METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR REINFORCING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating a reinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structural member, wherein each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member; and securing the reinforcement member to the round structural member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This technology relates generally to structural reinforcement. In particular, aspects of this invention relate to reinforcing round structural members of lattice structures and to reinforcing other structures.

BACKGROUND

Lattice structures such as guyed towers with a slender mast and guy wires supporting the mast horizontally, as well as self-support towers or free standing towers, are used in the telecommunications industry. In particular, such towers are used to support equipment for wireless phones, broadcast and other communications devices, among other applications.

With the proliferation of cell phones and personal communications devices comes the need for towers to support additional equipment for wireless phone, internet and other communications devices. This increase in equipment can add a significant amount of wind area to a tower or other lattice structure, which can result in an increase in axial and tensile forces to each of the tower's structural elements (tower legs, diagonals, horizontals and subsequent internal bracing). In addition, a tower's structural elements can become weaker due to the passage of time and/or due to environmental conditions.

Related art methods of increasing the strength of these structural elements in order to support additional equipment include reinforcing the weak area of the tower (generally areas under the proposed equipment elevation) by means of welding angle, split-pipe (pipe that has been cute longitudinally to create 180 degree, 120 degree) or some other variation of steel reinforcement, bar stock or flat plate. These related art structural members can be a poor fit, create large eccentric loads based on their individual section modulus proportion and in some cases only minimally increase the strength of round structural members such as tower legs. Additionally, these related art structural members are not continuous and require a significant amount of welding at their terminations to splice plates, adding the risk of fire, rusting and increased installation costs.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating a reinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structural member, wherein at least two of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member; and securing the reinforcement member to the round structural member.

In further exemplary embodiments, a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member can extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located at the round structural member. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, a centroid of the reinforcement member can be within the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located on the round structural member.

In further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the points of contact is a direct point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the points of contact is an indirect point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member. In a further exemplary embodiment, the method can further comprise locating an inner tab member between the reinforcement member and the round structural member, wherein the points of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member are indirect points of contact via the inner tab member.

In further exemplary embodiments, first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member can extend beyond a first leg and a second leg of the inner tab member.

In further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member can comprise a hot rolled plate. Also, in further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member comprises a cold formed plate. Also, in further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member can comprise an extruded shape.

In further exemplary embodiments, the method can comprise joining the reinforcement member with a second reinforcement member to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member. The method can also comprise joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member comprises joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member around a splice plate of the round structural member.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating first and second reinforcement members on the round structural member, the first and second reinforcement members each comprising first and second tubular members; locating a first threaded bar within the first tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members and locating a second threaded bar within the second tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members; and securing the first threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using first and second threaded locking members and securing the second threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using third and fourth locking members.

In further exemplary embodiments, the first and second threaded bars can span a segment of the round structural member located between a first and second splice plate of the round structural member. In further exemplary embodiments, the first and second threaded bars can span a splice plate of the round structural member. Additionally, the first and second threaded bars can secure the first reinforcement member to the second reinforcement member during the installation of the first and second reinforcement members.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a reinforcement system for a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises a reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that at least two of the at least two facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a longitudinal span of the round structural member.

In a further exemplary embodiment, in a cross sectional view taken perpendicular to a centroid of the round structural member, a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member.

In a further exemplary embodiment, wherein the reinforcement member is a first reinforcement member, wherein the longitudinal span is a first longitudinal span, the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a second longitudinal span of the round structural member; and a coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first and second reinforcement members have been coupled to the round structural member.

In a further exemplary embodiment, wherein the reinforcement member is a first reinforcement member, wherein the round structural member is a first round structural member, the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with a second round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the second round structural member along a longitudinal span of the second round structural member; a splice connection between the first and second round structural members; and a coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first reinforcement member has been coupled to the first round structural member and the second reinforcement member has been coupled to the second round structural member.

These and other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, which are presented for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member reinforcing a round structural member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 3 a to 3d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member and an internal tab member for reinforcing a round structural member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5 a to 5d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members and internal tab members for reinforcing a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 6 a to 6c show cross sectional views illustrating methods of securing a reinforcement member to a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows view A of FIG. 1, illustrating reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 a shows reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 8b shows an example of a round structural member.

