Carbon Fiber Technology Frequently Asked Questions

As an authorized installer of Fortress Stabilization Systems, SKV Construction wil provide you with the most advanced concrete structural repair, and the most advanced concrete crack repair methods in the concrete repair industry. Below are frequently asked questions explaining the repair processes using carbon fiber.

Q1: How does the carbon fiber grid product work?

A1: A series of very high strength kevlar fibers are laid in one direction. Then a series of carbon fibers are laid in a perpendicular direction to the kevlar. The grids form a system of pockets and both fibers are embedded in a toughend high strength epoxy. The many small pockets can be thought of as hundreds of epoxy rivets securing the reinforced to the wall and adding much more strength.
The straps are repeated about every 4 feet as shown by the arrows below. This type of repair is good for block walls which have shifted, and for poured concrete walls that are bowed in or out.

Carbon Fiber and Kevlar Grid Straps on Epoxy

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Q2:  How do the kevlar staples work, and when are they used?

A2:  Kevlar staples are used for the repair of horizontal, vertical or diagnol cracks in both block and poured walls. The staples look like paper staples, but are much larger and up to 5 times stronger than steel. The staples are placed in 1/2" drilled holes and are placed perpendicular to the crack. Staples are fulled embedded in toughened epoxy and are repeated about every 2 feet. A diagnol crack or angled crack requires the use of 2 staples in an X pattern. The X patterns helps stabliize the wall against movement due to shear loading.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Staples


Q3:  What causes cracks and shifting or bowing of walls?

A3:  Fortress Stablization Systems outlines 6 main reasons concrete cracks and walls fail.

They are:

  • inward movement due to soil pressure from the outside;
  • outward movement due to soil shrinkage, as in drying out in the summer;
  • shear forces from a bad support or uneven foundation;
  • crack opening due to thermal condition like rain, temperature, badly placed gutters, and improper drainage;
  • crack closing due to thermal condition like drought, temperature, soil shrinkage, and improper drainage;or a combination of all 5 of the above;

 


Q4:  What are the major benefits of using carbon fiber repair?

A4:  Properly installed, carbon fiber grid and carbon fiber staples from Fortress Stablization are considered Permanent and come with a Lifetime Guarantee. They're permanent because they solve the underlying cause of the problem by adding much more strength to the repaired area. Major benefits include:

  • easy to install by an authorized installation contractor;
  • exterior excavation is not needed;when finished, you have a surface you can paint;
  • there are no extra beams or obstructions in your basement area;
  • the repair process does not disrupt you normal living habits;

Benefits of Using Carbon Fiber

Q5: Will carbon fiber repair be too expensive me?

A5:  Only you can answer that question. You must look at this type of repair as an investment comparing major excavation costs, loss of living space, interruption to your lifestyle, and the value of your property.

For more information on carbon fiber reinforcement products, visit this page on this site. Fortress Stabiliization Systems

For information on the application of carbon fiber kevlar grid straps see About Carbon Fiber Grid Straps with Toughened Epoxy.   For information on the application of carbon fiber staples,  see the carbon fiber staple reinforcement page.