Caringbah Pavilion Carbon Fibre Reinforcement
Carbon fibre strengthening for heritage community pavilion
The Challenge
The Caringbah Pavilion's main beams had lost 60% of load-bearing capacity due to termite damage and weathering. With 200+ community events booked annually, closure wasn't an option. Traditional steel reinforcement would cost $400,000 and close the facility for 6+ months, devastating the community calendar. The heritage-listed building required any solution to preserve its original appearance while meeting modern structural standards. Council requirements mandated evening-only work to protect $45,000 in confirmed event bookings.
Our Solution
We applied carbon fibre reinforced polymer wraps using multi-directional patterns engineered to restore full structural capacity. The CFRP system added zero dead load while increasing beam strength by 300%. All work occurred during evening hours between bookings, ensuring zero event cancellations. Custom wrap positioning stayed within architectural features to maintain heritage character. The lightweight, non-invasive technology completed in 3 weeks versus 6+ months for steel alternatives. Heritage officers approved the approach as model-worthy for future projects.
Results
The CFRP solution restored structural capacity to 150% of original specification, future-proofing the building for 60+ years. Zero events were cancelled during the 3-week installation, preserving $45,000 in revenue. The $180,000 solution saved 55% versus the $400,000 steel alternative while finishing 8 weeks faster. Comprehensive certification enabled the pavilion to host 400+ events since completion with zero structural concerns. Heritage NSW commended the project as exemplary conservation work.
300%
Strength Increase
0
Event Cancellations
60yr
Design Life Extension
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