Reinforcement methods utilizing high tensile strength composite bands

A method of reinforcing an axially extending structure having an internal force directed radially outward from said structure, said method comprising steps of:

• providing a band of composite material defining a spiral terminating in an inner end and an outer end and having a plurality of elastic convolutions for encircling and engaging said structure, each convolution having an inner surface and an outer surface bearing against corresponding surfaces of adjacent convolutions, at least one of said inner and outer surfaces of each of said convolutions having a surface that is substantially flat in transverse cross-section, said composite material comprising a plurality of continuous, high tensile strength filaments substantially completely encapsulated in a resin matrix and not interconnected by cross-threads, said filaments extending through said spiral parallel to the direction of spiral,
• wrapping said band of composite material about said axially extending structure, and
• simultaneous with said wrapping step, applying a layer of an adhesive between adjacent ones of said plurality of convolutions.

A method of reinforcing an axially extending structure against an internal force directed radially outward from said structure, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing at least one band having a plurality of convolutions of a composite material, each one of said convolutions having at least one surface that is substantially flat in transverse cross-section, said composite material including a multiplicity of continuous, high tensile strength filaments substantially completely encapsulated in a resin matrix and not interconnected by cross-threads, said filaments extending codirectionally with one another through said resin matrix,
• installing said at least one band of composite material about said structure to form overlying layers of said composite material about said structure, and
• securing an outermost one of said layers to at least one underlying one of said layers.