Polymer Composite Timber Pile and Methods

Abstract

A support having a timber pile. The support has a sheath positioned about the pile and in spaced relation to the pile to define a gap between the sheath and the pile. The support has a cured polymer disposed between the sheath and the pile and permeated into the pile. A method for reinforcing a structure. A method for building a support for a structure.

1 . A support comprising:
 a timber pile;   a sheath positioned about the pile and in spaced relation to the pile to define a gap between the sheath and the pile; and   a cured polymer disposed between the sheath and the pile and permeated into the pile.   
     
     
         2 . The support of  claim 1  wherein the sheath is a wire mesh or a sheet. 
     
     
         3 . The support of  claim 2  including metal bars disposed between the pile and the sheath and in the cured polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The support of  claim 3  wherein the pile has holes and the cured polymer is disposed in the holes. 
     
     
         5 . The support of  claim 4  including spacers disposed between the pile and the sheath. 
     
     
         6 . A method for reinforcing a structure comprising the steps of:
 moving a support to a desired position below the structure, the support comprising a timber pile, a sheath positioned about the pile and in spaced relation to the pile to define a gap between the sheath and the pile, and a cured polymer disposed between the sheath and the pile and permeated into the pile; and   placing the support upright below the structure.   
     
     
         7 . A method for building a support for a structure comprising the steps of:
 placing a sheath about a timber pile so a gap is defined between the sheath and the pile to create a reinforced timber pile;   filling the gap between the sheath and the pile with a polymer;   allowing the polymer to permeate into the pile; and   letting the polymer cure.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  including the step of positioning a form about the reinforced timber pile. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the placing step includes the step of placing the sheath about the timber pile while the timber pile is in place supporting the structure.