Patent ID: 9297176
Filing Date: 2016-03-29
CPC Classification: E04B,E04C,E04G,E04H,F16B

Claim Text:
1. A method of reinforcing an existing wall of a structure, the structure having a concrete foundation supporting the wall, and the wall comprising concrete masonry units, a top, and a vertical passageway, the method comprising the steps of: locating an access block in the wall, the access block corresponding to a reinforcing location determined by structural analysis; installing a knock-out in the access block; installing, via the knock-out, an anchor hole in the foundation; covering the anchor hole with a protective member; installing a base plate on the top of the wall, the base plate having a first set of access holes; installing a cover plate over the base plate, the cover plate having a second set of access holes; placing the first set of access holes, the second set of access holes, the vertical passageway, and the anchor hole in substantial vertical alignment; placing a bearing plate member over the cover plate, the bearing plate member having a receiving hole, and the receiving hole placed in substantial vertical alignment with the anchor hole and at least one of the second access holes; and providing a tie member having an anchor end and a tension end; lowering the tie member through the receiving hole, second access hole, first access hole, vertical passageway such that the anchor end is placed in proximity to the anchor hole; removing the protective member from the anchor hole by accessing the protective member via the knock-out; inserting the anchor end into the anchor hole; inserting retaining material inside the anchor hole; curing the retaining material such that the retaining material forms a secure bond between the anchor end and the foundation; tensioning the tie member by adjusting a mechanical tensioner attached to the tension end of the tie member; and introducing a bracing member inside the vertical passageway such that the bracing member retains the tie member in close proximity to the centerline of the vertical passageway.