System

The Terrapod

The main component of the Terratonics solution is a Terrapod which is a structural pedestal beam carrier that transfers the building’s associated loads to the engineered ground below. The Terrapod is made from an engineering polymer call Nyrim that is extremely tough and has both a high tensile and compression strength

Essentially this product is faster, stronger, greener and a more cost-effective solution. This system significantly reduces construction lead times and is up to 8 times faster than traditional cement foundations.  It reduces CO2 emissions by over 90% in the buildings base by eliminating concrete requirements.  As concrete is not required no water is needed saving 8 thousand litres of drinking quality water per average build.

Using the Terratonics foundation system can on average deliver a cost saving of 27% over traditional concrete foundations.

 

Ground conditions vary from site to site

Ground conditions vary from site to site. Once the load bearing capacity of the site is determined by a California load bearing test or similar, the ground build up can be designed to withstand the buildings loads.

Engineering of the ground build-up can comprise the removal of topsoil, drainage of buildings perimeter, optimal compaction of subsoil, placing of layers of compacted aggregate with the addition of reinforced geo textiles/grid(as per specifications).

The engineered ground can encompass the entire buildings perimeter or be excavated into either strips or pads below the load points.

The Terratonics Foundation system

The Terratonics foundation system can use panelised floor systems such as SIP structural Insulated Panels, CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) or Timer Frame floor system.

The Structural Beams can be solid timber, Glulam, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), composite or Flitch type beams as above.

Key Benefits Commercial

  1. Reduces the overall foundation costs by up to 25%
  2. Speed – the solution can be installed in a under a day – Conversely the entire curing period ofconcrete takes several days to weeks, each project will vary slightly due to differences in theweather, concrete mix and placement and finishing techniques.
  3. Durability of the material we use is extremely tough and long lasting and when the main structurehas passed operational life span the product can be reused or recycled.
  4. Structural – The load is spread throughout site with Geotech engineering. It has a long-life span,can be recycled and is also suitable for seismic zones and flood plains. Our system eliminates the following common structural concerns
    1. Rising damp
    2. Radon gas entrapment
    3. Pyrite http://www.surveyorsjournal.ie/index.php/pyrite-guide/
    4. Mica http://www.consultingengineers.ie/2017/02/11/how-do-i-know-if-my-home-has-defective-concrete-blocks/
    5. Settlement foundation failure, ours can be adjusted if settlement occurs.
    6. Flood displacement (when a buildings base structure volume adds to increased flood levels)
  5. Our system addresses the growing shortfall in trades especially wet trades and its installation canbe achieved with using semi-skilled workers under supervision or by carpentry trades people.

Key Benefits Environmental

  1. Pollution – Concrete omits 10% to 11% of global CO2 in additional to multiple vehicle deliveries to site. Production of the Terrapod omits small amounts of CO2 which is offset by the timber used in the rest of the base.
  2. Water – No water required to manufacturer the Terrapods – In comparison concrete production consumes 3 billion M3/tonnes of water every year.
  3. Sand is a necessary component of concrete however angular sand (quarried) is required in order to create a mechanical bond. Desert sand is windblown and spherical in structure and not suitable for concrete production. The world’s supply of building sand is running out and is not replaceable. http://sand-wars.com/
  4. Reduction of concrete truck journeys. Fuel and Emissions.

Get In Touch