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Frequently Asked Questions
I.)
What is the Tridipanel? How is it made? What is it made of?
The Tridipanel is a prefabricated panel. This extremely strong structural
product consists of a super-insulated core of rigid expanded polystyrene
sandwiched between two-engineered sheets of eleven-gauge steel welded
wire fabric mesh. To complete the panel form process a nine-gauge galvanized
steel truss wire is pierced completely through the polystyrene core at
off set angles for superior strength and welded to each of the outer layer
sheets of eleven-gauge steel welded wire fabric mesh. Once these three
elements are joined by EVG's state of the art manufacturing equipment,
you end up with a THREE-DIMENSIONAL lightweight panel that due to their
characteristics makes them one of the strongest building materials you
can find.
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II.)
How is the Tridipanel used?
Tridipanel is used for numerous building applications. It may be
used in place of wood framed walls, metal-framed walls, and masonry block
walls or in place of pre cast panels. Tridipanel may also be used for
floor systems, ceilings and to provide a roof structure. Tridipanel is
an excellent product for building privacy walls around the home or building
structure. Tridipanel is being used by many landscape companies in place
of masonry block. With handsome good looks and great flexibility, Tridipanel
can be used in conjunction with all of the building trades above.
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III.)
What choices of Tridipanel core density and steel mesh styles are available?
Dimensions of the panels are manufactured from a starting width
of (4') x (8') length. The panels can be prefabricated up to (40' in length)
in (8" increments). Truss wire gauges available are 11, 12.5 and
14. Polystyrene Core Outer Layer Wire Thickness Mesh to Mesh 1.5"
2.5" 2.0" 3.0" 2.5" 3.5" 3.0" 4.0"
3.5" 4.5" 4.0" 5.0" 4.5" 5.5" 5.0"
6.0". Please request a price list and information on custom made
panels to meet special requirements you may have on up future projects.
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IV.)
How does Tridipanel compare in cost to other building systems?
The cost is dependent upon the design and finish of your project.
Every structure is unique like a fingerprint; no two are alike. This makes
analyzing the cost on a square foot basis difficult. Our product is not
price competitive with (2x4) stick framing. Tridipanel is competitive
with (2x6) stick framing, metal stud framing and our product is more competitive
than block. Keep in mind Tridipanel is extremely versatile and can be
used with any of the above systems. For return on investment, Tridipanel
beats stick framing as well as most other building systems readily. The
Tridipanels account for a fraction of your structure's cost. The dollars
you spend on the Tridipanels can be made up very quickly in energy savings
alone. Over the life of the structure, the savings are quite staggering.
Here is a list of
attractive benefits of the Tridipanel System.
- Fast \ High Quality
Construction Time saved - 50% faster than standard construction Speedy
occupancy - Saves money on construction loan dollars - Enhanced resale
and marketability value Reduces the need for heavy equipment on job
Fewer trades on job site.
- Strength \ Durability
\ Greater Structural Integrity Virtually maintenance-free wall system
Saves on long term replacement cost of structure Polystyrene panel or
concrete will not decay Monolithic design for superior strength.
- Safety \ Security
Excellent performance in seismic zones (Earthquake Resistance) Non-combustible
structure Savings of 18% to 30% on fire insurance Excellent high wind
protection-up to 225mph Insect \ Termite \ Rodent Resistant Mold, mildew,
and fungi resistant.
- Pro Environment
\Energy Efficient Maximum Conservation of forestry products Structure
durability offers value for generations and saves many Earth resources
Dramatically reduces consumption of fossil fuels Reduces the size and
cost of HVAC systems Save 50 to 80% of utility costs on heating and
cooling the structure.
- Quality \ Comfort
\ Design Flexibility Virtually eliminate outdoor noises Reduce drafts
and wide temperature fluctuations Enjoy air quality virtually free of
dust, pollen and allergens with use of an air exchanger Create an acoustical
environment for full advantage of sophisticated sound systems and home
theaters.
