for most applications it is believed that 5 10 layers of the material should be sufficient depending on the strength required the composite material consists of fibers that are laid at different orientation at different layers to obtain the maximum effect of the fiber strength in the bending direction the bonding material may be a resin that cures in a relatively short period of time the shrinkage of the resin when cured ensures that the reinforcing sleeve becomes bonded into the steel surface the composite material is much lighter than steel and has the added advantage of low drag and thickness the stiffness at the middle section of the brace members depends on the number of layers applied and can be configured to achieve the required stiffness of course other materials may be successfully used for forming the reinforcing sleeves steel and composite fiber are merely examples of suitable compositions that can be used for the purpose of providing enhanced structural strength to the portions of the brace members subject to the most stresses the introduction of the reinforcing sleeves significantly improves the overall efficiency of the rig by strengthening the bracing members of the leg assemblies the increase in the resistance to buckling reduces the tendency of the brace to fail at the most stressful initial condition the reinforcing sleeves may be positioned on the brace.