The recommendations focus on foundation and floor elements but also cover common areas of 'above the floor' damage such as chimneys. For a copy click here.

The guideline provides suggested floor solutions where severe liquefaction can occur. One of the solutions provided is a variant of the RibRaft® system. "Foundations in liquefiable areas require a specifically designed solution," says Dene Cook, National Technical Manager for Firth Industries. "Cost analysis has demonstrated that a solution using RibRaft® components is the most cost effective option of obtaining extra protection against the damaging effects of liquefaction."

The Firth RibRaft® floor system is a tried and true system supported by considerable technical information.  Dene, explains, "the RibRaft® system has attributes that make the floor considerably stiffer than a standard floor. The stiffness means that when ground movement occurs a RibRaft® floor is less likely to sag (dip in the middle) or hog (hump in the middle) than a conventional concrete floor slab.  Ground movements may be caused by moisture changes in the foundation soils or, at the severe end of the scale, by earthquakes.  I would strongly recommend that if you are looking at a new floor slab you explore the Firth RibRaft® solution."

For more information on RibRaft® flooring systems, click here or contact us on info@firth.co.nz or 0800 800 576.