A Case Study on the Use of Advanced Fiber Wrap Composites for Timber Pile Repair and Protection of a Pier Structure

The use of Advanced Fiber Wrap Composite systems has been widely used in buildings and bridges during the past two decades. As the global structural engineering community has adopted this technology, so has the coastal infrastructure community. This paper will cover in detail the use of this relatively novel technology in the repair and protection of timber piles. The pier structure, which is used for commercial purposes, was severely deteriorated due to the aggressive environmental conditions and the age of the structure. Advanced Fiber Wrap Composite Systems were being utilized to supplement confinement, and to provide protection to selected timber pile elements. Also, the use of special epoxy resins and proven repair methods which were implemented as part of the retrofit will be discussed. The aim of this paper will be to discuss the Advanced Fiber Wrap Composite Systems method of repair and to compare with the current alternative conventional methods of repair. The benefits and deterrents for the different repair methods which were discussed by the engineer of record and owner alike will be discussed both from the construction, structural, and from the financial standpoint. The project that will be discussed is on the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada waterfront. Part of the scope for this project consisted of working from floating platforms to execute the repair of the piles. Underwater divers were also brought on to apply the Fiber Wrap System under water in the tidal zone. The FRP applicator successfully completed the project within schedule and on budget.