10 reasons for choosing a Firth RibRaft® X-Pod™

Despite that I had introduced this technology four years ago with the Armadillo™ System, it took nearly 18 months to pass the Firth’s engineers rigorous due diligence process and to develop the components for the RibRaft® X-Pod™.

A great achievement from my team http://www.cresco.co.nz/

This year the new system came to life and with it my hopes to see a safer and more sustainable foundation technology to be used on a wide scale throughout New Zealand.

With the RibRaft® X-Pod™ Firth is not only replacing the expanded polystyrene blocks of their successful RibRaft® System with stackable polypropylene pods but it is introducing a technology with better performance across the board.

So why is the RibRaft® X-Pod™ a better option?

#1 Polystyrene is substituted with a recycled and suitable material.

Have a look at these posts: 5 Good reasons for not using Polystyrene in your foundation and Plastic void formers for foundations

 #2 Dramatic minimization of site waste and site pollution

The RibRaft® X-Pod™ (on the left) can fit with any footprint layout thanks to a special part with adjustable length and virtually no waste is produced. Vice-versa the systems using polystyrene pods (on the right) generate tonnes of waste every year.

#3 Greater ease of transportation and storage on site

All the RibRaft® X-Pod™ components are stackable. The components required to construct a home with a floor area of 180 sqm, can be delivered (and stored on site) using nothing larger than a standard single axle trailer. The equivalent material currently used in waffle floor using polystyrene pods needs a 40ft container instead.

#4 Efficiency improvements across cost and install times

The RibRaft® X-Pod™ is better performing and more cost-effective on expansive clay ground conditions and on TC2 sites than other current systems, due to its reduced footprint and its special interweave pattern of ribs.

RibRaft® X-Pod™ is also an ‘INTERLOCKING’ system reducing steel ties. Installer’s simply click the steel into place. The system self-locks all components for an easy install.

#5 RibRaft® X-Pod™ is super stable in windy conditions and during concrete pours

There is not much to say here. Builders know pretty well what I am talking about.

#6 Improved footprint pressure distribution

An effective footprint pressure distribution onto the soil reduces the risk of foundation settlement. The RibRaft® X-Pod™ comes in two versions: The RibRaft® X-Pod™ 1500 suitable for good bearing ground and the RibRaft® X-Pod™ 750 effective on sites with reduced ground performance.

#7 Increased punching resistance

The patented design of the X-Pods molds the concrete delivering excellent resistance against concentrated loads acting onto the slab.

Thanks to the enhanced footprint pressure distribution (see #6) and the increased punching resistance, it is not necessary (but subject to specific design) to build internal stiffening under bearing walls.

#8 Enhanced protection against moisture from the ground

The X-Pods™ are made of Polypropylene and they offer an effective protection against moisture to the foundation reinforcing and the living spaces.

#9 Insulation performance is not affected by moisture

Insulation performance of polystyrene degrades with the presence of moisture.  The RibRaft® X-Pod™ guarantees a stable and effective insulation for the entire life of the foundation.

#10 Better finishing quality for polished floors

No more poly beads floating to the top of the floor and getting in the way or creating gaps.

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Fabio Parodi
CPEng MIPENZ Dott.Ing(ITA) M.Eng(Hons)
CEO and Founding Director of Cresco
www.cresco-group.com
www.cresco.co.nz

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Download the Ribraft Xpod Brochure for more information.

Get free advice for your project at http://www.cresco.co.nz/

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Xpod™ and RibRaft® are Firth Industries trademarks