Why CarboShield?

We’ve seen first-hand fiberglass wrap repairs that have not stood the test of time when it comes to underwater/marine pile repair. Generally, fiberglass is not as strong or durable as carbon fiber and can crack or start to peel away from the pile under harsh marine conditions. CarboShield shells are designed to withstand decades of wear and tear. What’s more, most fiberglass pile repair solutions on the market require divers for installation, and the wrapping can become complex, messy and prone to human error. CarboShield shells are installed entirely above water, without the need for divers or cofferdams.

First, we work with your team to determine the right size and shape for the pre-manufactured CarboShield shells. From there, installation is simple. First, prefabricated half shells are placed on a staging area (a barge or platform) near the pile. Then, the two inner shells are placed together on a hanging tray platform, around the pile. Then, an epoxy is applied to the inner face of the outer two shells, so the outer shells can be applied to the inner shells—bonded together with the joints staggered to complete structural continuity in both hoop and vertical directions. This completes the shell around the pile as it sits on the tray, and then workers lower the tray into the water to the desired depth. This process continues until the pile is covered, at which point workers pump polymer grout into the space between the pile and the shells.

CarboShield shells fit a variety of pile sizes, shapes and materials (including wood, steel and concrete). The system can repair and reinforce piles in even severe states of degradation. If you are unsure if CarboShield will work for your needs, contact us here.

The CarboShield system can be designed to withstand all applied forces that are acting on the existing pile. In this approach, no surface prep of the existing pile is required. If composite action, or only protection of existing pile is desired, careful surface preparation of the existing pile is necessary. Surface preparation can be accomplished with high-pressure water blasting or mechanical grinding. The prepared surface must be free of all biological buildups, laitance or other contaminants that can inhibit the bond of the grout with the existing pile surface.