INTEGRA Wall System is 17% stronger than the competition
WAUKESHA, Wisc. (Feb. 16, 2006) Coello & Associate's INTEGRA foundation wall system is 17% stronger than a block foundation or a poured foundation lacking vertical steel reinforcement. The strength needed to resist the common clay soils in the area can be found with the Integra foundation. The majority of our competition does not include vertical steel rebar in their foundations, which is illogical when you consider the structural properties of concrete.
Concrete is very strong under compression, but is very week under tension. Steel has the opposite characteristics; it is weak under compression and strong under tension. By combining the two, a vastly superior product is created. Horizontal steel reinforcement helps to minimize concrete shrinkage and cracking, but it does not give the wall strength to resist soil pressures. It is the vertical steel that adds the tensile strength necessary for the concrete foundation wall to combat the different soil types in southeastern Wisconsin.
Free draining soil found in Western Waukesha County is rated at 45 pounds per cubic foot (PCF). This is the number used in the calculation for the poured concrete foundation wall per code. Soil in Eastern Waukesha County, Northwestern Racine County, and Western Milwaukee County is rated at 60 PCF. This soil has some partially composed of clay and is somewhat compressive. When compared to 45 PCF soil, this soil puts a 33% greater load on the foundation wall. Soils in parts of Walworth, Dodge, Washington, Eastern Milwaukee, and Eastern Kenosha counties are mostly compressive clay soils. These exhibit a 75% greater load than the 45 PCF soils. With the soil pressures in most of the area exceeding 45 PCF, foundations without vertical rebar are bound to fail over time.
When evaluating any system, it is the sum of its parts that give it value. The vertical steel does add great strength to our foundations, but it is only one of the aspects that make the INTEGRA foundation superior. The smooth and level top of our foundation walls reduce air infiltration at the sill plate area which means better thermal performance and comfort. The horizontal steel, formed in control joints at close intervals, and water stop aid in moisture and microbial protection. The FORM-A-DRAIN system provides enhance water drainage and also provides an effective way to passively extract radon.
The Coello craftsperson s formally trained in both the classroom and the field, whereas other contractors often throw their employees into position with little or no training. This highly trained staff provides invaluable help when constructing intricate and unique homes with Spancrete, sport courts, elevators, indoor pools and golf pits.
Our quality control program is coupled with our digital cataloguing system. This ensures that each foundation poured meets our specifications.
For added value, we have partnered with Tremco Barrier solutions, the industry leader in foundation waterproofing systems. This allows us to offer our customers reliable waterproof protection with the added benefit of a 10 or 30 year warranty.
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