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
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!
- Performance Enhancement
- Handling and Logistics
- Compliance and Compatibility
- Application and Installation
- Durability and Resistance
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact
- Is solidian GRID suitable for replacing corroded steel reinforcement?
- How does solidian GRID contribute to system durability when used with mortars?
- Can solidian GRID conform to curved surfaces during installation?
- How does the weight of solidian GRID affect transportation and installation?
- Is there an Environmental Product Declaration available for solidian GRID and solidian REBAR?
- Has solidian GRID received official building approvals?
- With which types of binders is solidian GRID compatible?
- Is solidian GRID approved for use in standard concrete applications?
- What is the minimum thickness required for concrete layers using solidian GRID?
- Can solidian GRID be used to reinforce existing concrete structures?
- What is the expected lifespan of solidian GRID in wastewater applications?
- How does solidian GRID perform in acidic environments?
- How does solidian GRID contribute to sustainable construction?
- Resource efficiency: By minimizing the need for extra concrete cover, solidian GRID conserves materials such as cement and aggregates, contributing to resource efficiency.
- Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): solidian provides transparent data on the environmental impact of their products through EPDs, facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable building projects.
Solidian Kelteks - Reduced CO₂ emissions: The use of solidian GRID in construction can lead to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions due to decreased material usage and enhanced durability, which extends the lifespan of structures and reduces the need for repairs.
frequently asked questions
Yes, in cases where steel reinforcement has corroded, solidian GRID can serve as a substitute for structural reinforcement. The existing corroded steel can remain in place and be covered with a new layer of carbon-reinforced mortar, restoring structural integrity.
When combined with high-quality mortars, solidian GRID significantly enhances the overall durability of the system, providing a robust solution for demanding environments.
Yes, solidian GRID strikes a balance between stiffness and flexibility, allowing it to be applied to curved surfaces with diameters greater than 800mm.
The lightweight nature of solidian GRID facilitates easy transportation, even through sewage tunnels, and simplifies the installation process, reducing labor and equipment requirements.
Yes, a certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is available for both solidian GRID and solidian REBAR. The EPD provides transparent and verified information about the environmental impact of these products throughout their life cycle, supporting sustainability assessments in construction projects.
Yes, solidian GRID has obtained the General Building Approval (abZ) from the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt). This approval authorizes its use as carbon reinforcement grids in construction, ensuring compliance with national building standards.
solidian GRID is versatile and works with a range of binders, including Portland Cement, Calcium Aluminate Cements, and Geopolymer Cements.
solidian GRID holds German Approval as reinforcement for EN 206 concretes, supporting its compatibility with various mortar systems, including those adhering to DIN 19573.
Concrete layers reinforced with solidian GRID can be as thin as 20mm, as no additional concrete cover is needed to protect the reinforcement from corrosion.
Yes, solidian GRID can be applied as an additional layer over existing steel-reinforced concrete. When combined with solidian ANTICRACK, it offers enhanced crack-limiting properties, providing extra protection to the underlying steel reinforcement.
Classified under XWW4, solidian GRID ensures long-term performance for over 50 years, making it a durable choice for long-term infrastructure projects.
solidian GRID is fully resistant to severe acidic conditions, including environments with pH levels as low as 0. It has successfully passed tests in accordance with DIN 19573 standards for pH 0 and pH 1.
solidian GRID enables the design of thinner concrete layers (greater than 20mm) without requiring additional concrete cover for reinforcement protection. This reduction in material usage leads to lower resource consumption and a diminished environmental footprint, supporting more sustainable construction practices.
Additional information: