| Answer: |
It is the opinion of CCLD that Headlok System, manufactured by Anchor
Block Company used for frost footing applications with no differential
fill, meets the intent of the 2007 Minnesota State Building Code.
| Conditions for use: |
| • |
Frost-protected foundation wall that is
supported continuously by a concrete footing. |
| • |
Equal backfill conditions |
| • |
Installation in accordance with the
manufacturer's details and requirements. |
| • |
Shall be capable of accommodating all loads
according to 2006 IRC Chapter 3 or 2006 IBC Chapter 16 and
transmitting the loads to the supporting soil. |
| • |
Headlok units meet or exceed ASTM C90. |
|
| Background information: |
First it needs to be clarified that this division has no authority to
approve or certify products as complying with the building code. This is
the sole responsibility of the local building official. However, we can
certainly review products or methods of construction and offer an
opinion as to compliance.
Anchor Block Company has developed a concrete masonry foundation system
called Headlok. It is intended for use in Minnesota as a load- bearing,
frost-protected foundation wall that is supported by concrete strip
footings constructed below the frost line. The Headlok Foundation System
incorporates a mechanical tongue and grove interlock configuration at
the vertical head joints in lieu of conventionally mortared head joints.
Anchor Block Company retained the services of American Engineering and
Testing (ATE) where a generic Headlok foundation wall section was
constructed, tested and analyzed for structural integrity and
performance. The test results exceeded the test results of a wall
section built with conventional concrete masonry units and mortared head
joints. Anchor Block Company also has unit testing data which
demonstrates the product meets or exceeds ASTM C-90 requirements. Anchor
Block Company has provided CCLD a binder for the Headlok Foundation
System that details “typical” construction details and requirements as
well as ATE's product descriptions, testing data, design and section
descriptions.
Anchor Block Company has been selling the Headlok Foundation System in
Minnesota for nearly two years by gaining alternate foundation system
approvals from some local building officials. “Alternate approval”
requests were necessary because the masonry units Headlok Foundation
System are constructed with one open end, the head joint is not
mortared, and the head joint is constructed as a mortarless tongue and
groove assembly. This mortarless tongue and groove assembly is a direct
departure from the 2007 State Building Code in the design, construction,
and installation of open cell masonry units.
Mark Joslyn has submitted Anchor Block Company's request for the CCLD's
opinion. Mark can be reached at:
Mark Joslyn
Anchor Block Company
2300 McKnight Rd.
North St. Paul, Minnesota 55109
Cell phone (612) 369-2003
|
About DLI
Filing a complaint
2012 Workers' Compensation Summit