Method for recovering leads embedded within a composite structure

The method of the present invention fabricates a plurality of composite structures so as to permit the reliable recovery of leads embedded within respective ones of the composite or smart structures. In this regard, the method of the present invention permits a plurality of composite structures to be fabricated, such as by means of a continuous pultrusion process, while enabling the leads to be recovered without interrupting the pultrusion process and without damaging the resulting composite structures. Correspondingly, a composite structure is provided according to the present invention which has a protective sleeve surrounding the portion of the lead which extends through the end of the composite body. As such, the protective sleeve protects the lead during the fabrication process by protecting the lead during the separation of the composite structures and the recovery of the embedded lead. In addition, the protective sleeve provides strain relief for the lead of the resulting composite structure and serves as a possible attachment point for a connector mounted upon an end portion of the resulting composite structure.