System, method, and device for reinforcement or repair of structural elements

Abstract

The disclosure concerns methods of reinforcing a structural wall comprising affixing a plurality of laminate strips within a channel formed in the structural wall; wherein the laminate strips are positioned at differing and irregular angels on the structural wall.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of reinforcing a structural wall, comprising:
 identifying a weakened area of wall that comprises cracks;   forming at least one channel in the wall with a first portion of the at least one channel disposed adjacent the weakened area; and   affixing a plurality of laminate strips to the structural wall by:
 disposing at least one of the plurality of laminate strips within the at least one channel, and 
 disposing an adhesive within the at least one channel, around the laminate strip, and through opening formed in the laminate strip; 
   wherein the laminate strips are positioned at differing and irregular angels on the structural wall.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the structural wall comprises:
 a foundation, wherein the foundation comprises a footing and a stem wall;   an upper portion formed on the foundation, wherein the upper portion comprises slabs, blocks, or brick, of concrete, stone, masonry, adobe, or rammed earth; and   a high tensile material disposed within, and extending between, the foundation and the upper portion.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the laminate strips are not orthogonal to an inface between the upper portion of the structural wall and the foundation. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the laminate strips are at an angle in a range of 30-90° with respect to an inface between the upper portion of the structural wall and the foundation. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each laminate strip comprises a plurality of openings extending completely through the laminate strip, said openings can be any suitable shape. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminate strips comprise a polymer and carbon fiber. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminate strips are about 18 to abut 24 inches long and about 2 to about 4 inches wide. 
     
     
         8 . A method of reinforcing a structural wall, comprising:
 affixing a plurality of laminate strips to the concrete wall;   wherein the laminate strips are positioned at differing and irregular angels on the concrete wall.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the structural wall comprises:
 a foundation, wherein the foundation comprises a footing and a stem wall;   an upper portion formed on the foundation, wherein the upper portion comprises slabs, blocks, or brick, of concrete, stone, masonry, adobe, or rammed earth; and   a high tensile material disposed within, and extending between, the foundation and the upper portion.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the laminate strips are not orthogonal to an inface between the upper portion of the structural wall and the foundation. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the laminate strips are at an angle in a range of 30-90° with respect to an inface between the upper portion of the structural wall and the foundation. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein each laminate strip comprises a plurality of openings extending completely through the laminate strip, said openings can be any suitable shape. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the laminate strips comprise a polymer and carbon fiber. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the laminate strips are about 18 to abut 24 inches long and about 2 to about 4 inches wide. 
     
     
         15 . A reinforced wall comprising a plurality of laminate strips affixed to the reinforced wall; wherein the laminate strips are positioned at differing and irregular angels on the reinforced wall. 
     
     
         16 . The reinforced wall of  claim 15 , wherein the laminate strips are not orthogonal to an inface between the concrete wall and a stem wall. 
     
     
         17 . The concrete wall of  claim 15 , wherein each laminate strip comprises a plurality of openings. 
     
     
         18 . The concrete wall of  claim 15 , wherein the laminate strips comprise a polymer and carbon fiber. 
     
     
         19 . The concrete wall of  claim 15 , wherein the wall in positioned on a foundation and the laminate strips tie the reinforced wall to the foundation. 
     
     
         20 . The concrete wall of  claim 15 , wherein the laminate strips are at an angle in a range of 30-90° with respect to an inface between the upper portion of the structural wall and the foundation.