| abstract |
A continuous connection system is disclosed that is very durable, simple to install, and significantly increases the structural and load-bearing capacity of the housing (i.e., the form or jacket). The housing may be used to protect a load bearing member (e.g., a cement column) from a degrading environment. The shell may have one or more layers (e.g., longitudinally spaced) of carbon fiber fabric wrapped around the interior of the shell or embedded within the shell. The continuous connection system is used to provide continuity between the two ends of the carbon fibre layer and may be composed of a carbon fibre fabric reinforcement layer, two pockets and a laminate having an end located in each pocket. The carbon fibre laminate traverses the seams/separations of the carbon fibre fabric and/or the seams of the shell and may be held in place within the pockets, for example with a suitable epoxy resin. |