FIG. 9 shows reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows view B of FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 a shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 11b shows an example of a round structural member.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 a shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 13b shows an example of a round structural member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows reinforcement members 2 reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment. The reinforcement members 2 reinforce the round structural member 1. The reinforcement members 2 are located on the round structural member 1 and secured to the round structural member 1, for example, with U-bolts and backing plates 10. The reinforcement members 2 increase the load carrying capacity and stability of a tower or other structure to support additional weight, such as from communication equipment, mounts and transmission lines as well as the environmental forces exerted on the tower. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of reinforcement members 2 with a plurality of U-bolts and backing plates 10 are installed in parallel and onto round structural members 1 to create a composite section to the strengthen round structural members 1. A plurality of splices can be used, connecting the reinforcement members 2 together to ensure a continuous load transfer from one tower section to the next along with termination splices connected to existing leg splice plates.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member 2 reinforcing a round structural member 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The reinforcement member 2 reinforces the round structural member 1. The reinforcement member 2 has at least four facets 3. The reinforcement member 2 is located on the round structural member 1 such that at least two of the at least four facets 3 forms a point of contact 4 with the round structural member. The reinforcement member 2 includes legs 5 that extend beyond a centroid 6 of the round structural member when the reinforcement member 2 is located at the round structural member 1. The centroid 7 of the reinforcement member 2 is within the round structural member 1 when the reinforcement member 2 is located on the round structural member 1. The points of contact 4 are direct points of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a reinforcement system for a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure comprises a reinforcement member 2 having at least four facets 3, wherein the reinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape. The reinforcement member 2 is coupled with the round structural member 1 such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact 4 with the round structural member 1 along a longitudinal span of the round structural member. In a further exemplary embodiment, in a cross sectional view taken perpendicular to a centroid of the round structural member 1, first and second legs 5 of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid 6 of the round structural member 1.

In related art systems where reinforcement does not extend beyond the centroid 6 of round structural members 1, large eccentric moments can be created that require welding longitudinally to resist this coupling moment and in some cases, add a significant increase in wind loads further overstressing the structural members below. Additionally, with the offset of related art reinforcements, their corresponding splice can also become offset, requiring further welding and/or bracing to correct this issue. By contrast, in exemplary embodiments, by extending the legs 5 of the reinforcement members 2 well beyond the centroid 6 of the round structural member 1, the eccentricities can be minimized and splices can be installed radially, e.g., 180 degrees apart, through the centroid 6 of the round structural members 1.

FIGS. 3 a to 3d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments. The reinforcement members 2 can, for example, be made with multiple bends such as 4-facets or 7-facets so as to fit snug on small round members or larger round members. FIG. 3a shows an exemplary embodiment with four facets 4 for forming points of contact 4 with reinforcement members 2 (now shown), FIG. 3b shows an exemplary embodiment with five facets 3 for forming points of contact 4, FIG. 3c shows an exemplary embodiment with seven facets 3 for forming points of contact 4, and FIG. 3d shows and exemplary embodiment with nine facets 3 for forming points of contact. The reinforcement members 2 can fit snuggly on the round structural member 1. Additionally, the strength of the reinforcement members 2 can be increased by increasing the thickness of the reinforcement members 2.

In exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement members 2 can, for example, be formed from a hot rolled plate or a cold formed plate. The hot rolled or cold formed plate can, for example, be made from steel through extrusion and/or by bending a plate longitudinally in a brake press. In exemplary embodiments, the extruded member can be round or sided with multiple facets. In exemplary embodiments, the hot rolled or cold formed plate can have at least three bends and four facets and can increase the number of bends to maintain a tighter fit on larger round structural members 1. The hot rolled or cold formed plate can be made from any length with any number of facets. For example, the plate can be formed from a length from 1 foot to 40 feet.

