Projects / 4/16/2025

Structural strengthening at Bluespace logistics centre

MapeWrap C UNI-AX system was employed to strengthen and improve the flexural and shear strength of load-bearing beams in a logistics centre in Milan

The Bluespace Fantoli logistics centre in Milan had to adapt its load-bearing structures to increased static loads. The MapeWrap C UNI-AX system was chosen to strengthen the load-bearing beams to improve their tensile and shear strength. The system made it possible to carry out a quick and safe intervention. The use of FRP materials ensured high mechanical strength, lightness and adaptability of the materials applied to the existing structure.

“We all need space!” is the message we get from the website of Bluespace, an international self-storage company with 92 logistics hubs distributed throughout Spain, France, Portugal and Italy. A truth difficult to contest is the problem encountered particularly in large cities where the amount of space available within our homes is often insufficient for all our objects and belongings. So, it comes as no surprise that Bluespace, in line with its ambitious growth plan to reach a target of 150 logistics hubs and 400 employees in 15 years, also opened 3 self-storage spaces in Milan in 2023.

One of these is Bluespace Fantoli which, in the southwestern part of Milan, has storage units accessible to its clients 365 days a year ranging from 1 m² to 200 m². This logistics centre is located inside a large warehouse whose load-bearing structures, because of the growing demand for the storage of goods, have been subjected to a considerable increase in static loads, which have gone from 250 kg/m² to 400 kg/m². Because of this increase, it became necessary to strengthen the load-bearing beams to improve their tensile and shear strength and, to carry out this upgrade, it was decided to use MapeWrap C UNI-AX, a system particularly suitable for application on load-bearing elements in buildings where the structure needs to be modified when faced with new architectural requirements or service conditions. Choosing this system resulted in several advantages, such as fewer workers required to apply the system thanks to the very low weight of the fabrics, and the possibility of carrying out strengthening work very quickly, without having to interrupt normal operations within the structure.

In the complex housing the Bluespace Fantoli logistics centre, a strengthening intervention was carried out on the load-bearing structures, which were subjected to a significant increase in static loads.

Application of MapeWrap C-UNI AX System

This system includes the use of materials commonly known as FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymers). Going into detail, MapeWrap C UNI-AX 600 uni-directional carbon fibre fabrics were employed in the Bluespace logistics centre, along with epoxy resin to impregnate and bond the fabrics.

MapeWrap C UNI-AX 600 uni-directional carbon fibre fabrics were used in this project together with epoxy resins for their impregnation and bonding.

Before applying the system, the sections of pillars with damaged concrete were repaired with Mapegrout Easy Flow Zero* one-component, shrinkage-compensated, thixotropic mortar, which is particularly recommended for repairing concrete structures. This product, in fact, is able to guarantee structures have excellent resistance to mechanical stresses, including dynamic loads, and excellent fatigue behaviour.

The concrete surfaces were treated with MapeWrap Primer 1 epoxy primer.

Application of the MapeWrap C UNI-AX system commenced with treating the surfaces of the concrete with MapeWrap Primer 1, a two-component epoxy primer applied with a roller.

The surfaces were then levelled off using MapeWrap 12 epoxy grout.

MapeWrap 12 thixotropic epoxy grout was applied to level off the primed surfaces.

MapeWrap 31 two-component epoxy adhesive was chosen to impregnate and bond the carbon fibre fabrics, with a first layer of adhesive applied on the surface of the concrete followed by a second layer after applying the MapeWrap C UNI-AX 600 fabrics on the first layer while still fresh. A Mapewrap Roller was then used to go over the fabric to get rid of any air bubbles.

Apart from being very quick to apply and very light, unlike other strengthening systems (such as cladding using steel plates), the MapeWrap C UNI-AX system has the advantage of being adaptable to any shape of element to be strengthened, it does not require temporary supports while being applied and there is no risk of corrosion to the strengthening system once it has been applied.

It was, therefore, the most suitable system to guarantee sufficient strengthening of the load-bearing structures of the Bluespace Fantoli logistics centre, which can now effectively support and withstand the new loads expected from the type of use of this structure.

MapeWrap 31 two-component epoxy adhesive was chosen to impregnate and bond the carbon fibre fabrics.

Project information

Bluespace Fantoli logistics centre, Milan (Italy)

Period of intervention: June 2024

Client: Bluespace

Project and works directors: Carlo Bandini and Gianni Bellucci

Plant systems: Gianni Bellucci and Oussama Guilouchi, Ace Srl.

Main contractor: Resinfloor Srl

Mapei coordinator: Dominica Carbotti, Mapei SpA

*This product is part of the Zero Line. CO₂ emissions measured throughout the life cycle of products from the Zero line in 2025 using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, verified and certified with EPDs, have been offset through the acquisition of certified carbon credits in support of forestry protection projects. A commitment to the planet, to people and to biodiversity.