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V.)
What code's do Tridipanel conform with?
Tridipanel meets the CABO one and two-story family dwelling codes
(Compliance Report No. NER-454, 1/01/1993) which satisfies all SBCCI,
ICBO and BOCA requirements for standard buildings. Tridipanel also has
HUD compliance covered under SEB# 1120. CABO-Council of American Building
Officials ICBO-International Conference Building Officials SBCCI-Southern
Building Code Congress International, Inc. BOCA-Building Officials and
Code Administrators HUD-Housing Urban Development (SEB# 1120) NES- National
Evaluation Service, Inc. (NER-454) Miami-Dade County Building Code Compliance
Office American Society for Testing and Materials American National Standards
Institute copies of the above reports available upon request.
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VI.)
What is the insulation (R) Value factors for the Tridipanel?
R-Value is a rating of the material resistance to thermal penetration.
The higher the number the better the protection value. Many circumstances
change the R-Value rating. R-Values change with the different thickness
and density of the polystyrene panel core, various thickness of shotcrete
applied to the interior and exterior as well as fluctuation of ambient
temperatures Chart shown below shows the minimum R-Value Ratings you can
expect using Tridipanel. 2lb. Polystyrene Core will provide an additional
10-12% R-Rating Polyisocyanurate Core is optional when panels are ordered.
2.5" 1.0 LB Polystyrene Core-R-Value 11.00 2.5" 1.0 LB Polyisocyanurate
Core-R-Value 21.00 4.0" 1.0 LB Polystyrene Core-R-Value 18.00 4.0"
1.0 LB Polyisocyanurate Core-R-Value 33.00 5.0" 1.0 LB Polystyrene
Core-R-Value 23.00 5.0" 1.0 LB Polyisocyanurate Core-R-Value 41.00
Polyisocyanurate is a special order foam core used primarily for refrigeration
purposes or specialty items. R-Values stated is within FTC guidelines.
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VII.)
What about thermal value \ heat loss?
The Tridipanel System has been designed with maximum environmental
comfort in mind. A wood structure simply cannot compare to the comfort
level available with the outstanding energy savings created by using the
Tridipanel System. Tridipanel will keep you cooler in summer and warmer
in winter. The modified expanded polystyrene core meets all VA, FHA and
HUD thermal requirements.
Tridipanel offers
valuable savings: (see graphs, fig1 and fig 2)
1.) No wood studs
to transfer or conduct heat or cold through the exterior walls
2.) The incorporation
of minimum (3") density of shotcrete and variable thickness of polystyrene
ranging from 2" through 5" offers an excellent thermal barrier.
3.) Electrical and
plumbing is through the interior side of the Tridipanel, so there are
fewer wall penetrations, which keeps thermal loss at a minimum.
4.) Save 50% to 80%
of heating and cooling costs.
5.) Reduces size and
cost of HVAC System.
Fig 1 - Click Graph
to Enlarge |
Fig. 2 - Click
Graph to Enlarge |
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VIII.)
What is the (S.T.C.) Sound Transmission Coefficient?
The S.T.C. (Sound Transfer Coefficient) attenuation is excellent.
The double shell configuration of the concrete plus polystyrene plus concrete
sandwich minimizes sound transmissions. Typical S.T.C. expected is as
follows: 3" Concrete (1.5" each side) = [0.1304 x 38] + 43.48
[4.9552] + 43.48 = S.T.C of 48.4352 4" Concrete (2.0" each side)
= [0.1304 x 50] + 43.48 [6.52] + 50.00 = S.T.C. of 50.0000 Calculated
from the PCI Pre-cast Manual Note: We are currently working on a new polystyrene
panel, which will have an integrated air pocket that will greatly improve
this rating.
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IX.)
What is the fire rating of Tridipanel?
