System for reinforcing structure using site-customized materials

Abstract

System and method for reinforcing structures includes basalt textile ( 20 ) connected to surfaces of the structure ( 100 ) with fiber anchors ( 30 ). Textile spreads forces and increases ductility of structure. Textile may connect multiple structural elements together, including walls, floors, columns, beams, and roofs. Textile is covered with mortar ( 50 ) customized to match color and texture of structure by use of locally obtained grit, aggregate, or colorant. Basalt fiber textile is preferred to avoid degradation of textile from alkaline components of mortar ( 50 ).

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of reinforcing structures; including the steps of:
 attaching a textile composed of alkaline-resistant fibers to a surface of the structure to be reinforced; and   spreading a layer of a hardenable slurry over the attached textile such that the slurry covers and embeds the textile; the slurry including mineral particles that are similar in texture, color, or both, to the original surface of the structure.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , the step of attaching a textile comprising the sub-steps of:
 spreading a fabric composed of basalt fibers over a surface of the structure; and   attaching the fabric to the surface with ductile attachment means.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of:
 attaching the fabric to the surface with ductile attachment means comprises the sub-steps of:   boring a hole through the alkaline-resistant fabric and into the structure;   inserting a length of fiber roving into the borehole, with a free end protruding above the fabric;   backfilling the borehole with suitable backfill material; and   attaching the free end of the roving over the fabric with a suitable adhesive.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , the step of spreading a layer of hardenable slurry over the fabric comprising:
 spreading a slurry containing cementitious or polymer matrix and further including mineral materials quarried in a location geographically close to the structure to be repaired.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , the step of spreading a layer of slurry containing sand, ground rock, or minerals comprising:
 spreading a slurry including sand, ground rock, or mineral materials that produces a finished appearance substantially the same in color and texture as the original surface of the structure.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the steps of:
 spreading a bottom layer of hardenable slurry containing mineral particles directly over the surface of the structure.   
     
     
         7 . A method of reinforcing a structure including the steps of:
 creating a customized surface finishing mortar by mixing mineral materials with a hardenable fluid matrix; the customized surface finishing mortar formulated so as to produce a finished appearance substantially the same in color and texture as the original surface of the structure;   spreading a fabric composed of alkaline-resistant fibers over surfaces of the structure to be reinforced;   attaching the fabric to the structure by ductile attachment means; and   spreading a layer of customized surface finishing mortar over the attached fabric.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 ; the step of creating a customized surface finishing mortar further including: obtaining mineral materials from a source geographically local to the structure. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , the step of spreading a fabric comprising:
 spreading a fabric composed of alkaline-resistant fibers over one or more surfaces of the structure to be reinforced.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the step of creating a customized surface finishing material includes the sub-steps of:
 obtaining a suitable hardenable fluid matrix from the group of: cementitious mortar, ductile cement, epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the structure to be reinforced is a historical building that must substantially retain its original appearance after being reinforced. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , the step of spreading a fabric comprising:
 spreading a fabric composed of basalt fibers over one or more surfaces of the structure to be reinforced.   
     
     
         13 . A system for reinforcement of a structure; including:
 alkaline-resistant textile substantially covering a structural element of the structure to be reinforced;   ductile connecting means for connecting said textile to the structural element; and   mortar including:
 mineral materials selected to match the existing color, texture, or both of the structure. 
   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , said alkaline-resistant textile comprising: a fabric woven from fibers of basalt. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , said ductile connecting means comprising: a plurality of fiber anchors. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , said mineral materials including at least one component obtained geographically close to the structure being reinforced.