REINFORCEKiT® STRUCTURE, Trolleybus – Europe
Composite solution for structural repair
Overview
The objective of the repair performed in March 2023 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) specialists was to reinforce a trolleybus pole (round shape) damaged by severe corrosion at its base. The damaged structure is located in the city center, in a busy street.
Results
This project is a new milestone showing the know-how and 3X experience in the repair and reinforcement of structural circular poles dedicated for transportation network. The job was successfully completed without stopping traffic. The structure is now reinforced for 20-year minimum.
 Defect type |
Corroded structure |
Details |
Pole (trolleybus) |
Location |
Europe |
3X Product type |
REINFORCEKIT® STRUCTURE |
SCOPE OF WORK
The repair design was performed using finite element analysis. Before performing the reinforcement, the 1st step was to proceed to a disbursement of the concrete base before reinforcing the pole. Then the repair was made by 3X specialists following 4 main steps:
- Surface preparation: The surface preparation was completed using Bristle Blaster machine to get a good surface roughness (at least 60-micron surface profile).
- Resin and metal inserts application: 3X resin was applied at the base of the structure to seal the junction between the concrete and the pole. Then metal inserts, previously designed and manufactured to fit with the specific round geometry of the structure, were installed around the pole and fixed using 3X filler and ratching belts.
- Composite wrapping reinforcement: Composite reinforcement was then performed around the pole. Six layers of Kevlar® tape impregnated with 3X epoxy resin, for a total repair length of 400mm was necessary to reinforce the structure.
- Impacts and UV protection: The repair was finally recovered with a specific coating to be protected from UV and impacts.
