PMC Sierra Beam and Joist Strengthening
Beam and joist CFRP strengthening with a specified fire-protection system.
Delta Structural Technology completed beam-and-joist strengthening for PMC Sierra in Houston. The sixth-floor work used carbon-FRP reinforcement above and below the structural members, with a specified fire-resistant system over the underside applications.
- Market
- Commercial
- Services
- CFRP strengthening and fire protection
- Location
- Houston, Texas
- Structural members
- Concrete Beam StrengtheningJoist
Project challenge
The strengthening layout included joists and beams with different widths, locations and reinforcement demands. The design required several arrangements: narrow strips for joists, wider strips at designated beams and a full U-wrap at a specific beam region. Access to both slab surfaces and preparation of the member corners were important to the installation package.
Project approach
Fyfe’s drawings specified Tyfo SCH-41 reinforcement. Typical joists received one layer above and two below; the designated beam details used different one-, two- and three-layer arrangements. At gridline H, the design called for a three-layer U-wrap extending ten feet in each direction. The drawings also required rounded corners at the underside wrap locations.
Delivery and coordination
The underside finish used the Tyfo CFP fire-resistant system, comprising primer, dash coat and WR-AFP at the specified minimum thickness. Delta’s coordination with Fibrwrap addressed the completed shop-drawing package and the specialist installation scope. Surface preparation, epoxy bonding, composite cure and fire protection formed a connected sequence, with the different member details identified before application.
Project significance
PMC Sierra demonstrates a reinforcement layout tailored to several member conditions within one floor. Its significance lies in the combination of top and underside strengthening, localized U-wrapping and a defined fire-protection assembly. Delta’s installation work brought those details together in an existing commercial structure.
