Method of straightening and reinforcing structural members

A method of straightening and reinforcing a first structural member including an upper and a lower block member, each of said block members having an inner wall in spaced relation to an outer wall whereby a passage is defined therebetween, each of said block member inner walls having a face comprising a part of a surface of said first structural member and said walls supporting a second structural member thereon, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) exerting a force against said first structural member surface whereby said first structural member is moved to a straightened position with said passages being substantially vertically aligned;
• (b) removing a section of said inner wall of said upper block member whereby an upper opening is formed from said first structural member surface into said upper block member passage;
• (c) removing a section of said inner wall of said lower block member whereby a lower opening is formed from said first structural member surface into said lower block member passage;
• (d) placing a lower reinforcing member having an upper end through one of said openings and into said lower block member passage;
• (e) placing an upper reinforcing member having a lower end through one of said openings and into said upper block member passage;
• (f) connecting said upper end of said lower reinforcing member and said lower end of said upper reinforcing member;
• (g) placing a first quantity of a grout material into said lower block member passage whereby said lower reinforcing member is secured to said lower block member;
• (h) removably attaching a form member to said first structural member surface whereby said upper opening is partially covered, said form member being adapted for retaining a second quantity of grout material within said upper block member passage;
• (i) placing said second quantity of grout material within said upper block member passage whereby said upper reinforcing member is secured to said upper block member;
• and
• (j) securing said first structural member to said second structural member supported thereon.

A method of straightening and reinforcing an existing structural member comprising the steps of:

• (a) applying a lateral force against a surface of said structural member until said structural member is in a straightened position wherein a surface thereof is substantially flat;
• (b) forming an elongated passage in said structural member, said passage being open from said surface of said structural member;
• (c) placing a reinforcing member within said passage;
• and
• (d) securing said reinforcing member to said structural member within said passage whereby said reinforcing member maintains said structural member in the straightened position thereof after said force is removed from said structural member.

A method of reinforcing an existing structural member having a passage within said structural member, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) removing a section of said structural member whereby an opening is formed into said passage;
• (b) placing a reinforcing member within said passage;
• (c) securing said reinforcing member to said structural member;
• and
• (d) exerting a lateral force against a face of said structural member whereby said structural member is moved into a straightened position.