Abstract: Systems for reinforcement of structural elements such as piles, posts, pillars, and pipes are disclosed. The present invention features reinforced structural elements. The reinforced structural elements may include a sleeve structure positioned around a length of the structural element such that there is a chamber between the structural element and the sleeve structure. This chamber may be filled with concrete or another core filler material so as to reinforce the structural element. The sleeve structures of the present invention may be formed by the assembly of multiple staggered segmented layers of coupled reinforcing shells such as rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible fiber-reinforced shells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcement of tubular structures via composite internal dowels are provided herein. The hardening of a curable fill inside a flexible sleeve provides conformal contact between the resulting dowel and the surrounding tubular structure. Permeation of the fill through the sleeve may improve the bond. Attachment of the sleeve to a narrower tube may allow for precise positioning of the sleeve as well as a reduction in the amount of fill required. Ultimately, the internal dowels may extend past a degraded section of the tubular structure from a selected lower limit below the degraded section to a selected upper limit above the degraded section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reinforcement of partially submerged structural elements such as piles, posts, pillars, and pipes are disclosed. The apparatus includes an upper unit which may be fixed to the structural element above the waterline and a lower unit which is suspended from the upper unit via cables or other support members. The apparatus enables a reinforcing sleeve structure to be constructed in multiple segmented layers from above the waterline which the sleeve structure is lowered beneath the waterline. The lower unit guides the lower end of the sleeve structure down around the submerged portion of the structural element and supports the weight of the sleeve structure until it is fixed in place and filled with concrete or another reinforcing core filler material.

Abstract: Systems for reinforcement of structural elements such as piles, posts, pillars, and pipes are disclosed. The present invention features reinforced structural elements. The reinforced structural elements may include a sleeve structure positioned around a length of the structural element such that there is a chamber between the structural element and the sleeve structure. This chamber may be filled with concrete or another core filler material so as to reinforce the structural element. The sleeve structures of the present invention may be formed by the assembly of multiple staggered segmented layers of coupled reinforcing shells such as rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible fiber-reinforced shells.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a structural element is disclosed. The method comprises positioning a first rigid fiber-reinforced shell extending between first and second edges partially about an external surface of the structural element to leave an exposed portion of the structural element. The method also comprises positioning a second rigid fiber-reinforced shell extending between first and second edges about the exposed portion of the structural element such the first edge of the second rigid fiber-reinforced shell adjacent the first edge of the first rigid fiber-reinforced shell to give a first seam and the second edge of the second rigid fiber-reinforced shell is adjacent the second edge of the first rigid fiber-reinforced shell to give a second seam. Finally, the method includes adhering the first and second rigid fiber-reinforced shells to the structural element. A reinforced structural element produced by the method is also disclosed.