Method of straightening and reinforcing a block wall

Abstract

A method of straightening a block wall having an inwardly bowed shape in a central region between an upper end and a lower end includes mounting a tensile member between the upper end and the lower end of the block wall. A tension force is applied on the tensile member to apply a compression force on the bowed block wall for a period of time until the bow in the block wall is straightened to a desired amount. Once the bowed block wall is straightened by a desired amount, a reinforcement member is applied to the straightened block wall.

1 . A method of straightening a block wall having an inwardly bowed shape in a central region between an upper end and a lower end, comprising:
 mounting a strap member between the upper end and the lower end of the block wall with an upper end of the strap member being a surface of the upper end of the block wall and with a lower end of the strap member being generally flush with a surface of the lower end of the block wall;   applying a tension force on the strap member with an adjustable spring mechanism to apply a compression force against the bowed block wall for a period of time until the bow in the block wall is straightened to a desired amount; and   applying a reinforcement member to the straightened block wall.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring mechanism includes a threaded rod and nut that load a spring to apply the tension force to the tensile member. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring mechanism is mounted to a sill plate on a top of the block wall. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member is adhered to the straightened block wall. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the reinforcement member is a carbon fiber mesh grid. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled)