Rehabilitation

The staffs at Wood Composites Engineering (WCE) and Wood Science & Technology Institute (WSTI) have combined resources to bring advanced rehabilitation techniques to wood structural systems.  

Advanced decay detection techniques, analysis procedures and high performance retrofit materials are all utilized by WCE and WSTI to provide significant cost reductions for rehabilitating wood structures.  WCE and WSTI has many years of design, standards development, and materials testing experience.  Our team can reduce the capital cost of replacing a debilitated structure by rehabilitating it in place in many cases.  

Large wood structures, such as paper manufacturing plants with high temperature and humidity environments, schools with leaking roofs, swimming pools with high humidity environments, bridges, and malls have benefited from our services.

System stiffening and strengthening

A patented process, using ICBO approved FiRP® Reinforcement panels - composed of thin laminates of high-strength carbon, aramid and glass fibers, is used to strengthen existing glulam beams and decking members.  One example of the reinforcement panel is a thin laminate (1.8 mm, [0.07 in]) composed of high-strength fibers oriented parallel to the wood fibers.  Bonding laminates made of carbon, aramid, and glass fiber to the bottom of existing glulam beams and decking can increase the design strength and stiffness by 50 to 100%.

High-strength fibers, oriented in different directions, are applied to decayed or damaged utility poles.  A wood-grained covering is then overlaid to restore the appearance.  (See our link below in the Innovative Rehabilitation section.)

Decay detection and repair

retrofit_stress-timer-map.jpg (16775 bytes)Stress Wave Timing - This technique is used on-site to detect areas of decay in existing support members of buildings, bridges, and other wooden structures.  The WCE team can evaluate levels of decay, recommend repair/retrofit methods, and determine decay prevention procedures.

Decay Removal - Decayed areas are removed and the exposed surfaces are prepared for further treatment when possible.

Fumigants - Non-toxic fumigants (boron rods) are installed at times to prevent further decay.

Sealants - The exposed end grain is sealed to prevent excessive internal wicking of moisture.

Innovative Rehabilitation

Frank Lloyd Wright's "Wingspread" - A specially-designed structural member, composed of epoxy coated layers of wood veneers and a carbon-based fabric with fibers oriented in four directions, was used as a major structural component in the rehabilitation project.

Utility Pole Retrofit - Strength and stiffness are returned to decayed or damaged utility poles, ensuring longer life and service.  High-strength fibers, oriented in different directions, are applied to decayed or damaged utility poles.

FiRP® Reinforcement Retrofit offers:

Cost Savings

Ease of Installation

Enhanced Strength

Increased Life

Damage Repair

In-Place Rehabilitation