Concrete reinforcement structure

Abstract

This invention relates to a reinforcement structure which is used in providing cementitious mixtures supplemental support and strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a reinforcement structure which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous and/or filamentary components having a finite cut length, and fastening the reinforcing fibrous and/or filamentary components by one or more circumferential retaining elements.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A reinforcement structure comprising two or more reinforcing components, said two or more reinforcing components comprising at least one of fibrous components or at least one of filamentary components and each of said reinforcing components being of finite staple lengths, wherein said reinforcing components are combined in an essentially parallel orientation and circumscribed with one or more circumferential retaining elements about the circumference of said reinforcing components. 
     
     
         8 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 7 , wherein said one or more circumferential retaining elements comprises no more than 80% of the total surface area of said reinforcement structure. 
     
     
         9 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 8 , wherein said one or more circumferential retaining elements comprises no more than 50% of the total surface area of said reinforcement structure. 
     
     
         10 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 9 , wherein said one or more circumferential retaining elements comprises no more than 30% of the total surface area of said reinforcement structure. 
     
     
         11 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 7 , wherein said reinforcing components comprise polymer compositions. 
     
     
         12 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 7 , wherein at least one of said reinforcing components and circumferential retaining elements of said reinforcement structure have at least one of a textured surface or raised surface asperities. 
     
     
         13 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 7 , wherein said circumferential retaining elements comprise a binder that exhibits sufficient durability to maintain the orientation of said reinforcing components. 
     
     
         14 . A reinforcement structure comprising two or more reinforcing components, said two or more reinforcing components comprising at least one of fibrous components and at least one of filamentary components and each of said reinforcing components being of infinite lengths, wherein said reinforcing components are combined in an essentially parallel orientation and circumscribed with one or more circumferential retaining elements about the circumference of said reinforcing components. 
     
     
         15 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 14 , wherein said reinforcing components comprise polymer compositions. 
     
     
         16 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 14 , wherein at least one of said reinforcing components and circumferential retaining elements of said reinforcement structure have at least one of a textured surface or raised surface asperities. 
     
     
         17 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 14 , wherein said circumferential retaining elements comprise a binder that exhibits sufficient durability to maintain the orientation of said reinforcing components. 
     
     
         18 . A reinforcement structure as in  claim 14 , wherein said reinforcement structure comprises a series of segmented weakened points along said reinforcing components effective that a selected portion is separable from the remainder thereof.