The University of Missouri - Rolla, in conjunction with The Structural Group and Hardwire LLC, has recently published two papers concerning the use of Hardwire®. These two papers, one dealing with the retrofit of identically prepared concrete beams in a scientific environment (Flexural Capacity of RC Beams Externally Bonded With SRP and SRG), and the other dealing with the retrofit of an existing concrete structure on-site (Performance Of Double-T Prestressed Concrete Beams Strengthened With Steel Reinforced Polymer) prove out the value of Hardwire® reinforcements. Two plies of Hardwire reinforcement, representing approximately a .1" layer of reinforcement, were proved to increase beam stiffness, provide a nearly 75% gain in load bearing capacity of the beam, and increased flexural stiffness by nearly 100%.

Both papers conclude that Hardwire® has "great potential for the improvement of existing reinforced concrete structures" and that "SRP is similar to FRP in terms of ease of installation". Additionally, it was determined that the theoretical values of Hardwire® reinforced concrete beams can be accurately predicted and thus was validated in these tests.

Hardwire LLC can be reached at (410) 957-3669 / www.hardwirellc.com

Jay Thomas of The Structural Group can be reached at jthomas@structural.net

Antonio Nanni of the Univ. of Missouri - Rolla can be reached at nanni@umr.edu

Hardwire® products may be purchased directly via this website or though distribution at Composites One.