Rich Treanor
Director, Special Projects
925.640.8680
rich@pacifichousingsystems.com

Reports for Slab on Grade and Basement Configurations Provide Technical Data for Engineers and Cost Savings Data for Builders

PLEASANT HILL , CA – August 24, 2006 – Pacific Housing Systems™ LLC today announced the immediate availability of two new papers for both engineers and developers on the company’s website. Prepared by Front Range Engineering of Englewood, Colorado, “Structural Engineering Case Study Report: PT WAFFLEMAT Slab with Basement Foundation System” and “Structural Engineering Case Study Report: WAFFLEMAT Slab on Grade Post-Tensioned Foundation System” can both be found at www.pacifichousingsystems.com.

Jim Winslow, CTO of Pacific Housing Systems, said: “Developers in Colorado face some of the toughest soil conditions in the entire United States , as it’s not uncommon to over-ex 15 or more feet before building. This not only presents a significant cost to the developer now, but also in the future, when warranty claims arising from issues such as soil expansion and settlement must be dealt with.”

Winslow continued: “We went to Front Range to see how the WAFFLEMAT System would perform in this difficult environment because they not only have a wealth of knowledge in the structural arena, but also a solid geotechnical background. And, since approximately 60% of all homes in Colorado have basements, the need for a firm versed in both designs (slab on grade and basements) and disciplines (structure and geotechnical) was critical.”

Dale Guillen, P.E., and Principal of Front Range Engineering, along with Aurora Charlton, Engineering Manager of Front Range, noted: “Each paper is targeted for the engineer and developer communities building on expansive soils, and will provide a tremendous amount of information in regard to not only the design and installation of the WAFFLEMAT System, but sample areas of cost savings too. And, with the ever-increasing prospect of higher material prices, the WAFFLEMAT not only offers substantial hard dollar savings, but is significantly stronger when compared to other systems, such as earthen-ribbed post-tensioned foundations.”

Steve Pankoski, President and CEO of Stryan Structural Systems of Englewood, Colorado, said: “The reports detail the cost savings that can be expected by the builder when utilizing the WAFFLEMAT System, and include, for both slab on grade and basement configurations, some of the following:”
  • Reduced labor costs, as the excavation is simple and there is no need for high labor to remove excessive dirt out of deep trenches. All you have to do is simply install the edge-step forms, and lay down the WAFFLEBOXES.
  • The ability, through additional reinforcing (either by tendons or conventional reinforcing), to handle higher-swelling soil conditions with less deformation and thinner slab sections than earth-formed ribs is greatly improved.
  • The ability to withstand larger cantilevers created by soil design parameters, because the WAFFLEMAT’s beams are 3’8” on center rather than 6’ – 15’ normally encountered for swelling conditions. And, similar to wood construction, the closer the ribs, the larger the cantilever and amount of load they can carry.
  • The use of a frost-protected shallow foundation system would still require that a slightly deeper exterior trench (18”) be installed; however, and since the WAFFLEMAT already is 13.5”, there is reduced excavation and materials.
  • A built-in structural basement floor capable of withstanding higher values of stress and movement when compared to a non-structural slab on grade.
Pankoski concluded: “Again, the soil conditions in Colorado are among the toughest anywhere, and builders are faced with very difficult and costly solutions when trying to deal with them. The WAFFLEMAT System is an extremely cost-effective alternative. These reports provide engineers with the necessary technical data and examples of how it compares to a P/T Slab, and builders with examples of cost savings they can expect to experience.”

About Pacific Housing Systems
Pacific Housing Systems, LLC is a leading provider of next-generation foundation solutions for residential homebuilders developing projects on marginal soil. The company’s WAFFLEMAT, Elevated Slab, and Raised Wood Floor systems are specially designed and engineered where these conditions (hillsides, areas with high water tables, firm clays/organics, expansive, rocky, and hydro-collapsible soils) are prevalent, and include the Winslow Geo Anchor and Lateral Resistance Device components. PHS products and systems enable developers to increase the speed, quality, and quantity of construction, providing savings in material costs, building cycle-time, and future reliability issues. For additional information, visit www.pacifichousingsystems.com or call 925.683.2739.



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