Project Reference

Infrastructure aging is a critical concern for public safety, especially for bridges that serve as vital economic arteries. In Cebu, a major bridge began showing signs of deflection—a visible sagging or bowing that indicates the internal steel reinforcement may no longer be sufficient for the current traffic load.

The DPWH faced a significant logistical challenge: the bridge needed immediate structural rehabilitation, but closing it would cause massive traffic congestion and disrupt local operations. Traditional "concrete jacketing"—which involves adding heavy steel rebars and pouring new concrete—was ruled out because it is labor-intensive, heavy, and requires long curing times that would force a total shutdown.

The Solution: Buildrite Carbon Fiber System

To restore the bridge’s integrity without stopping traffic, the DPWH utilized Buildrite Carbon Fiber Fabric. This advanced material allows for "external reinforcement," acting like a high-strength skin that bonds to the existing concrete.

Why the Carbon Fiber System was the Strategic Choice:
• Immense Tensile Strength: Buildrite Carbon Fiber Fabric boasts a tensile strength of 120,000 psi. When bonded to the underside of the bridge, it effectively takes over the tension loads, arresting further deflection and significantly increasing the structure's load-bearing capacity.
• Minimal Dead Load: Unlike concrete jacketing, which adds tons of weight to the structure, Carbon Fiber is extremely lightweight. It strengthens the bridge without adding significant stress to the original foundations.
• Rapid Installation: The fabric is "laminated" to the concrete using Buildrite Carbon Fiber Laminating Epoxy. This process is much faster than traditional masonry work, allowing crews to work in sections or during off-peak hours, ensuring the bridge remains operational.
• Economic Efficiency: By reducing the need for heavy machinery, extensive formworks, and long-term road closures, the total project cost—including labor and time—is significantly lower than conventional methods.

Technical Performance:
• Corrosion Resistance: Unlike steel, Carbon Fiber does not rust, providing a long-term solution against the salty, humid air of Cebu.
• Monolithic Bonding: The specialized Laminating Epoxy ensures that the fabric and the old concrete work together as a single structural unit, restoring the safety of the bridge for the commuting public.

By choosing Buildrite Carbon Fiber Fabric, the DPWH successfully extended the lifespan of a critical piece of Cebu's infrastructure through a modern, non-invasive, and highly efficient engineering approach.