US Patent 6964141 Building reinforcing method, material, and structure

A high-ductility material or a high-ductility covering material is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of a member, such as a column, of a structure so as to confine expansion of apparent volume accompanying rupture of the member, to thereby control rupture of the member. The high-ductility material is a fibrous or rubber sheet material. The high-ductility material is disposed in such a manner as to surround the member. Alternatively, the high-ductility material is spirally wound or rolled on the member.