ABSTRACT
A method of strengthening a wall includes the steps of preparing a portion of a surface of a wall to be strengthened by cleaning the surface, providing a plurality of straps of flexible nonmetallic fiber composite material, and fixedly attaching the straps of nonmetallic fiber composite material to the wall portion along at least lengthwise portions of the straps and opposite end portions thereof by epoxy bonding the straps onto the surface. Also, the straps are impregnated with the epoxy in preparation for bonding the strap to the wall surface. Also, edge portions of the straps are fastened to an adjacent structure which supports the wall being strengthened so as to facilitate transfer of loads from the wall to the adjacent structure. Another method of strengthening a wall includes the steps of providing a mixture of randomly oriented short fibers and liquid resin or adhesive matrix and applying the mixture to the surface of the wall. The mixture can be applied either by spraying or troweling the mixture onto the surface of the wall. The liquid resin or adhesive matrix is a material that cures fast so as to prevent the fibers from running with the liquid down the height of the wall surface.