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Fortress is Pleased to Announce Two New Products to add to the Fortress Stabilization Systems Line-up:
The Carbon Grid Net
Fortress Stabilization Systems Carbon Fiber Net is the pre-curser to Grid Mesh. It is a wet lay-up process that cures in place in epoxy overlays and becomes part of the overlay itself. It comes in 4 ft x 150 ft rolls that are simply rolled out into resin.
It is low profile and conforms to substrate surface. Ideal for any epoxy overlay indoor or out - from small garages to industrial factories and from driveways to bridge decks.
and...The Carbon Grid Mesh
Fortress Stabilization Systems Pre-Preg Carbon Grid Mesh is a revolutionary alternative to welded wire. The mesh strength is based on the Ultimate Tensile Strength. Steel will yield a lower strength and will break at this strength. The carbon is stiffer than steel, so the concrete will crack less in reaching the full tensile capacity of the mesh. The surface area of the mesh is also greater, so the concrete/carbon bond is more effective than that of steel.
The Pre-Preg Grid comes in a variety of structural mats or scrims having the advantage of being lightweight and non-corrosive. Pre-Preg Grid Mesh is used in various pre-cast applications, both vertical and horizontal applications of shotcrete, decorative concrete from slabs to countertops as well as concrete crack control.
Benefits of the Fortress Carbon Fiber Grid System
by: James S. Gardiner
Memory Loss
One would think that having a good memory and lots of it would be a benefit. For computers and humans 
it is a very good thing. Not true for carbon fiber mesh! In the past we have used carbon fiber mesh products that were cured and shipped in rolls. When we unrolled them for use, they wanted to roll back up. This was particularly problematic when vibrating the molds. The rolled materials were more difficult to work with creating unique problems that took time to work around.
Fortress has taken care of the memory issue. Their carbon fiber mesh products are cured and shipped flat. They are easier to work with, require less concrete (see case study), and provide evenly distributed strength for the end product.
No Shadowing
Another benefit of the Fortress mesh product is that by because of its design, it virtually eliminates “shadowing” in the end product. The product we used formerly was flat and thin and would cause problems if it was closer than ¼” to the form edge. 
Shadowing, also known as “aggregate transparency” can be caused by non-uniform stiffness or uneven tension in the form.
As you can see from the photos, with the old grid product there was appreciable shadowing. With the Fortress grid, you can see from the cut-away inset that the mesh was very close to the mold edge, but in the photo (right), the cast shows no signs of shadowing.
A Quick Glance at the Benefits and Features of Fortress Stabilization System Products:
Benefits:
- Increase Structural Strength
- Increase Concrete Stability
- Extend Life of Project
- Reduce Labor Costs
Features:
- Lightweight
- Handles with Ease
- Non-Corrosive
- Greater Concrete/Carbon Bond than that of Steel
- Low Maintenance
- Variety of Applications - staircases, statues, lobbies, countertops, and many more!
Recent Case Study
Date: July 2009
Project: The Kings Grant in Easton, MD
Contractor: James S. Gardiner
Material Used: Fortress Pre-Preg Carbon Grid Mesh
Project Scope: To build lightweight reinforcement cages for decorative sinks
Solution: Take Fortress Pre-Preg Carbon Grid Mesh, secure sections to form box shape cages that fit into the predetermined mold(s). Pour concrete into mold. Carbon cage required less concrete coverage,standard decorative thin coat.
Conclusions: The Carbon Fiber Grid Mesh was much faster than traditional steel and much stiffer in crack control than fiberglass with no reported shadowing in the thin concrete.
If you have an interesting project that you would like posted in our newsletter and on our website, please submit project information to: solutions@fortressstabilization.com
Contact us today for more information on Distributor Opportunities!
1-800-207-6204 or email at solutions@fortressstabilization.com