Reinforcement devices, systems and methods for constructing and reinforcing the foundation of a structure

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods for use in constructing new structures, including post frame structures. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods for replacing traditional wood and/or precast concrete columns utilized in building a new construction foundation, with a height adjustable foundation column assembly constructed from a corrosion resistant material. The present disclosure also relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods useful for reinforcing existing post frame structures, particularly those with framing elements requiring repair.

1 . A reinforcement device for constructing and supporting a foundation for a structure, the device comprising:
 a column body having a top and a bottom;   a bracket secured to the top of the column body;   a height adjustment mechanism extending above and downward through the bracket within an interior space of the column body to the bottom, the height adjustment mechanism capable of vertically moving the column body and bracket between any desired height; and,   a stabilizer pad secured to an end of the height adjustment mechanism opposite the top of the column body.   
     
     
         2 . The reinforcement device of  claim 1 , wherein the top of the column body includes a bracket. 
     
     
         3 . The reinforcement device of  claim 2 , wherein the bracket comprises at least one upright arm connected to the base. 
     
     
         4 . The reinforcement device of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises at least two opposing upright arms connected together by the base forming a U-shape bracket. 
     
     
         5 . The reinforcement device of claim  2 m wherein the bracket further includes at least one at least one integrated side support adapted for securing a board along at least one side of the bracket. 
     
     
         6 . The reinforcement device of  claim 1 , wherein the column body further comprises a cage formed from a plurality of longitudinal bars extending downward from the bracket and positioned to form an outer perimeter of the cage. 
     
     
         7 . The reinforcement device of  claim 6 , wherein the longitudinal bars are interconnected by a plurality of reinforcement anchors positioned within an interior space of the cage. 
     
     
         8 . The reinforcement device of  claim 1 , wherein the height adjustment mechanism includes a two piece telescoping adjustment rod. 
     
     
         9 . The reinforcement device of  claim 7 , wherein the two piece telescoping rod includes a first threaded rod disposed vertically above and passing through the bracket, and a second threaded rod disposed vertically from the top to the bottom of the column body. 
     
     
         10 . The reinforcement device of  claim 9 , wherein the second rod is adapted to receive the first rod in a telescoping manner, the telescoping rod capable of moving the column body and bracket vertically between any desired height. 
     
     
         11 . A method for creating a foundation for a structure, the method including the steps of:
 outlining a perimeter of a structure through the excavation of a plurality of holes having a ground floor;   providing a height adjustable column assembly comprising:   a column body having a top and a bottom;   a bracket secured to the top of the column body;   a height adjustment mechanism extending above and downward through the bracket within an interior space of the column body to the bottom, the height adjustment mechanism capable of vertically moving the column body and bracket between any desired height; and,   a stabilizer pad secured to an end of the height adjustment mechanism opposite the top of the column body;   positioning each height adjustable column assembly within each hole forming the perimeter, wherein the bracket is above ground level and the stabilizer pad is positioned on the ground floor of the hole;   adjusting each height adjustable column assembly through the height adjustment mechanism to an acceptable level position; and,   securing at least one board to each of the brackets, forming an initial foundation for the structure.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises a first threaded rod in telescoping engagement with a second threaded rod, wherein rotating the first threaded rod within the second threaded rod provides vertical adjustment of the height adjustable column assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the brackets further include at least one integrated side support adapted for securing at least one board along a side of the bracket. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of adjusting each height adjustable column further includes the step of vertically adjusting the height adjustable column to a level position. 
     
     
         15 . A device for reinforcing an existing structural element of a building, the device comprising: a multi-sided sleeve having an elongated body comprising a longitudinal center section integrally connected along opposing edges to a pair of opposing longitudinal legs or panels having a length the same as the center section, wherein each leg is connected at an angle or bend to the center section. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the device is adapted to engagement with a column of an existing building. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the device is adapted for use in a system for resupporting and lifting an existing structure, the system comprising:
 creating a space around an existing column or post of the existing structure;   placing the reinforcement device around the existing column;   driving the reinforcement device below grade to an original foundation pad;   cutting the existing column;   supporting the existing column with the reinforcement device; and,   lifting the structure to the desired height.