FRP Fabric Specifications for Light Pole Base Repair

[skeletron]

I'm wondering if anyone has some pointers on how to specify FRP fabric wrap. Surface prep? Finishing? Curing or some sort of "no action period"? I've only read about the fabric and the CFRP matix offered by Sika. I'll be coordinating with the manufacturer to see what they recommend as well.

I have some light pole bases that need new anchor bolts and repair. The pole bases are that exposed aggregate, above grade style and built ~1970/1980. There are some surficial cracks as expected with age. Existing anchor bolts snapped off when removing the old light standard. It's clear that they were corroded from nearly 50 years of service.

My thought is that the least invasive option is to rotate the baseplate 45degree, drill & epoxy new anchor bolts, and then wrap the post base with FRP. My concern is that additional cracks may appear when the new anchor bolts are drilled in. Existing anchor bolts would be sawn off and then the butt end would be treated. There will be a layer of grout above, so they will be encapsulated.

Brand new pole bases are not in the budget and would require significant electrical rework. New sidewalks were already put in place, so there's a bit of poor planning on this one. The other option proposed was casting a wider base around the existing base. I believe there would be issues with getting the new "shell" to work with the existing base. And I would expect there would be cracking issues and issues with chipping out the new sidewalk, etc. Perhaps it's possible with a good concrete mix and some void form under the new "shell", but I don't so it being my ideal solution.

 

[bridgebuster]

Your idea of rotating the base plates makes sense. However, you need to repair the concrete for the FRP to work. The best pointers for specifying
FRP will come from the manufacturer. If the work is done by an approved installer the manufacturer will warranty the material.

 

[skeletron]

Yes, I agree. I'm not planning on just burying the cracks and wrapping with fabric. I imagine we will start to see what happens when the new anchor bolts are drilled. I'm expecting some cracks will become more apparent. If they are small, I could see epoxy crack repair as a suitable option. Otherwise, they may have to chip out and recast a new base structure.