Abstract: An apparatus for molding a composite structure which includes an insert that is pervious to a flowable resin, and a mold having a cavity defining contiguous upper and lower portions. The upper portion is adapted to receive a fibrous pre-form, and the lower portion is adapted to receive the insert. The insert defines a volume to accommodate a pool of the flowable resin. Also, the insert preferably includes a plurality of fluid transferable elements. The fluid transferable elements preferably include a generally planar plate and an expanded metal pre-form, wherein the plate and the expanded metal pre-form are configured to facilitate resin flow in a direction generally orthogonal to a bottom surface of the mold to distribute the resin uniformly across the mold cavity.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and process for the reinforcing of concrete, wood, or steel columns, beams, or structures. The apparatus includes pre-made reinforcing layers constructed of engineering materials having a high tensile strength and a high modulus that are attached, via an adhesive, or fitted to the element in question to create a reinforcing shell exoskeleton thus increasing the column's compressive, shear, bending, ductility, and/or seismic load carrying capacity.