established relationships with all major FRP system manufacturers to align with your specifications.
Engineer's Reference
Technical Specifications & Compliance
Our work is grounded in the industry’s most rigorous standards. We provide this reference to give engineers confidence in our processes and to aid in the specification of CFRP systems.
ACI 440.2R-17: The Gold Standard
The ACI 440.2R-17, "Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures," is the foundational document governing all our CFRP installations. Adherence to this guide is not optional—it is embedded in every facet of our work. It ensures that strengthening solutions are designed and installed with safety, durability, and long-term performance as the primary objectives. Our team is rigorously trained on its key provisions, from initial design considerations to final quality control checks.
Key ACI 440.2R-17 Provisions We Implement:
- Strength Reduction Factors (Chapter 9): We apply the appropriate environmental durability reduction factor (CE) and strength reduction factor (φ) to the FRP contribution, ensuring a conservative and safe design that accounts for long-term exposure conditions.
- Substrate Strain Limits (Chapter 10): To prevent premature failure, we adhere to the maximum allowable strain in the concrete substrate, ensuring that the existing concrete strain is properly accounted for in the design of the FRP system.
- Surface Preparation (Chapter 12): All concrete substrates are mechanically prepared to achieve a minimum Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 3, as defined by the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), to ensure a strong mechanical bond.
- Anchorage and Termination (Chapter 13): We meticulously detail and install FRP anchors, such as fiber anchors or anchor spikes, when required by the design to prevent delamination failures and develop the full tensile capacity of the FRP system.
Typical CFRP Material Property Data
The following table provides typical design properties for high-strength, standard-modulus carbon fiber fabric used in wet lay-up systems. These values are representative and are for informational purposes only. Final design values must be based on the manufacturer's published data sheets for the specific system being installed. Environmental reduction factors (CE) per ACI 440.2R-17 must be applied to these values.
| Property | Test Method | Typical Value (Dry Fiber) | Typical Value (Laminate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ASTM D3039 | >550 ksi (3,790 MPa) | >140 ksi (965 MPa) |
| Tensile Modulus | ASTM D3039 | >33,000 ksi (227 GPa) | >10,500 ksi (72.4 GPa) |
| Elongation at Break | ASTM D3039 | >1.7% | >1.2% |
| Laminate Thickness | N/A | N/A | 0.04 in. (1.0 mm) per ply |
*Laminate properties are based on a typical fiber volume fraction of 50-60% and can vary based on the specific resin system and field conditions.
Installation QA & Testing Protocols
A robust Quality Assurance (QA) program is non-negotiable. It is the only way to guarantee that the installed FRP system meets the design specifications and will perform as intended for the life of the structure. Our QA program is a multi-step, documented process.
Key QA Procedures:
- Surface Prep Verification: Visual inspection and physical measurement to confirm CSP 3-5 is achieved.
- Ambient Condition Monitoring: Continuous logging of temperature, humidity, and dew point to ensure compliance with manufacturer's requirements.
- Resin Mixing Control: Strict adherence to mix ratios and pot life, with batch numbers recorded for every mix.
- Fiber Saturation Checks: Visual inspection to ensure full saturation of the carbon fabric with no dry spots.
- Void & Delamination Detection: Acoustic tap testing of the cured laminate to identify and map any potential voids.
Field Testing Protocols:
The primary field test to validate the installation is the pull-off adhesion test.
ASTM D7522/D7522M: Pull-Off Adhesion Testing
- Frequency: Typically 3 tests per 1,000 sq. ft. or as specified.
- Acceptance Criteria: Minimum 200 psi (1.4 MPa) tensile strength.
- Failure Mode: Failure must occur within the concrete substrate (a cohesive failure), not at the bond line. A bond-line failure indicates improper surface preparation or installation.
Our Process
A Seamless Workflow for Engineering Teams
We've refined our process to integrate smoothly with the typical engineering design and construction administration workflow, minimizing friction and maximizing efficiency.