FIG. 4 shows a reinforcement member 2 and an internal tab member 8 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 (not shown) according to an exemplary embodiment. To achieve a composite section where reinforcement member 2 takes an increased amount of axial or tensile load, inner tab members 8 can be welded to or otherwise coupled with the reinforcement members 2. The reinforcement member 2 makes indirect points of contact with the round structural member 1 (not shown) via the internal tab member 8. Stated in another way, the reinforcement member 2 comprises the internal tab member 8 and contacts the round structural member at points of contact. The legs 5 of the reinforcement member 2 extend beyond the legs 9 of the inner tab member 8 in cross-sectional view, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 5 a to 5c show cross sectional views of reinforcement members 2 and internal tab members 8 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments. The points of contact 4 are indirect points of contact between the reinforcement member 2 and the round structural member 1. Stated differently, the reinforcement member 2 includes the inner tab member 8 which contacts the round structural member 1 at points of contact 4. In particular, the inner tab member 8 is located between the reinforcement member 2 and the round structural member 1, such that the points of contact 4 between the reinforcement member 2 and the round structural member 1 are indirect points of contact via the inner tab member 8.

FIGS. 6 a to 6c show cross-sectional views illustrating methods of securing a reinforcement member 2 to a round structural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6a shows reinforcement member 2 secured to a round structural member 1 using U-bolt and backing plate 10. The backing plate 10 can, for example, be tapered or flat. The reinforcement member 2 can also be attached to the round structural members 1 with tapered backing plates, pinching or compressing the ends of the reinforcement member 2 around the back of the round structural member 1. The reinforcement member 2 can additionally be secured with blind bolts, stitch welds, and/or other fasteners. FIG. 6c shows reinforcement member 2 secured to a round structural member 1 with welds 11. In exemplary embodiments, with legs 5 extending beyond the centroid 6 of the round structural member 1, additional items such as step bolts 19 can be bolted to welded clips and staggered on each side of the reinforcement member 2. Steel tabs can also be welded to the reinforcement member 2 to hoist the reinforcement member 2 or attach items such as a safety climb mount or stand-off mount. FIG. 6b shows step bolts 19 which can be attached to reinforcement member 2. As shown in FIG. 6b, the central axis of one or both of the step bolts 19 may pass through the round structural member 1, or even through a centroid of the round structural member 1, when they are coupled with the reinforcement member 2 which is coupled to the round structural member 1.

In exemplary embodiments, reinforcement members 2 can be used to strengthen round structural members 1 of various sizes. The overall length and inner diameter of the reinforcement members 2 is selected based on the geometry of the round structural member 1 being reinforced. The thickness of the reinforcement members 2 is selected based on the amount of steel area appropriate to strengthen the round structural member. The quantity and spacing of U-bolts with backing plates 10 and/or stitch welds 11 can be selected to ensure a minimum unbraced length of the reinforcement members 2 with respect to the round structural member 1. If multiple tower sections require reinforcement, the reinforcement members 2 can be spliced as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 and/or terminated by welding and/or bolting to the splice plates 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement members 2 could be used as a standalone structural members.

FIG. 7 shows view A of FIG. 1 illustrating reinforcement members 2 reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 8a and 8b show the reinforcement members 2 and the round structural member 1 separately. Vertical flanges can be attached with splice bolts 15 to splice plates 12. This method of connection puts load into the round structural member 1 as well as the reinforcement members 2, sharing the axial or tensile load based on their relative proportional cross-sectional area of steel. An end of the reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on a first side of the splice plate 12. The reinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing the reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts 15. An end of another reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on a second side of the splice plate 12. The other reinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing the other reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts 15. The vertical flanges 13 can be welded to the horizontal flanges 14. In one embodiment, the reinforcement members 2, vertical flanges 13, and horizontal flanges 14 can, for example, be made of minimum ASTM A572 Grade 50 structural steel, as well other metals and other materials. Vertical flanges 13 can be welded to reinforcement members 2 in any radial orientation and/or radial angular spacing.

