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Will Helix II that is used to replace most re-bar hold the concrete together if the concrete cracks like all concrete does?

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All reinforced concrete design (ACI) is based on a cracked concrete section called post-dominant crack.  It is all about yielding as a crack opens, Re-bar yields by stretching and Helix yields partially by stretching and the rest by untwisting  The Helix design method follows ACI in this regard and is 3 times more than the maximum allowed under the ACI 318 design code . So Helix is as good as re-bar in a post crack or “reactive” situation.  

With the above ...
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Does the concrete used need to have a waterproof admix?

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This is something that your local engineer will specify.  A lot of this depends on the amount of precipitation your area gets as well as the quality of your cement and aggregate.

An excellent article on water & concrete was published in 2006  by K Howes & J McDonald and is reprinted below.  Keep in mind that shotcrete has a very low slump and thus a low water to cement ratio which helps naturally waterproof concrete.

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WATERPROOF CONCRETE

WHAT IS WATERPROOF CONCRETE?

Isn’t normal, ...

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27
DEC
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Why couldn’t the same engineering drawings be used to build multiple MAS™ structures?

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There appears to be a complete misunderstanding of how difficult it would be to copy the MAS™ system without having access to the MAS™ engineering analytical models.

MAS™ has developed a sophisticated engineering model based around its own mathematical algorithms using finite element analysis.  MAS™ has been designed using “thin shell structural” analysis and there are just a handful of engineers in the world that understand and can operate with the advanced constraints involved with thin shell structures.

Even that handful of engineers could NOT reverse ...

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If I build a house that consists of multiple MAS™ structures connected to each other, do I have to pay a ADELS Fee for each structure?

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YES,

The ADELS Fee is charged per structure.  In the case of multiple MAS™ structures connected to each other, MAS™ will have to provide engineering for each individual structure as well as the connection detail.  For example, if you build a MAS-1300™ with a MAS-570™ attached to one corner (to be used for additional bedrooms) you will have to pay for two ADELS Fees.

The same would be true if you build a MAS-1300™ with a MAS-570™ attached to one corner as a garage, you will have ...

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MAY
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How are multiple MAS™ structures connected? Can this be done as a retrofit (remodel)?

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When attaching MAS™ structures to one another in a retro-fit scenario the door way is made by extending the 4 foot window opening to the slab.  When attaching MAS structures to one another DURING construction there may be other options.  Such options must be engineered and may include eliminating the majority of this single corner connecting wall in both units such that the connection is “seamless”.  Such engineering is provided by MAS™ at no additional cost as part of the Continue Reading →

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Do you have fire rating information available for the MAS™ system?

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Concrete is inherently fire proof.  Because the concrete does not encapsulate flammable material in the MAS™ exterior structural shell system there is no de-rating of the concrete required.  The interior walls can also be built from concrete making the entire finished structure highly resistant to fire, and inherently survivable should an interior contents fire erupt.  I.e. the MAS™ concrete structure does not provide ANY fuel to facilitate the spreading of a interior content fire.  The entire MAS™ structure is NON-COMBUSTIBLE.

It ...

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Do you have structural testing data available?

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NO

MAS™ has done NO structural testing in the form of “stress to failure” type tests.  Our engineers have designed the MAS system using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) based upon standard and accepted engineering principals, processes and materials.

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Do you run into any building code or zoning code issues with your product?

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MAS™ has NEVER had a problem getting a local entity in charge of building code enforcement to issue the permits and/or documentation necessary to build a MAS™ system structure.  The MAS™ system is designed around standard and accepted design principals using traditional engineering meeting the United States Uniform Building Code. (UBC).  Therefore, the system as designed, will likely exceed ALL local building codes.  However, if something unusual and unforeseen comes up, the MAS™ engineering team will work with the builder for no additional cost ...

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31
MAR
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Is there a modification that would allow the structure to be underground, or at least partly underground, with southern exposure?

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The MAS™ system has the potential to be used in a “retaining” wall situation where the unites are place IN a sloped embankment.  This application WOULD require waterproofing AND additional structural engineering based upon the forces of the “dirt” to be held up.  It is likely that additional concrete AND re-bar would be required.

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31
MAR
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What are the interior dimension of both sizes of MAS™ Structures?

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The MAS-570™ is 24 feet x 24 feet (7.3 meters x 7.3 meters).  The height in the center (at the peak of the arches) is 12 feet (3.65 meters).  The floor area is 570 sq. feet (53.5 sq. meters)

The MAS-1300™ is 36 feet x 36 feet (11 meters x 11 meters).  The height in the center (at the peak of the arches) is 18 feet (5.5 meters).  The floor area is 1,300 sq. feet (120.5 sq. meters)

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