Patent ID: 8181327

Claim:
A method for improving joint strength comprising the steps of: providing a first member having a first connection region with an internal surface and an external surface; applying a sealant material including a matrix material at least partially encasing rigid components to the internal surface of the first connection region; forming a joint by positioning a second member having a second connection region with an internal surface and an external surface such that the first connection region and second connection region overlap with the sealant material being located therebetween; joining the first member and second member upon an application of force that is applied through use of one or more fasteners thereby displacing the sealant material to allow direct contact between the rigid components and both internal surfaces of the first connection region and the second connection region so that a depression is formed by plastic deformation in both the first connection region and the second connection region by the rigid components, and a portion of the rigid components remains within the plastically deformed depression; wherein a compressive force is applied to the exterior surface of both the first connection region and the second connection region by the one or more fasteners while the rigid components apply an internal tension force acting opposite of the compression force to the interior surface of both the first connection region and the second connection region proximate to the fastener to form a mechanical lock thereby reducing slippage and generally maintaining the joint in position.