Tridipanel has the following fire-resistance ratings, (Ratings are valid
for fire exposure from either side) Fire-rating is derived from the wire
mesh gauge in combination with concrete thickness. See chart below. The
insulation core Type I polystyrene foam demonstrated a flame-spread index
of 25 or less and a smoke developed rating of 450 or less when tested
in accordance with ASTM -E84.The modified polystyrene core does not contain
ozone-damaging chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) in the manufacturing process
or products. 2.5" EXP-Core with 1.50" Shotcrete each side =
1.5 Hours 2.5" EXP-Core with 2.00" Shotcrete each side = 2.0
Hours 2.5" EXP-Core with 3.1/8" Shotcrete each side = 4.0 Hours
The fire rating increases with greater quantities of cement applied to
each side. Polystyrene core will not burn.
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X.)
How is the Tridipanel secured into the slab?
The rebar is embedded within the concrete slab. The panel is placed
over the rebar, through the open space between the polystyrene core and
the wire mesh. Once set, the rebar is fastened directly to the wire mesh
by hand with tie wire. It is critical the rebar be installed in a straight
line so the rebar fits easily into the cavity between the polystyrene
and the wire mesh. It is important to make sure the rebar is completely
exposed so it becomes monolithically enclosed with the shotcrete or cement
application. Should the building department or engineer require additional
tie downs, the polystyrene core can be removed from the base of the panel.
The panel is then set in place over the required tie-down and cemented
in place. Another option for placing the rebar in the concrete slab is
to drill the concrete slab and pour epoxy in the cavity placing the rebar
within its confines. Typically, the spacing of the rebar is (24")
on center.
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XI.)
How is a bond beam made with Tridipanel?
A bond beam is used to create large openings, or to strengthen
large areas of ceiling or to help support roof structures. All bond beams
created should be pre approved by a certified engineering firm. Removing
the polystyrene core and installing rebar creates the bond beam. The best
method for removing the polystyrene core is a high-pressure water blaster,
it takes only a matter of minutes. For further information please see
instruction manual.
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XII.)
How is the electrical and plumbing installed?
The installation of electrical or plumbing is achieved by removing
the polystyrene core to create a cavity that electrical conduit or plumbing
piping may be installed into. The polystyrene is approximately ¾"
off the wire mesh so that you have a space to install these products.
If this opening needs to greater the polystyrene core can be removed with
a small keyhole saw or butane torch. The polystyrene will not burn it
will shrink or melt leaving a cavity. The electrical or plumbing is then
installed into the cavity. For further information please see instruction
manual.
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XIII.)
How are windows and doors installed?
The window and door openings may be cut out with the use of three
primary tools, a reciprocating saw, a set of 18" bolt cutters or
pneumatic cutter, and a small hand saw to remove the polystyrene. It is
recommended that a caulking sealant compatible with the polystyrene core
be used to seal the jamb to the polystyrene core. For residential construction,
wood jambs of treated material are then fitted into the openings. The
windows and/or doors are then fastened to the treated jambs. For commercial
use, pre-finished concrete openings are created. The windows and doors
are then installed into the openings, as they would be into a typical
masonry block structure. For further information please refer to instruction
manual.
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XIV.)
How do you build curved or radius walls with Tridipanel?
You can build curved or radius walls by cutting the eleven gauge
wires on one side of the panel. This will allow the panel to bend to the
desired shape or radius. It is very important not to cut through the heavier
nine-gauge truss wire so that wall strength and integrity remain intact.
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XV.)
How does Tridipanel hold up under adverse conditions of Hurricanes, Tornadoes,
Earthquakes and Fires?
