eGRID
Fast installation.
Flexible.
With conventional carbon fiber grids, the surface of the carbon fibers is more or less covered by the impregnating agent and cannot be easily connected electrically. Based on our solidian FLEX GRID, we have created the solidian eGRID, a carbon grid with a conductive surface treatment for special applications where electrical conductivity is important. This new functionality can be of particular interest for cathodic corrosion protection (CCP) systems, monitoring or wall and underfloor heating systems.
Product Features
solidian eGRID offers a direct electrical connection with low contact resistance and distributes the electrical current evenly in the grid structure. While a conventional polymer impregnation of the grids acts like an insulating layer, the new conductive surface treatment of solidian eGRID allows current to escape in the transverse direction, as required in cathodic protection systems or for monitoring purposes. Despite these new properties, the good mechanical properties and flexibility are retained as usual!
Sketch image indicates the electrical current flowing in the plane AND in transverse direction.
solidian eGRID can be rolled up and be easily transported to the construction site on our new solidian CARGO System.
Up to 300m length at a width of 2,50 m can be stored on winding reels and easily be unwinded. In addition there is also a cutting knife and a meter counter installed in the solidian CARGO System allowing for precise and fast cutting. By using solidian eGRID on roll overlapping of the reinforcement in length direction can be minimized or completely avoided!
reinforcements for the future generations
Reference project
Bürgerspital Solothurn
Underground parking garage Marquardtbau Stuttgart
Bosporous bridge
Product Applications
Cathodic Corrosion Protection (CCP)
In conventional cathodic corrosion protection systems, a protective current is induced in concrete structures. This results in the corrosion-inducing chloride ions migrating away from the reinforcement to the anode. This ensures separation between the chloride ions and the steel surface, which significantly reduces the risk of further corrosion. In standard applications, inert titanium anodes are used, which are very cost-intensive.
solidian eGRID can completely substitute these titanium anodes!
The flexible and electrically conductive carbon fiber grids form a dense network and can distribute the current evenly in the concrete due to their high specific surface area.
Unlike titanium-based solutions, solidian eGRID can also act as secondary reinforcement and help to control crack development in the concrete. The application described has been successfully tried and tested for many years!
Monitoring of moisture
Electrically conductive carbon fiber reinforcement can also be used to install a real-time moisture monitoring system, for example to detect damaged areas in surface protection systems of road bridges at an early stage.
Calibration curves are used to determine the moisture content of the mortar by measuring the electrical resistance between the two carbon layers. A drop in resistance indicates a leak in the waterproofing, as a low resistance is associated with a high degree of water saturation in the mortar.
The idea was first successfully tested as part of the "SMART-DECK" research project, where it was combined with a preventive cathodic corrosion protection system. This was only activated at the leaky areas. More information about the "SMART-DECK" can be found here.
Heating of concrete surfaces
Electrically conductive secondary reinforcement can be of interest in various applications. For example, conductive carbon reinforcement can be used to heat concrete surfaces, which can be interesting for de-icing runways, loading ramps or access areas with slopes.
The same applies to carbon reinforced plaster with a layer of solidian eGRID, which enables wall heating. This type of surface heating ensures a particularly pleasant indoor climate and reduced heat loss.
We are looking for partners in the field of heated concrete surfaces, especially for the operation of electrical installations. If you are interested, please contact us!
