your solution to

TRIODETIC
*
YOUR SOLUTION TO:
- PERMAFROST &
UNSTABLE SOIL
- FLOOD RISK AREAS
- HOME RELOCATION
- EXISTING FOUNDATIONS
WITH STRUCTURAL
PROBLEMS REQUIRING
A RETROFIT
www.multipoint-foundations.com
-
www.triodetic.com
Buildings in Northern
communities experience
ongoing problems with
differential settlement.
Weak & variable soils
allow excessive
differential movement of
traditional foundations
Buildings prematurely
deteriorate because the
frame cannot resist the
imposed twisting action.
The Triodetic® foundation frame
represents a real breakthrough in
eliminating differential settlement
and presents a dependable alternative to housing authorities and
builders constructing on permafrost
and other problem soils.
TRIODETIC *
The Triodetic Multipoint foundation system has been successfully used in even the worst soil
conditions while accommodating any building layout.
The foundation consists
of a galvanized steel
frame which is torsionally
stable and elevates the
building from 2 feet to 5
feet. The tubular frame
gives strength to the
building and is adjustable
to suit uneven terrain.
TRIODETIC *
The Triodetic® Multipoint® foundation is designed as a "floating" slab and accommodates a wide
range of possible support conditions. The foundation gives bridging strength to the building
and tolerates soil displacements. This permits it to be placed in even the worst soil conditions.
To prepare a building site, all that is
required is to level it or add a layer of
gravel.
A particularly wet site may benefit
from placing a layer of geotextiles
prior to placing a gravel bed.
The individual components making
up these structures can easily be
manhandled, no heavy equipment is
required.
Assembly of the frames can be undertaken
by inexperiened labour using straight forward assembly instructions.
TRIODETIC *
In the event that the building is to
be added on to, the frames can
be extended in any direction as
required.
The foundation frame can be
disassembled for reassembly at
another site if so required.
The spaceframe foundation is ideally
suited for new construction but has
proven to be invaluable in retrofit work.
The depth of the frame can be
adjusted in flood prone regions to
suit anticipated flood levels.
TRIODETIC *
CASE STUDIES
Alaska
In 1994 three demonstration units were constructed by the Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation. All were retrofit applications in areas notorious for foundation problems. The
three locations are Nome, Fairbanks and Hooper Bay.
In order to undertake the remedial work, the buildings were raised 300mm (12") above
the existing foundation. A gravel pad was placed to create a reasonably level base and a new
spaceframe foundation was assembled underneath the building. The existing buildings and
beams where then lowered onto the custom designed beam saddles. The multipoint foundations are all engineered to accommodate a wide variety of support conditions regardless of
the nature of the subsoil encountered. Regular monitoring of the behaviour of these frames
has confirmed their exceptional stability.
When the Koyukuk River overflowed in central Alaska in August 1994 an entire community was swept away. The authorities responsible for the rebuilding effort selected the Triodetic foundation frame for its rigidity as well as for the design ability to increase the depth of
the frames. The new buildings were placed above the anticipated flood level by increasing the
standard depth of 900mm (3') to a depth of 1500mm (5').
The entire assembly of the new foundations was achieved by using local members of
the community.
TRIODETIC *
Northwest Territories
By far the largest number of Triodetic® Multipoint® foundations are constructed in the
N.W.T. Their use extends from East to West and as far North as Grise Fiord. All foundations
are performing very well. It was felt that after several years of service some of the buildings
would be sitting on a slope requiring relevelling. This has not been observed, the overall displacements of the buildings have been minimal. Aside from maintaining a building in a level
position, there are other benefits to the system. On one occasion in the North West Territories it was found that one of the houses constructed on a Triodetic frame was infringing on
the lot line of the adjacent property and required moving. The foundation frame and building
was simply connected to a piece of equipment and pulled over to its proper location much to
the amusement of residents and neighbours.
TRIODETIC *
KEY ADVANTAGES:
- Cost competitive to alternative foundations
- Typical assembly with hand tools in 1 day
- Elevates the building 3ft. (or more) above grade
- No need for excavation, piers, piles, concrete
- Pre-engineered for each building plan
- Durable galvanized steel & aluminum
- Securely anchored against wind forces
- Uniformly supports & stiffens the building
- Screw-down feet adjust to variable levels
- Frame easily modified for future additions
- Used in both new & retrofit applications
- Engineering & Warranty provided
TRIODETIC
Tel: 800-565-2743
www.multipoint-foundations.com
[email protected]
www.multipoint-foundations.com
-
www.triodetic.com