FAQ
Sometimes the obvious doesn’t become so until we ask the question. Here are some frequently asked questions on the QPOD System, please contact us if you still need enlightening.
What is Raft Style?
Rib raft foundation, pod floor, waffle slab or floating foundation, are all names used to describe the 'Raft' concept that delivers real benefits over conventional concrete floor foundations. A grillage of beams within the concrete slab provides a stiffer and stronger final product than a conventional 100mm concrete slab on grade, and because of its inherent strength a deepened perimeter footing can usually be omitted.
QPOD is a Codemark Raft solution when used in accordance with Allied READY Superslab. See more on this
What is continuous?
Continuous is when QPOD are configured as a continuous grid of pods joined together as demonstrated under configuration type 'continuous'.
What is QPOD cost compared to Polystyrene?
Depending where you live, approximately $4/m2 more in materials cost, the savings all come right on back when you factor in in zero polystyrene offcuts, no dumping/recycling fees and a modular clip together system.
What is the extra concrete usage?
Extra concrete is a factor purely due to the shape of the QPOD, your concrete usage for a home can be influenced by many other factors including internal thickenings and load pads. Concrete volume can be calculated using our online materials calculator.
Is QPOD™ on Masterspec?
Yes you can find QPOD as Allied Ready Superslab under the work section: 3155AS Allied Ready Superslab Floor System
What does QPOD™ mean?
QPOD™ origins –
- QPOD was derived from Q as in ‘Quakes’ which raft floors and ‘Pods’ are specifically designed to withstand.
- Q is a semi universal acronym for ‘Quality’.
- It is a play on the word ‘Cupid’ which In classical mythology denotes love …earth friendly flooring.
Is QPOD™ a CodeMark Solution?
QPOD™ is a CodeMark Solution when used in accordance with Allied READY Super Slab
See ‘RAFT’ Style configuration.
Is QPOD™ Branz approved?
QPOD™ when used in conjunction with Allied READY Super Slab is BRANZ appraised No. 964 (2017).
Who can engineer my QPOD™ floor?
QPOD™ when used in accordance with Allied READY Superslab is a CodeMark solution and does not require engineering. When your floor falls outside of this CodeMark your engineer can specify QPOD™. Alternatively QPOD™ work closely with many engineers who can prepare your design on behalf. Contact us
See also our engineering Services section:
Do I need Sawcuts in my slab?
The use of saw cuts within the Superslab as codemark are required as specified. Outside the codemark (SED) their only use is to aid cracking in a visually acceptable manner and are non-structural. Standard depth shall be 20-25mm deep (for the standard 85mm topping). For thicker toppings deeper saw cuts will be required of approximately 1/4th of the topping thickness.
All this said, feedback from installers of QPOD have noticed a ‘marked’ reduction in slab cracking when using QPOD as opposed to previous Polystyrene pod Rib Raft methods. Likely because of the shape of the QPODs giving no definite crack inducing line along their irregular profile, thus a testament to their superior strength and stability performance.
Is QPOD™ is AS 2870 certified?
All foundations (QPOD™ or Polystyrene) need to meet this code. A qualified Civil Engineer can authorize a Reg 126 certification for a QPOD™ slab to comply.
What is the ‘R’ Value?
The R-value is mainly dependent on the area to perimeter ratio of the foundation. There are several enhanced options to increase the foundation R-value that can be specified by the designer. The edge of the foundation around the perimeter of the building is where most of the heat is lost. Insulating the exposed perimeter edge will achieve the best results relative to cost in comparison to underslab insulation. There are proprietary systems that can be adopted or specific edge solutions detailed by the designer to enhance the foundation insulation if desired or required for heated floors. see 'R' Value or use our online calculator to estimate your R Value with and without additional QuickSet insulation.
What Steel Cover is ok?
Ask your engineer but generally 30mm is the accepted necessity for residential interior surfaces. Slab topping for QPOD as Allied Ready Superslab is 85mm, QPOD has an inbuilt 40mm spacer for optimum mesh placement and concrete cover.
What is the thickness of the plastic used to make the pods?
Plastic thickness is varies about 1.5 – 2.5mm.
What compaction does the basecourse need to be?
Compacted hard fill (well graded AP40) or geotechnically approved fill material may be required to achieve the finished
floor levels.
Granular fill shall be compacted in 150mm maximum layers and certified in accordance with NZS4431 and achieve a minimum of 95% compaction of the maximum dry density as determined by test 4.1.1 per NZS4402.
Clay or cohesive fill shall be compacted to achieve the below as per NZS4431: Or a spec’d by the engineer based on ground type.
Is QPOD suitable for TC2 & TC3?
The Short Answer is yes:
- TC1 is where future land damage from liquefaction is unlikely. Standard residential 3604 or Raft foundation assessment and construction with QPOD as Allied Ready Superslab is appropriate.
- TC2 is where liquefaction damage is possible in future significant earthquakes. Shallow ground investigations may be required when repairing or replacing foundations. Minor SED engineering input is required for CodeMarked READY Superslab and Continuous QPOD configurations.
- TC3 is where liquefaction damage is possible in future large earthquakes. Geotechnical engineering assessment may be required to select the appropriate foundation repair or rebuild. SED is required for Raft & Continuous configurations.
Where is QPOD Manufactured?
All the QPOD™ products are designed and manufactured in our Napier & Hastings plants, Hawke's Bay New Zealand, available New Zealand wide and Australia.
What is the QPOD™ made of?
QPOD™ is manufactured from 100% recycled and reprocessed Polypropylene. Off-cuts are minimal and can be recycled in kerbside or local recycling services. Recycling Code #5 PP.
Who do I use to construct my QPOD™ Floor?
You, your builder or slab laying company can install your QPOD™ floor following easy installation instructions, the application is very straightforward and lays on the same principles as a std Raft floor. QPOD™ can supply you with an estimate on materials used free of charge.
Or try out our free online calculator
Does QPOD require hockey stick bars at perimeter?
Yes, as per B1/AS1 amendment 11 of NZS 3604:2011 requirements which came into force on 1 August 2011.
The amendment is modified to exclude unreinforced slabs and requires all perimeter foundations to be tied to the concrete slab with reinforcing steel.
See attached download from Branz generally covering this subject here:
Download Std QPOD perimeter detail here.: