Structural Enhancement of RC Columns at Mehlim Point Tower with TYFO^® Fibrwrap^® Systems

The Mehlim Point Tower is one of many high-rise office towers constructed during the 1990’s in the heart of this vibrant city. During construction, a lower concrete compressive strength was obtained for one batch of concrete provided by the ready-mixed concrete supplier. The concrete compression test results for this batch of concrete for mid-level columns were obtained only after two further stories had been constructed. With a tight construction schedule, and high cost of controlled demolition and reconstruction, the main contractor had limited options to solve the problem. The two conventional solutions of concrete jacketing and steel plate bonding method were rejected due to site and aesthetic steel plate bonding method were rejected due to site and aesthetic constraints.

Approached for a comprehensive proposal, Fyfe Asia proposed an effective approach. After assessing the situation, the TYFO^® Fibrwrap^® Composite System was proposed for improvement of the compressive capacity of the RC columns. With its composite technology derived from the aerospace industry, rendering it a light-weight and strong material, it was chosen over conventional methods due to its speed and ease of application in difficult site conditions. The proposal for column enhancement using the TYFO^® Fibrwrap^® System was given to the building owner by the main contractor and readily accepted.

The work of strengthening RC columns was allocated only a week. Upon award, the installation team was mobilized and arrangements were made for smooth progress of the project. The strengthening, using the TYFO^® Fibrwrap^® composite system was completed comfortably within four days, much to the satisfaction of all parties. Apart from solving the problem at hand, this approach allowed construction of the building to proceed without further delay.