CAWS installs carbon fibre strengthening on beams, slabs and columns across Perth and regional WA. Every design comes from a structural engineer, and we’re one of the few remedial contractors in Perth offering it.
When a structure needs strengthening
Steel reinforcement has lost section to concrete cancer
An inspection or engineer finds a beam, slab or column is under capacity
Loads are changing, such as new plant, a change of use or new openings
Defects from the original construction need correcting
How carbon fibre works
Carbon fibre is many times stronger than steel for its weight. Bonded with epoxy to the face of a beam or slab, it adds tensile strength where the element bends under load. Wrapped around a column, it confines the concrete.
How carbon fibre strengthening works.
Strengthening adds capacity to an existing structure without rebuilding it.
We're one of the few remedial contractors in Perth offering carbon fibre strengthening. Carbon fibre is many times stronger than steel for its weight. Bonded to the face of a beam or slab that bends under load, it adds tensile strength. Wrapped around a column, it confines the concrete. Every design comes from a structural engineer, and we install it to their specification.
CAWS crew installing carbon fibre strengthening to a concrete beam from mobile scaffoldCarbon fibre sheet being fitted to the underside of a concrete beam
Why carbon fibre
Adds strength to an existing structure without rebuilding it
Thin and light, so it adds very little weight or bulk
Installed with far less disruption than adding steel or concrete
How we deliver it
Inspect. We assess the structure and any damage, such as concrete cancer.
Engineer’s design. A structural engineer designs the strengthening for the loads involved.
Prepare. Damaged concrete is repaired and the surface is prepared to suit the system.
Install. The carbon fibre is installed to the engineer’s specification and the system requirements.
Hand over. We photograph the finished work, so you have a record.
Common questions
Do I need a structural engineer?
Yes. Every carbon fibre design comes from a structural engineer. We work with engineers and install to their specification.
Is it often combined with concrete cancer repair?
Often, yes. Where steel has lost too much section, the concrete is repaired first and the element is then strengthened. See concrete cancer repair.
Can the building stay in use?
In most cases, yes. We plan the works around safety, access and the people using the building.
