Patent attributes
A continuity connection system is disclosed that is highly durable, simple to install, and substantially increases the structural capabilities and weight-bearing capacity of a shell (i.e., a form or jacket). The shell can be used to protect a weight-bearing member (e.g., a cement column) from a degrading environment. The shell can have one or several layers of carbon fiber fabric (e.g., spaced apart longitudinally) wrapped around an interior of the shell or embedded within the shell. The continuity connection system is used to provide continuity between two ends of the carbon fiber layer, and can be made up of the carbon fiber fabric reinforcement layer, two pockets, and a laminate having ends positioned in each pocket. The carbon fiber laminate traverses a seam/separation of the carbon fiber fabric and/or a seam of the shell and can be retained in place within the pockets with an appropriate epoxy, for example.
