Abstract: BMASS rebar is disclosed herein that is useful for reinforcing structural support elements. BMASS (Braided Multi-Axial Sleeve System) rebar has a substantially solid configuration that includes a concrete core and a flexible, multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve enclosing the concrete core, which provides sufficiently rigid, yet flexible rebar. The BMASS rebar does not contain polymer resins that would otherwise interfere with flexibility. The BMASS rebar can be utilized in structural support elements to support a wide variety of structures. BMASS rebar can constructed entirely of non-corrosive materials, therefore eliminating the possibility of corrosion. The BMASS rebar can be manufactured inexpensively and can be made in many different configurations. A BMASS rebar fabrication method can provide a quick, safe, low-cost, and simpler method to manufacture BMASS rebar on the jobsite. BMASS rebar offers many advantages over the steel rebar typically used for structural support of concrete structures.

Abstract: A structural assembly utilizing a reinforced concrete support element with a flexibly-braided reinforcement sleeve and a cable system for building structures. The reinforced concrete BMASS element has an approximately cylindrical shape and includes a substantially solid concrete core. An outer reinforcement sleeve with a flexible multi-axially braided configuration is embedded on the perimeter, and an inner reinforcement sleeve is embedded within the outer sleeve. A cable tension system connected between the ends of the BMASS element transmits tensile force from the cable to the BMASS element. The structural assembly can be configured as a beam or a column. In a beam configuration, the tensioned cable can also provide beam curvature and greater strength. A multi-cable embodiment includes a second cable, providing additional strength and greater ability to control curvature. One or more of the braces may include an adjustable arm. The tension may be adjusted manually, or remotely.

Abstract: A column reinforced with two reinforcement sleeves provides a low-cost, simpler method to form strong concrete columns for constructing buildings and other structures. The column includes a multi-axially braided reinforcement outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, which together provide sufficient structural support so that rebar can be eliminated from the column. Elimination of rebar saves cost and prevents the possibility of rebar oxidation which might otherwise undermine the structural integrity of the column and lead to catastrophic structural failure. The reinforcement sleeve is lightweight, easy to transport, and can be greatly reduced in size to facilitate transportation. The reinforcement sleeve and construction method can be utilized in many implementations and can be particularly useful for constructing buildings or other structures in geographic areas that are subject to earthquakes and/or corrosion, and where low cost is important.

Abstract: A structural assembly utilizing a reinforced concrete support element with a flexibly-braided reinforcement sleeve and a cable system for building structures. The reinforced concrete BMASS element has an approximately cylindrical shape and includes a substantially solid concrete core. An outer reinforcement sleeve with a flexible multi-axially braided configuration is embedded on the perimeter, and an inner reinforcement sleeve is embedded within the outer sleeve. A cable tension system connected between the ends of the BMASS element transmits tensile force from the cable to the BMASS element. The structural assembly can be configured as a beam or a column. In a beam configuration, the tensioned cable can also provide beam curvature and greater strength. A multi-cable embodiment includes a second cable, providing additional strength and greater ability to control curvature. One or more of the braces may include an adjustable arm. The tension may be adjusted manually, or remotely.

Abstract: A column reinforced with two reinforcement sleeves provides a low-cost, simpler method to form strong concrete columns for constructing buildings and other structures. The column includes a multi-axially braided reinforcement outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, which together provide sufficient structural support so that rebar can be eliminated from the column. Elimination of rebar saves cost and prevents the possibility of rebar oxidation which might otherwise undermine the structural integrity of the column and lead to catastrophic structural failure. The reinforcement sleeve is lightweight, easy to transport, and can be greatly reduced in size to facilitate transportation. The reinforcement sleeve and construction method can be utilized in many implementations and can be particularly useful for constructing buildings or other structures in geographic areas that are subject to earthquakes and/or corrosion, and where low cost is important.

Abstract: A multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve that provides a low cost, simpler method to form strong concrete columns for constructing buildings and other structures. The braided reinforcement sleeve provides structural support and the rebar normally embedded to provide structural support in concrete can be eliminated, preventing the possibility of rebar oxidation which might otherwise undermine the structural integrity of the column. The reinforcement sleeve is lightweight, easy to transport, and can be greatly reduced in size to facilitate transportation. The reinforcement sleeve and construction method can be utilized in many implementations, and can be particularly useful for constructing buildings or other structures in geographic areas that are subject to earthquakes and where low cost is important.

Abstract: A multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve that provides a low cost, simpler method to form strong concrete columns for constructing buildings and other structures. The braided reinforcement sleeve provides structural support and the rebar normally embedded to provide structural support in concrete can be eliminated, preventing the possibility of rebar oxidation which might otherwise undermine the structural integrity of the column. The reinforcement sleeve is lightweight, easy to transport, and can be greatly reduced in size to facilitate transportation. The reinforcement sleeve and construction method can be utilized in many implementations, and can be particularly useful for constructing buildings or other structures in geographic areas that are subject to earthquakes and where low cost is important.