Earthquake Strengthening: Is Tyfo® Fibre Reinforced Polymer the Solution for New Zealand Buildings?

Seismic events pose significant risks to buildings and infrastructure, particularly in earthquake-prone regions across New Zealand.

Modern engineering has advanced to address complex vulnerabilities effectively, with a leading innovation being Tyfo® Systems. Designed for seismic strengthening, these systems are transforming how structures withstand dynamic forces, ensuring safety and longevity.

The Tyfo® Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) System stands out as an effective solution due to its versatility, strength-to-weight ratio, and ease of installation

Seismic strengthening challenges

Buildings in seismic-prone regions often face vulnerabilities due to outdated codes, material deterioration, or design deficiencies. Common weaknesses include:

Inadequate lateral load resistance

Caused by weak walls, columns, or joints.

Poor diaphragm action

Floor diaphragms are often too flexible or improperly connected to structural elements.

Material degradation

Time, exposure, or previous seismic events can weaken concrete, masonry, and steel.

Why seismic strengthening is essential

Seismic strengthening focuses on reinforcing existing structures to endure the lateral forces caused by earthquakes. Without proper retrofitting, older buildings, or those not built to modern seismic codes, face higher risks of structural failure, endangering lives and property.

Tyfo® systems: A game-changer in retrofitting

These systems are lightweight, highly durable, and adaptable, offering several benefits:

Increased structural capacity

Tyfo® Systems enhance a building’s ability to resist seismic forces by reinforcing critical structural components such as beams, columns, and walls.

Minimal intrusion

Unlike traditional retrofitting methods, Tyfo® Systems are non-invasive, allowing for faster installation with minimal disruption to building operations.

Corrosion resistance

The FRP materials are corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-term durability even in harsh environments.

How it works

The Tyfo® Fibrwrap® Systems are comprised of specialised carbon, glass or aramid fabrics and resins, which in unique combination, create composites with tested and proven capabilities.

The Tyfo® Fibrwrap® System can be used to improve the load carrying capacity of a building. Additional shear and flexural capacity can be added to beams, columns, slabs and walls. The Tyfo® AFP System can be used to provide UL tested hourly fire ratings when required.

Uses

• Develop tension forces though obstacles
• Develop tension and shear forces by embedment
• Improve structural performance of beam and wall shear designs
• Improve structural performance of beam and slab flexural designs
• Prevent pullout and/or debonding at ultimate loads

About Tyfo®

The Tyfo® Fibrwrap® System is used to improve the load carrying capacity and structural performance. The system has been used extensively for civil infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels and elevated roadways worldwide.

It allows for increased load ratings, rehabilitation of corroded or distressed members, extension of service life and even construction error remediation. A lightweight, high-performance composite for the strengthening of columns, beams, walls and slabs. Areas of application include Bridges, Buildings, Waterfront & marine structures and Pipes:‍

Bridges

Concrete Solutions® has successfully rehabilitated structures such as bridges by applying Tyfo® wet-lay fabrics for providing confinement and preventing water from entering into the concrete.

Wharfs

Rehabilitation is not just limited to concrete structures but on steel and timber structures such as bridges and wharf piles.

Culverts

Systems to provide rehabilitation of corroded or distressed members, extension of service life and even construction error remediation.

Water tanks

Tyfo® Fibrwrap® systems are fully tested and can be applied internally or externally to pipes, water tanks, vessels or manholes and for a wide range of issues.

Sustainability and cost-effectiveness

Seismic retrofitting with Tyfo® Systems is not only a smart safety measure but also a sustainable choice. The lightweight nature of the materials reduces construction waste and lowers transportation costs. Additionally, their quick installation minimises labor and downtime, offering a cost-effective solution for property owners.

Investing in seismic strengthening with Tyfo® Systems is a proactive approach to protecting lives, assets, and communities. By addressing vulnerabilities in floor diaphragms and other critical structural elements, Tyfo® Systems provide a robust, sustainable, and efficient solution to seismic risks. Whether you’re retrofitting an existing structure or upgrading to meet modern safety standards, Tyfo® Systems are the trusted choice for enhanced seismic resilience.

Contact us today to learn how Tyfo® Systems can fortify your structure against seismic events.