Engineering News-Record , October 6, 2003
A new strengthening product offering from VSL is set to change the landscape of concrete reinforcing materials. Hardwire is a steel-reinforced polymer (SRP) composite that is bonded externally to structural elements, allowing end users to incorporate ultra high tensile strength fibers inside or outside almost any material.
"Hardwire marks the next generation of composites," says Brian Gallagher, director of marketing for VSL. "It can be used in the construction, repair and upgrade of buildings, bridges, parking garages and special structures, adding strength and increasing load-bearing capacities significantly." Ideal for concrete applications, the system's twisted steel wires can be molded into thermoset, thermoplastics or cementitious resin systems.
The core of the Hardwire system is Ultra Tensile steel cords, the same cords manufactured and used by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Resistant to fire and corrosion, the SRP composite is as much as 70% thinner and 25% lighter than fiber-reinforced polymer composites in similar applications.
"Hardwire marks the next generation of composites," says Brian Gallagher, director of marketing for VSL. "It can be used in the construction, repair and upgrade of buildings, bridges, parking garages and special structures, adding strength and increasing load-bearing capacities significantly." Ideal for concrete applications, the system's twisted steel wires can be molded into thermoset, thermoplastics or cementitious resin systems.
The core of the Hardwire system is Ultra Tensile steel cords, the same cords manufactured and used by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Resistant to fire and corrosion, the SRP composite is as much as 70% thinner and 25% lighter than fiber-reinforced polymer composites in similar applications.
