Posts by Rob Stam
InvisiBeam Blocking Out
On a non-load bearing wall in which the floor joists are running parallel to the wall being reinforced, it’s important to block out so that the load can be transferred effectively to the flooring system above. As shown in this St. Louis, MO installation performed by RamJack, 2×6′ boards were placed from the rim joist…
Read MoreInvisiBeam Straps on Glazed Tile Brick Wall
This Cleveland basement with glazed tile brick was suffering from horizontal cracking and bowing. The uneven surface of the wall required additional grinding, along with a dust control system. The straps were placed 32″ on center because of the extent of structural compromise. The large glass block windows created spacing between vertical straps beyond standard…
Read MoreTop Anchor for Concrete Porch Cap Installation
The Fortress InvisiBeam system was chosen to reinforce this cracking and bowing wall in Lafayette, Indiana. The challenge was a drop ceiling with a concrete slab. This type of ceiling does not allow for the standard post-tensioned InvisiBeam top anchors, which are designed to attach to lumber. As an alternative, Fortress solid carbon plate anchors…
Read MoreVirginia Box Culvert
A new precast box culvert bridge was set in place to replace an old bridge beyond repair. The Virginia Department of Transportation has utilized Fortress Kevlar® for over ten years and turned to it again as a waterproofing membrane for this project. The Kevlar® was saturated with a two-lift epoxy combined with a #9 Basalt…
Read MoreFortress Kevlar® Utilized on Iconic Roosevelt Bridge
The Roosevelt Bridge in Stuart Florida is a segmental bridge and an icon of the south Flordia community. In 2020 reports came in that concrete was falling into the St. Lucie river below; the Coast Guard promptly shut down maritime traffic under the bridge, and the police later closed the bridge to vehicle traffic. After…
Read MoreHotel Parking Garage
Failure of steal and welds due to corrosion, tension, and shear stress required seam maintenance of the Double Tee parking garage. Double Tee “hotshot” Anchors were utilized to reinforce the seams, combined with new welds and sealant. Single layers of 300 GSM unidirectional fabric were wrapped at beam ends, anchored by Fortec Carbon Staple Anchors,…
Read MoreBasement Wall Corner Brace
This interior block basement wall was cracking in deflecting in over an inch in the corner. The wall was prepped, brace locations were marked, then crack was filled with Xtreme 4000 epoxy. 3′ horizontal ReGrid extensions were installed at each corner brace location, followed by the installation of four solid carbon corner braces.
Read MoreRetail Center Slab Crack Repair
This large retail center was experiencing severe cracking in multiple areas. The contractor installed approximately 1,000 Crack Stitches as part of the overall space remodel. As the images show, stitches were installed roughly 12″ apart, perpendicular to the crack to maximize the tensile strength of the carbon fiber and prevent future crack expansion. The cracks…
Read MoreResidential Block Wall Shear
This hillside home was being completely renovated when it was discovered that three different walls were experiencing significant inward deflection. One wall was also suffering from 1-1.5″ of bottom shear. The contractor used a fast set high compression grout to fill in the void caused by the shear. This process helps reestablish the compression strength…
Read MoreResidential ReBar Pop
This California home was experiencing an all too common problem of the reinforcement steel popping out of the concrete on the home’s exterior. The home owner was considering raising the home and having a new foundation installed, but chose to go with a composite reinforced foundation instead. This saved thousands of dollars and provided a…
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