FIG. 9 shows reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to a further exemplary embodiment. An end of the reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on a first side of the splice plate 12. The reinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing the reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts 15. An end of another reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on a second side of the splice plate 12. The other reinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing the other reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts 15. In further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member 2 can be welded directly to the splice plate 12 without vertical flanges 13, horizontal flanges 14 and/or splice bolts 3.

FIG. 10 shows view B of FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 11a and 11b show the reinforcement members 2 and the round structural member 1 separately. The reinforcement members 2 are joined to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member 1. The reinforcement members 2 are located on the round structural member 1. The reinforcement members have tubular members 16; tubular members may be rigidly fixed and/or welded to their respective reinforcement member 2. According to one embodiment, the reinforcement member 2 has two or more tubular members 16 whose longitudinal centerlines are, in cross sectional view taken perpendicular to their longitudinal axes or to the longitudinal center of the round structural member 1, equally angularly arranged in the radial sense about the longitudinal center of the round structural member 1. For instance, in one embodiment in which the opposing ends of the reinforcement members 2 each include two tubular members 16, the tubular members are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the round structural member 1 and their centerlines may lie in the same plane as the central axis of the round structural member. Vertical structural members such as a threaded bars 17 are located within the tubular members 16. The threaded bars 17 are secured at the reinforcement members 2 using locking members such as threaded nuts 18. The reinforcing members 2 can be joined between splice plates 12. As such, the threaded bars 17 can span a segment of the round structural member 1 located between splice plates 12 of the round structural member 1.

In exemplary embodiments, U-bolts with tapered backing plates 10 can be used to pinch or compress the legs 5 of the reinforcing members 2 around the backside of the round structural member 1. Locating U-bolts with tapered backing plates 10 near tubular member 16 can help prevent reinforcing members 2 from opening up in tension or compression due the offset in load from threaded bars 17, shown below in FIGS. 10-13. Other techniques such as welds 11 or structural bolts can also provide a similar strengthening technique at splices or end terminations.

In exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement members 2 can span through multiple tower sections or around antenna mounts, guy attachments or any other obstruction. FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 13a and 13b show separate views of the reinforcement members 2 and the round structural member 1. The reinforcement members 2 are joined to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member 1. The reinforcement members 2 are located on the round structural member 1. The reinforcement members 2 have tubular members 16 and horizontal stiffeners 21. Vertical structural members such as a threaded bars 17 are located within the tubular members 16. Horizontal stiffeners 21 can be used to increase the width of the coupling assembly 20 so that the tubular members 16 and threaded bars 17 can fit around the width of the splice. The threaded bars 17 are secured at the reinforcement members 2 using locking members such as threaded nuts 18. The threaded bars 17 span a splice plate 12. As such, the reinforcement members 2 are joined around a splice plate 12 providing continuous reinforcement. The process of spanning of a splice plate 12 to provide continuous reinforcement across the splice is also referred to herein as splice jumping. The splice jumping process can be used provide continuous reinforcement around mounts or any other obstructions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the threaded bars 17 can secure the reinforcement members 2 together during the installation of the reinforcement members 2 by tightening the threaded bolts 18. As such, the reinforcement members 2 can be joined to provide continuous reinforcement without waiting for the structure to settle. Adjustment of the distance separating the upper reinforcement member 2 from the lower reinforcement member 2 may be achieved by loosening or tightening the nuts 18; this may be performed in real time as the reinforcement members 2 are being installed. This saves time and cost over traditional welded solutions, and also permits the aforementioned distance separating the two reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted at a later time, which saves time and cost over traditional “bolt-in-place” solutions for spanning two sections of a member or a splice between two members. This adjustment in the distance between the lower reinforcement member 2 and the upper reinforcement member 2 may also permit a customized or selected amount of tensional force on the round structural member 1 to be applied at the time of installation and/or at a later time.

In a further exemplary embodiment, reinforcement member 2 is a first reinforcement member 2, and the longitudinal span of the round structural member 1 is a first longitudinal span. The reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member 2 having at least four facets 3, wherein the second reinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape. The second reinforcement member 2 is coupled with the round structural member 1 such that each of the at least four facets 3 forms a point of contact 4 with the round structural member 1 along a second longitudinal span of the round structural member 1. A coupling assembly 20 spanning the first and second reinforcement members is coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members 2. The coupling assembly is configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted after the first and second reinforcement members 2 have been coupled to the round structural member 1.

