California has some of the most stringent building codes in the United States. For the most part, the CBC 2007 follows the 2006 International Building Code, but in some cases additional seismic (earthquake) requirements must be met, and it is not unusual for building officials to request calculations demonstrating the structural integrity of the SMarT Foundations. In these cases, our colleagues at Tower Engineering Professionals (TEP) will provide those calculations and work with California installers and building officials. There have been several SMarT Foundation installations in California, and both AnemErgonics and TEP are engaged with building officials to streamline the permitting process.
AnemErgonics News
SMarT Foundations compatible with the 2007 California Building Code
Posted July 15th, 2010
High Early Strength concrete speeds installation of towers
Posted July 15th, 2010
Concrete normally is defined by the compressive strength it achieves after curing for 28 days. We intentionally designed the SMarT Foundation for concrete with a 28-day strength of 2500 psi (pounds per square inch) because this relatively simple mix does not require special inspections. However, most installers prefer not to wait 28 days to complete a Skystream installation. In those cases, a special mix of high-early-strength (HES) concrete may be used. High early strength is achieved either with concrete additives or by using special types or greater proportions of Portland cement. The table shows the number of days required to achieve the 2500 psi strength specified for the SMarT Foundation.
There usually is a premium to be paid for HES concrete. However, the “standard” strength of ready-mix concrete from many suppliers is typically 3000 psi to 3500 psi. If this is your situation, the cure time may be much less than 28 days and towers may be installed sooner at no additional cost. AnemErgonics recommends that you discuss this with your contractor and/or concrete supplier when evaluating foundation cost and installation schedule. We also suggest that you require the concrete supplier to provide documentation of the mix strength.
AnemErgonics is striving for 100% “Made in the U.S.A.” content for its SMarT Foundation kits and anchor rods
Posted July 15th, 2010
Most people know this is a difficult task, considering how much of our daily consumption involves imported goods. Already, most of the materials in the foundation kits are made in the U.S.A. with about 7% coming from Canada and Asia. Of course, the products are designed, fabricated and assembled in the U.S.A. in our home city of Arvada, Colorado. Our anchor rods use domestic steel and are manufactured in the U.S.A. People might be surprised to learn that it is sometimes difficult to obtain domestic nuts and washers, and they typically cost twice as much as their imported alternatives. So we sometimes import these components. The preference for domestic components is not just a choice to support our U.S. economy, workers and families. It allows us personal contact with vendors, reduces the risk of supply disruption, protects against exchange rate fluctuation and gives us a greater overall degree of control. Furthermore, it eliminates the potential problem that some agencies, such as the U.S. government, state transportation departments, municipalities and schools, have a preference for, or will not accept imported products.
AnemErgonics is striving for 100% reusable and recyclable materials in its products
Posted July 15th, 2010
Consistent with our commitment to renewable energy, we are making choices to use parts comprised of recycled materials that are reusable and recyclable. For example, the stanchion, spacers, extensions and fittings in our foundation kits are made of ABS (acry-lonitrile butadiene styrene), a common thermoplastic that is readily recycled. In fact, much of the ABS commonly used today contains more than 90% recycled material. The MDF (medium density fiberboard) used in fabricating our anchor bolt templates is made from recycled forest products. We are investigating MDF manufactured in Oregon using sustainable processes with no added formaldehyde.
The few parts remaining after foundation construction have several potential uses. The adjustable guy ropes and nail pegs can be used for camping tents or temporary shelters. The ABS and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) parts can be used in plumbing and electrical projects. Cardboard forms and boxes can be reused or disposed in typical recycling operations. And the SONOTUBE™ locator brackets are sheet steel that is also readily recycled. As for our anchor rod system, there is very little remaining after installation.
Our craft paper wrapping is 100% recycled material and can certainly be reused. The cardboard boxes have many reuses and they are readily recycled. Making these choices adds nothing to the cost of our products. It is the responsible thing to do. And we think it is the choice our customers would like us to make.
