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Jarred Jones, P.E.

Coastal Concrete Column Reinforcement: A Step-by-Step Case Study

Project Background:

The coastal environment along Oceanside Drive in Scituate, MA, posed unique challenges for the structural stability of nine concrete columns, which had suffered severe deterioration from the relentless Atlantic saltwater exposure and harsh coastal weather. This coastal concrete column reinforcement project serves as a step-by-step case study, showcasing how Ram Jack North East, awarded the project, collaborated with Structural Reinforcement Solutions to restore the columns’ strength and durability.

Ocean front home sitting on deteriorated and cracked concrete support columns
Coastal Concrete Support Columns Exhibiting signs of Structural Failure

Materials and Methods

Initial Surface Preparation and Treatment


The project began with thorough surface preparation. Paint, contaminants, and loose material were carefully removed to open the concrete’s pores, creating an optimal surface profile. This essential step ensured proper adhesion for the upcoming repair treatments and reinforcement products.


Corrosion Protection with SRS-4100 Steel Guard


Next, SRS-4100 Steel Guard was applied to protect the embedded steel within the columns. This advanced vapor-phase corrosion inhibitor formed a durable passivating film on the steel, reducing chloride migration and mitigating both anodic and cathodic corrosion. This application enhanced the columns’ durability, ensuring the embedded steel would resist future corrosion, even in a saltwater-laden environment.


spalled concrete over corroded rebar on a concrete support column
Structural Crack Injection with SRS-3000 prior to Carbon Fiber Confinement

Application of SRS-4000 Concrete Guard


SRS-4000 Concrete Guard was applied to the cleaned concrete surfaces as a pre-treatment to enhance durability and reduce porosity. By bonding with the cement matrix, it increased the concrete's strength, making it more resilient and better prepared for the carbon fiber reinforcement. This treatment minimized the need for demolition and provided a strong foundation that helped the concrete withstand environmental challenges.


concrete column being treated in SRS-4000 Concrete guard to increased the strength
SRS-4000 Concrete Guard being applied to cracked and deteriorated concrete support column

Structural Crack Repair with SRS-3000 Epoxy and SRS-2100 Rapid Cure Concrete Repair Paste


For existing cracks in the concrete, SRS-3000 Low Viscosity Epoxy Injection Resin was applied to restore structural integrity. This high-strength epoxy penetrated deeply into the cracks, sealing them securely and providing a reliable repair. SRS-2100 Rapid Cure Concrete Repair Paste was then used to fill voids and set injection ports. Its fast-curing properties enabled the team to move efficiently through the repair process, reducing downtime and allowing for rapid progression to the reinforcement phase.


coastal concrete support columns being injected with structural epoxy resin
Structural crack injection with SRS-2100 Concrete Repair Paste and SRS-3000 Crack Injection Epoxy

Coastal Concrete Column Reinforcement with SRS-1000 Structural Epoxy Adhesive and SRS-600UNI Carbon Fiber Fabric


Finally, the columns were reinforced with the combined system of SRS-1000 Structural Epoxy Adhesive and SRS-600UNI Carbon Fiber Fabric. The SRS-1000 epoxy provided a strong bond, ensuring the carbon fiber adhered securely to the concrete. SRS-600UNI, with its high strength-to-weight ratio, conformed seamlessly to the columns’ shape, increasing load capacity, shear strength, and overall stability. This cohesive system minimized movement and provided a long-lasting, non-corrosive reinforcement solution tailored to withstand the coastal elements.


carbon fiber wrap on a cracked concrete coastal column
SRS-600UNI Carbon Fiber being wrap for Structural Column Reinforcement

Results and Conclusion


Through the combined expertise of SRS and Ram Jack North East, each concrete column was restored to meet the demands of its coastal environment. The tailored use of SRS products not only repaired the concrete columns but also fortified them against future deterioration, delivering a durable and resilient solution. This project demonstrates how targeted reinforcement systems can transform vulnerable structures, providing lasting protection against challenging environmental conditions.


FRP structural wrap on a concrete support column for increased strength and reinforcement
CFRP Wrap for Structural Confinement of Concrete Support Column

Interested in how Structural Reinforcement Solutions can support your project? Learn more about our engineering services and innovative reinforcement solutions at Structural Reinforcement Solutions Engineering Services.




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