This is in recognition of the development of a
This technology eliminates the need for special jigs and methods in replacement work by reinforcing pitted and corroded pipes. It can thus reduce lead times for strength assessments and cut construction costs. Another key factor in receiving this award was the broad social benefits that could accrue from applying this technology to steel-framed buildings and other structures.
The Infrastructure Maintenance Awards recognize outstanding initiatives and technology developments related to social infrastructure maintenance in
The awards debuted in 2016 to foster
Award details are as follows.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
For the development of a CFRP technique employing in-situ VaRTM technology to repair steel pipe corrosion on transmission towers
Joint recipients
Tokyo Electric Power Grid, Yasuda Seisakusho, and
Award-winning technology
This patented in situ VaRTM technology entails placing CF sheet 'TORAYCA CF fabric' on a steel structure requiring repair, applying a film over the sheets, using a pump to create a vacuum, and injecting and curing epoxy resin. Over time, internal corrosion causes pitting and wall thinning on the steep piping of transmission towers. The conventional repair process is very labor-intensive and expensive, as it entails replacing these pipes. The three companies jointly developed a CFRP repair technique that applies in-situ VaRTM technology to corroded steel pipes that normally need replacing. This setup eliminates the need for special jigs and methods in replacement work, and can reduce lead times for strength assessments and cut construction costs.
Progress and potential
Applications to date for in situ VaRTM to repair steel infrastructure have included transmission towers in
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