Pre-Bid Design Review & Constructability Analysis
We start by thoroughly reviewing your CFRP design drawings and specifications. Our goal is to identify potential constructability issues, access challenges, or environmental factors that could impact the installation. This proactive step allows us to propose value engineering options and resolve field challenges before they lead to costly change orders or delays. We provide a detailed report of our findings for your review.
PE-Reviewed Shop Drawing & Submittal Package
Following contract award, our in-house engineering team prepares a comprehensive submittal package. This includes detailed shop drawings showing precise fiber placement, orientation, splices, and anchorage details. We also provide a full material submittal with manufacturer data sheets, ICC-ES reports, and MSDS for your specified FRP system, ensuring all documentation is ready for your formal review and approval.
Pre-Installation Mobilization & On-Site Mockup
Before full-scale installation begins, our project manager coordinates with your team to conduct a pre-installation meeting. When specified, we will perform an on-site mockup of the FRP application. This mockup serves to verify surface preparation techniques and allows the engineer of record to approve the final appearance and quality of the installation before proceeding with the entire project.
Documented Field Installation & Daily Reporting
Our certified installation crews execute the work in strict accordance with the approved shop drawings and ACI 440.2R-17. We maintain constant communication with your on-site representative. Daily field reports are submitted electronically, complete with photographs, progress updates, and logs of ambient conditions and material batch numbers, providing a transparent view of the work.
Comprehensive QC Documentation & Closeout Package
Upon completion, we deliver a professional closeout package that contains all project documentation. This includes the results of all pull-off adhesion tests (ASTM D7522), a map of any repaired voids, as-built drawings noting any field adjustments, material certifications, and a full photographic record. This package provides the robust, third-party verifiable documentation you need for your permanent project files.
Specification Support
Resources for Building a Robust CFRP Specification
A well-written specification is the key to a successful CFRP strengthening project. We provide these resources to help engineers create clear, comprehensive, and enforceable project specifications.
Key Reference Standards
Your specification should reference the latest versions of these essential industry standards:
- ACI 440.2R-17: Guide for Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems
- ACI 440.8-13: Specification for Carbon and Glass FRP Materials
- ICRI 310.2R: Selecting and Specifying Concrete Surface Preparation
- ASTM D7522: Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of FRP Bonded to Concrete
- ASTM D3039: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites
- ICC-ES AC125: Acceptance Criteria for Concrete and Masonry Strengthening Using FRP
Critical Specification Items
Ensure your specification clearly defines requirements for these critical items:
- Approved FRP system manufacturers and specific product lines.
- Installer qualifications (e.g., years of experience, number of similar projects).
- Concrete surface profile (CSP) requirements (typically CSP 3-5).
- Allowable ambient conditions for installation (temperature, humidity).
- Pull-off adhesion testing frequency, locations, and minimum acceptable strength.
- Requirements for fire-rated coatings or other protective finishes.
- Warranty requirements for both the material and the installation.
Download Our MasterSpec Template
To simplify the process, we offer a comprehensive MasterSpec-formatted specification template. It includes all the necessary sections and language, which you can easily edit to fit your specific project needs. Contact us to receive a copy.
Technical Library
Engineer-Focused CFRP Resources
Dive deeper into the technical aspects of CFRP with our curated library of guides and articles.
Engineer's Guide to Specifying CFRP
A comprehensive walkthrough of ACI 440, specification language, and key design considerations for structural engineers.
CFRP vs. Traditional Repair Methods
An in-depth comparison of performance, lifecycle costs, and installation logistics for CFRP versus section enlargement or steel plating.
The Complete Guide to CFRP Costs
Detailed cost analysis per square foot, broken down by application type (flexural, shear, axial) and key project cost drivers.
What Is Carbon Fiber Structural Strengthening?
A fundamental technical overview of how CFRP systems work to enhance structural capacity, including load transfer mechanisms.
National Coverage, Local Expertise
One Certified CFRP Contractor for All Your Projects, Nationwide
For engineering firms with a multi-state portfolio, managing different specialty contractors for each region is a logistical nightmare. CFRP Repair eliminates this challenge. We provide a single, reliable, and technically proficient point of contact for all your carbon fiber strengthening needs across the country, ensuring consistent quality, communication, and documentation on every project.