Form-A-Tube® is an innovative, do-it-yourself solution for repairing marine pilings, utility poles, columns, and similar structures. Developed by Prof. Mo Ehsani, a renowned structural engineer and pioneer in composite structural repair technologies, Form-A-Tube offers a simple, effective alternative to expensive professional repairs.
What Is Form-A-Tube?
Form-A-Tube is a modular, snap-together system of curved PVC panels that form a tube or jacket around damaged pilings or columns. These panels lock together easily, allowing homeowners or contractors to build a form to encase and repair a piling without removing or replacing it.
Once assembled and secured:
✅ The jacket is filled with grout, concrete, or epoxy.
✅ The material fills voids and restores structural integrity.
✅ The finished repair protects against marine pests, rot, and further damage.
Key Features
- DIY-Friendly – No heavy equipment, special tools, or barge needed.
- Modular Design – Snap together as many panels as needed to fit the piling’s diameter.
- Customizable Length – Panels can be stacked or trimmed to cover damage as needed.
- Durable Materials – UV-resistant PVC designed to last decades in harsh marine environments.
- Lightweight & Easy to Handle – One person can often assemble and install.
Environmental Benefits
- Repairs existing pilings rather than replacing them — reducing debris and habitat disruption.
- Seals off creosote and other treatments from leaching into water.
- Minimal disturbance to marine life — no barge or major dock teardown needed.
About the Inventor — Prof. Mo Ehsani
Prof. Mo Ehsani is a globally recognized expert in structural engineering and the use of composite materials for infrastructure repair. His innovations have been featured by:
- CNN
- NPR
- The History Channel
- Popular Science
Form-A-Tube represents his latest effort to bring professional-grade repair technology to the DIY market.
Installation Time
- Typically 1–2 hours per piling depending on conditions.
- No need for disassembly of the dock or overhead structures.
Applications
Dock pilings (wood, concrete, or steel)
- Utility poles
- Columns in coastal or flood-prone areas
- Bridge piles and supports
Need help selecting the right Form-A-Tube setup for your project? I can help draft installation guides, marketing text, or even comparison charts against SnapJacket or other systems — just let me know!
