CFRP Components
Toggles + Links
CL-CT.
Carbo-Link’s CFRP link/toggle [CL-CT] is essentially a CFRP basket loop cured into an inline or offset interface to join any cable or tension member. CL-CT is manufactured using pre-pregnated carbon fibres continuously wound around titanium pin thimbles. This results in ultimate stiffness and load distributions in a super lightweight solution which experiences no fatigue.
CL-CT is unique in its construction by separating load paths where necessary. A tension element carries all tensile load whilst an additional torsional element can be integrated to manage any torsional influence. Connect rigging cables to mast and boom structures, Interface any cable with any superstructure, Link crane pendants together over 200m+ lengths
Cables + Stays
CL SOLID: ROUND.
CL ELLIPSE.
CL TORQUE.
CL HYBRID.
Carbo-Link has been supplying carbon rigging solutions since 2001. CL SOLID carbon rigging is an evolution of bundled carbon solutions first developed by Carbo-Link’s management at EMPA between the 1970’s & late 1990’s. CL SOLID’s superior stiffness, enhanced resistance to chafe & impact, and reduced cross-section combined with minimal service requirements makes CL SOLID the optimum rigging choice.
CL SOLID rigging is made from continuously wound, unidirectional prepreg carbon fibre tape embedded in a toughened resin matrix. CL SOLID rigging is cured into a solid cable, either round or elliptical (CL ELLIPSE). All prepreg tape is made in-house in accordance to Aerospace certified processes; optimizing fibre type & tape width whilst ensuring the perfect fibre alignment. CL SOLID features fully integrated titanium terminations custom engineered & manufactured in-house.
CL SOLID, CL ELLIPSE & CL HYBRID rigging is DNV GL Type Approved.
Carbo-Link’s CFRP pendants are solid carbon rods. They are manufactured using toughened pre-pregnated carbon tapes continuously wound around rotary end thimbles and consolidated into a round rod (pendant). Cable specifications are defined by load requirements, with stiffness variables an additional consideration. Cable lengths vary depending on boom section lengths and total crane height demands.
Lightweight CFRP cables/tension members/hangers in the context of bridge infrastructure present significant opportunities for improved sustainability, increased lifespans and reduced service demands. Subsequently, a considerable savings potential can be seen both ecologically and economically. These efficiencies can be seen primarily in network arch bridges of medium and large spans, with a specific focus on railway and road bridges that are highly loaded with heavy freight traffic.
Recently implemented on the first bridge to be fully suspended on carbon hangers [Stadtbahnbrücke], Carbo-Link’s CL BRIDGE cables passed a number of tests to simulate active life spans of 100 years. Cyclical load tests between 18 and 23 million were passed with negligible changes in residual strength; proof of fatigue resistance ensuring stability, operational efficiency and traffic safety.
Carbo-Link’s CL BRIDGE cable/tension member/ hanger is based on proven carbon loop technology. Prepreg carbon tapes embedded with a toughened resin matrix are continuously wound around end fittings, either metal or carbon, to form a continuous loop, before consolidation into a round or shaped cable. All prepreg tapes are made in-house at Carbo-Link with Aerospace approved processes, ensuring perfect fibre alignment and prepreg tape tension. The process is flexible and adaptable meaning any raw material and resin matrix system can be used to produce the prepgreg tapes based on project specific requirements.
Straps + Reinforcement
CL RESTRAP.
Carbo-Link’s shear reinforcement solution - CL RESTRAP - is a flexible CFRP tension member made up of continuous unidirectional, toughened carbon tapes forming a CFRP strap. Think of it like a CFRP ratchet strap. CL RESTRAP is an unbonded vertical prestressing tendon used to reinforce the shear capacity of concrete girders and beams.
The individual tape layers are not bonded to each allowing the CL RESTRAP to be wound around tight radii. Shear deformations resulting from any deflection are compensated for by displacements of the individual tapes relative to each other. Deliver shear reinforcement directly to the concrete, not after deformation.
Compression Tubes
CL PP.
Carbo-Link AG has developed a groundbreaking carbon fiber push-pull element capable of transferring both tensile and compressive forces through a purely mechanical connection. By leading the innovation, Carbo-Link is responsible for material selection, production process development, and extensive testing of this high-performance composite structure.
The push element is designed as a cylindrical tube, optimized to resist buckling through an unidirectional fiber layup supported by circumferential carbon winding. A high-performance polymer matrix protects the fibers from environmental stressors, ensuring durability under temperature and moisture variations. Form-fit end connections transmit compressive forces directly to adjoining structures.