The new FRCM Composite Strengthening Systems™ repair and reinforcement solution from Simpson Strong-Tie combines high-performance sprayable mortar with a carbon-fiber grid that creates a thin structural layer that repairs and strengthens without significantly increasing the structure’s weight or volume. FRCM stands for fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix. Its advantages are similar to those of FRP (that is, strength, low weight and ease of application), but it may also be used to repair, resurface, strengthen and protect in one application, along with providing greater resistance to heat and better long-term durability.

Significant flexural, axial or shear strength gains can be realized with an easy-to-apply composite providing a low-impact, low-weight alternative to traditional concrete strengthening and retrofit methods. Typical applications include tanks, silos, tunnels, pipes, parking garages and marine infrastructure.

• Projects that also require a surface repair and leveling in addition to strengthening
• Projects with large, overhead or vertical surface areas where shotcrete applications may afford the highest production rates
• Repair applications that cannot afford significant member enlargement
• Composite strengthening applications that require an increased level of abrasion and fire resistance

American Concrete Institute (ACI) provides a design guide for FRCM materials titled ACI 549.4R-13 Guide to Design and Construction of Externally Bonded Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) Systems for Repair and Strengthening Concrete and Masonry Structures. While our Designers sit on this committee, we also provide no-cost design services based on the recommendations in this guide.

Simpson Strong-Tie Can Help
We recognize that specifying Simpson Strong-Tie Composite Strengthening Systems is unlike choosing any other product we offer. Leverage our expertise to help with your FRP and FRCM strengthening designs. Our experienced technical representatives and licensed professional engineers provide complimentary design services and support – serving as your partner throughout the entire project cycle. Since no two buildings are alike, each project is optimally designed to the Designer’s individual specifications. Our pledge is to address your specific condition with a complete strengthening plan tailored to your needs, while minimizing downtime or loss of use, at the lowest possible installed cost.

Your Partner During the Project Design Phase
During the Designer’s initial evaluation or preparation of the construction documents, Simpson Strong-Tie can be contacted to help create the most cost-effective customized solution. Simpson Strong-Tie Engineering Services will work closely with the Designer to provide all the information required to design the system. The solution we deliver will include detailed design calculations for each strengthening requirement and design drawings with all the necessary details to install the CSS.

Why Use Simpson Strong-Tie Design Services?

• To assess feasibility studies that will help ensure suitable solutions for your application
• To receive customized FRP and/or FRCM strengthening solutions
• To work with our trained contractor partners to provide rough-order-of-magnitude (ROM) budget estimates
• To collaborate during the project design phase
• To receive a full set of drawings and calculations to add to your submittal
• To maintain the flexibility to provide the most cost-effective solution for your project
• To gain trusted technical expertise in critical FRP and FRCM design considerations

For complete information regarding specific products suitable to your unique situation or condition, please visit strongtie.com/frcm or call your local Simpson Strong-Tie field engineer or RPS specialist at (800) 999-5099.

If you are interested in learning more about FRCM and how it compares to other strengthening methods visit our Training Center now. The course discusses installation steps, identifies projects where FRCM would be ideal, and cites testing and industry standards that are associated with FRCM. You can view at your convenience and earn 1 hour of CEUs, PDHs and AIA LU/HSW credits.