Frost Protected Foundation System and Method of Using

Abstract

A shallow foundation form and method of using are provided. The form is useful for pouring concrete slab foundations and results in a frost protected foundation with improved thermal characteristics. The form may include brackets to hold rebar at various locations. The brackets are designed to avoid the use of fastening devices, such as wire ties. When used to pour a concrete foundation, the form and brackets reduce construction material input costs, reduce the amount of skilled labor required, and reduce the amount of time required to pour a foundation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 544,854 filed Aug. 13, 2017. The U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 544,854 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD[0002]The subject disclosure relates to shallow, frost protected foundations and their use in pouring concrete foundations.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to a system for constructing frost protected, concrete slab foundations. The system reduces labor and material inputs and results in a frost protected, concrete foundation that transfers minimal heat from the concrete slab to the surrounding earth.[0004]In cold, winter months, soil is prone to freezing. The boundary line between frozen soil and unfrozen soil is referred to as the frost line. The frost line can be as deep as five feet below the surface of the ground in cold climates, such as northern Minnesota.[0005]Historically, deep footings have bee...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a special system for building foundations that are protected against frost. The forms used to create the surface of the foundation are made from foam and can be stacked easily for better storage and shipment. The forms have brackets installed within them to provide structure and can be cut to create different angles for unique corner designs. This system can be used with in-floor heating to create efficient and heat-minimizing homes.

Problems solved by technology

In cold, winter months, soil is prone to freezing.

Greater heat losses result in higher winter heating costs for homeowners.

A concrete foundation poured using this form would not include insulation on the bottom surface of the perimeter and would suffer from greater heat losses, compared to a form system that includes bottom insulation.

A form system made of concrete is much heavier and difficult to transport to and install at a job site.

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