In a further exemplary embodiment, where the reinforcement member 2 is a first reinforcement member and the round structural member 1 is a first round structural member, the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member 2 having at least four facets 3. The second reinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape and the second reinforcement member 2 is coupled with a second round structural member 1 such that each of the at least four facets 3 forms a point of contact with the second round structural member 1 along a longitudinal span of the second round structural member 1. The reinforcement system further comprises a splice connection between the first and second round structural members 1. Additionally, the reinforcement system comprises a coupling assembly 20 spanning the first and second reinforcement members 1. The coupling assembly is coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members 2, and the coupling assembly is configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted after the first reinforcement member 2 has been coupled to the first round structural member 1 and the second reinforcement member 2 has been coupled to the second round structural member 1.

Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, by “jacking” the splice apart, the coupling assembly 20 will create upward and downward forces on the existing flange plates (e.g., vertical flange plate 13 and/or horizontal flange plate 14), and in turn, remove axial loads or residual stresses from the existing tower leg such as round structural member 1. These residual stresses will be transferred to the new leg reinforcement member 2 allowing both the existing and new leg reinforcement members 2 to work compositely, sharing any new axial or tension forces from the addition of antennas, mounts and other equipment and transmission lines added to a tower.

It will be appreciated that while a particular sequence of steps has been shown and described for purposes of explanation, the sequence may be varied in certain respects, or the steps may be combined, while still obtaining the desired configuration. Additionally, modifications to the disclosed embodiment and the invention as claimed are possible and within the scope of this disclosed invention.

Claims

1. A method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure, the method comprising: locating a reinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structural member, wherein at least two of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member; andsecuring the reinforcement member to the round structural member.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located at the round structural member.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a centroid of the reinforcement member is within the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located on the round structural member.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the points of contact is a direct point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the points of contact is an indirect point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising locating an inner tab member between the reinforcement member and the round structural member, wherein the points of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member are indirect points of contact via the inner tab member.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a first leg and a second leg of the inner tab member.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement member comprises a hot rolled plate.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement member comprises a cold formed plate.

10. The method of claim 1, comprising securing a first end of the reinforcement member to a splice plate of the round structural member on a first side of the splice plate.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: joining the reinforcement member with a second reinforcement member to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member comprises joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member around a splice plate of the round structural member.

13. A method of reinforcing a structural member of a lattice structure, the method comprising: locating first and second reinforcement members on the round structural member, the first and second reinforcement members each comprising first and second tubular members;locating a first threaded bar within the first tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members and locating a second threaded bar within the second tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members; andsecuring the first threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using first and second threaded locking members and securing the second threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using third and fourth locking members.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second threaded bars span a segment of the round structural member located between a first and second splice plate of the round structural member.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second threaded bars span a splice plate of the round structural member.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second threaded bars secure the first reinforcement member to the second reinforcement member during the installation of the first and second reinforcement members.

17. A reinforcement system for a round structural member of a lattice structure, the reinforcement system comprising: a reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a longitudinal span of the round structural member.

18. The reinforcement system of claim 17, wherein in a cross sectional view taken perpendicular to a centroid of the round structural member, a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member.

19. The reinforcement system of claim 17, wherein the reinforcement member is a first reinforcement member, wherein the longitudinal span is a first longitudinal span, the reinforcement system further comprising: a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a second longitudinal span of the round structural member; anda coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first and second reinforcement members have been coupled to the round structural member.

20. The reinforcement system of claim 17, wherein the reinforcement member is a first reinforcement member, wherein the round structural member is a first round structural member, the reinforcement system further comprising: a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with a second round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the second round structural member along a longitudinal span of the second round structural member;a splice connection between the first and second round structural members; anda coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first reinforcement member has been coupled to the first round structural member and the second reinforcement member has been coupled to the second round structural member.