Here are some new
foundation systems that are making it easier and cheaper for small crew
builders to assemble solid, well-insulated waterproof basements and
heated crawlspaces.
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Preassembled ICF forms are supported by
adjustable height pads that dial in footings of various heights.
When the wall is filled with concrete the fitted waterproof
bag expands to form the footing.
Advantages: • concrete protected from moisture. • a dry
even-tempered basement or crawlspace.
Click image or link below for more info and video |
Fab-Form
ICF Monopour system
BEYOND REBAR
Engineering,
supporting,
cutting, installing and tying steel rebar reinforcing for walls and
footings requires skill and experience. Yet it has long been the only
sure way to give the brute force (compressive) strength of
concrete the flexability and bending (tensile) strength that is needed
to meet modern design specifications. What if there were a new material
that we could mix into the concrete to cure and form a new composite
material that
combines the best chacteristics of both steel and concrete?

Helix is a short
twisted steel "micro-bar" that is mixed directly into the concrete
batch before it is poured. It provides uniform reinforcement top to
bottom in all directions. Click the image above for a video, or HERE for
more descriptive information.
Check locally to
see if similar systems are available where you are building and if they
have been approved by your inspector. There may even be other
synergistic materials that can eliminate placing rebar in residential
projects and make solid foundations simpler.
Combining these
systems, builders are reporting 10-20% cost savings over
conventional forming and reinforcing.
Click HERE to follow up on
questions and comments at the small home building forum.
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