How the system works

Jackson says that the Fortress system is a special hybrid of carbon fibers and Kevlar in a grid form that permits easy application and more reliable performance. It is designed to work equally well on poured-in-place concrete and concrete block foundations.

Before and After

The material comes in strips 4 or 6 inches wide, depending on the application. Each strip has several carbon tows (or strands) per inch, with the carbon fibers running in one direction and the Kevlar strands in the other. The strips can be applied vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to provide the required tension capacity. They are then fully encapsulated in epoxy, which penetrates the hundreds of small openings in the grid to permanently bond the material to the substrate.

This application illustrates an instance where Carbon Fiber easily corrected the problem and prevented re-cracking
This application illustrates an instance where Carbon Fiber easily corrected the problem and prevented re-cracking

To ensure a void-free bond on severely deflected walls, Fortress has developed a vacuum lamination process that uses a pump and suction ports to provide even vacuum pressure over the entire strip while the epoxy hardens. "This allows us to pull the carbon fiber material right up against the substrate by pulling out all the air," says Jackson. He says the vacuum lamination process is necessary on only about 5% of all installations.

Vacuum Lamination Technique available for use on very deflected surfaces
Vacuum Lamination Technique available
for use on very deflected surfaces
Finished Wall
Finished Wall

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