Reinforcement and repair of structural columns

Abstract

A method and an article of manufacture are presented for reinforcing and/or repairing columns, towers, pylons, and the like, constructed from various materials including concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and the like. One or more tensile bearing bands/rebars of material, such as fibrous material, are longitudinally/axially adhered or attached to the structure followed by wrapping of a semi-flexible or a semi-rigid sheet of material, at a relatively small distance, around the column. Subsequently filler material is poured in the cavity created between the wrapped sheet material and the column. Optionally, multiple layers of various material sheets, each sheet having substantially the same or different properties, may be wrapped around or be attached to the primary wrapped sheet. Appropriately chosen reinforcement bands/rebars, reinforcement sheets, and filler material can provide any desired additional tensile, compressive, shear and flexural strength to the column.