Tridipanel excelled in rigorous test given by Mother Nature. For
the last ten years, numerous homes have been constructed with the Tridipanel
System on the East Coast, Caribbean and Gulf areas of Mexico and the United
States. The homes were built to withstand hurricane force winds. In Laboratory
testing, the Tridipanels have been tested and will withstand wind loads
of 226 miles per hour. Laboratory testing results available upon request
In the southwestern area of the United States, a two-story Tridipanel
research complex jointly funded by the National Science Foundation, Southern
California Edison, Inc., and the University of California withstood California's
worst earthquake in forty years was struck twice a (6.5) and (6.9) Richter
Scale. According to Dr. Philippe Cohen who resides at the site in the
Mojave Desert, the area at one point was subjected to a continuous shake
lasting over a full minute. The structure went through the quakes with
zero structural effects. Complete (Earthquake) structural testing report
from certified engineering firm available on above upon request. Tridipanel
is an ideal building product for structures in dry adverse climates where
fire is always a constant threat. Areas which are heavily forested, high
grass and brush, and other areas in Southern California during Santa Ana
Wind Conditions, and other similar areas where structures may be prone
to fires. We have had numerous fires in Southern California during Santa
Ana Wind Conditions. A structure built with Tridipanel is non- combustible
and has a minimum 1.5-hour fire rating and a higher rating can easily
be attained. Structures built with Tridipanel are virtually fire resistant.
Full test report from certified engineering firm available upon request
along with photos.
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XVI.)
What is the wind load capacity of Tridipanel?
The brief synopsis which follows, is from the test results report
dated 1994 from Dade County, Miami Florida pertaining to the wind load
capacity of Tridipanel. Three typical Tridipanels 4' wide and 10' high
with 1 ½" of shotcrete on each face were installed vertically,
side-by-side, on a concrete slab, several inches in front of a rigid backup
wall with space between the panels and the backup wall. The panels were
tested per static-wind load test (PA202-94 manner of testing). Summary:
The specimens tested herein were fully tested in accordance with the Dade
County Building Code Compliance Office Protocols PA 201-94,PA 202-94 and
PA 203-94. No failures occurred to the specimens nor their fastenings
nor anchorage. The products described in this report comply with SFBC
Sections 2309 and 2315. The panels tested at 126 lbs per Sq. Ft. pressure,
which represents over 225mph-wind factor. Please see wind load chart Exhibit
1.
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XVII.)
What are the load bearing capabilities of Tridipanel?
The load bearing weights that a typical Tridipanel wall will support
is amazing. The typical wood frame and metal frame wall cannot compare
to Tridipanel strength. A typical tridipanel with 2.5" polystyrene
core using eleven-gauge wire, 8' in height has been tested at a structural
load of over 78,000 lbs. Full load bearing chart available upon request.
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XVIII.)
How are various shotcrete or cements applied to the Tridipanel?
The shotcrete is applied either by hand or machine application
on both sides of the panel. This part of the operation is very specialized.
We recommend a licensed Gunnite or Stucco Contractor or a combination
of both Contractors for this part of the operation depending upon the
desired finish. For architects with a special finish in mind we would
like to mention that the architectural molds or metal trim could be incorporated
into your design to achieve the desired finish. A few of the above-mentioned
might be fry reglets, point to point reveals, parting screed etc. The
versatility of numerous types of plaster finishes or stucco finishes will
work on interior and/or exterior walls all of the newly created EIFS systems
will also work. Additional products you may apply are brick, mini-brick,
stone, stone facing, tile almost any type of finish your imagination can
conceive will work.
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XIX.)
Is the polystyrene waterproof? Is the foam waterproof?
The polystyrene and the foam are one in the same. The polystyrene
core is water-resistant. The ASTM test proved maximum water absorption
of (2.5%) for (1lb density). E.P.S. is an inert, organic material. Polystyrene
provides no nutritive value to plants, animals, or microorganisms. The
polystyrene will not rot and is highly resistant to mildew. Aging has
no effect upon the performance of the polystyrene E.P.S. is able to withstand
the abuse of temperature cycling 180° assuring long term performance.
Please refer to fire rating for flame spread information.
Telephone (760) 643-2307, Fax (760) 643-2305 or E-Mail
us.
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