| Working Principle | Passive strengtheningThe plate only bears force after the structure is loaded; obvious stress lag exists. | Active strengtheningPre-tensioned to introduce compressive stress, offsets structural internal force and eliminates stress lag. |
| Core Advantages | Simple installation, fewer procedures, lower cost, no complex anchorage required. | Actively closes cracks, controls deflection, high bearing capacity improvement, excellent fatigue resistance and long-term durability. |
| Limitations | Cannot control large deflection, cannot close existing cracks, limited effect for long-span & heavy-load structures. | Special anchorage and tensioning equipment required; higher construction technical requirements and higher overall cost. |
| Application Scope | 1. Reinforcement of small & medium-span beams, slabs, balconies and cantilevers2. Structures with minor cracks, small deflection and low load increase3. General structural maintenance and corrosion protection4. Minimal-invasive reinforcement for historic buildings | 1. Long-span bridges, continuous beams, T-beams and box girders2. Heavy-duty factory buildings, long-span roof beams and transfer girders3. Projects with wide cracks, excessive deflection and strict deformation control4. Highway & railway heavy-load bridges, port structures and tunnel lining5. Key projects requiring 50-year long-term durability and fatigue resistance |
| Typical Projects | Civil building beam & slab reinforcement, shopping mall slab strengthening, small municipal bridge maintenance, conventional reinforcement of water tanks & chimneys | Old bridge load upgrading, long-span industrial building reinforcement, large girder renovation of old buildings, rail transit bridges, tunnel lining strengthening |
| Bearing Capacity Improvement | Limited increase: about 10%~15% | Significant increase: up to 20%~35% |
| Crack & Deflection Control | Only improves bearing capacity; cannot close existing cracks or effectively control deflection | Closes existing cracks, restrains further cracking and greatly reduces structural deflection |
| Construction Period | Simple procedures, fast on-site construction | Additional tensioning, anchorage and stress adjustment; more procedures and longer construction time |
| Overall Cost | Low cost, cost-effective | Higher cost for material, anchorage and professional construction |
| Design Service Life | Conventional structural durability | Matches 50-year building design service life with stable and predictable long-term performance |
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