Contractors Know Best
Since 1993, Foundation Technologies, Inc. has been listening to and responding to engineers’ and drilled shaft contractors’ concerns and needs and incorporating those aspects into our products. Most construction innovations can result in a site worker experiencing a problem during the building process. At Foundation Technologies, Inc., problem-solving is simply what we do.
Foundation Technologies, Inc. is the pioneer of the heavy-duty plastic drilled shaft rebar cage spacer commonly known as “ShaftSpacer”, and the rebar cage boot commonly known as “BarBoot”. Patented in 1995-1996, respectively, FTI’s centralizers are still manufactured the same today, using the strong original design with high-quality materials, and made in the USA. We pride ourselves in offering the most updated and dependable inventory, paired with exceptional support and service structure.
An Innovative Solution
Although the ShaftSpacer® is the most commonly used centralizer, there are other uniquely designed products that FTI has devised to help complex drilled shaft problems. Becoming increasingly popular, The Hairpin™ Wheel extender ancillary connector, coupled with the ShaftSpacer® products is proven to be an effective tool in providing uniform clearance for spiral cages and meeting eccentric clearance requirements.
FTI understands that not all concrete clearances are created equal. Our Hairpins™ are designed for this exact issue and allow the contractor to meet the specified clearance where a plastic spacer wheel alone may not. FTI’s quality innovations and intricate designs supplement the firm understanding needed between contractors and engineers.
Featured Hairpins Projects in 2019
Beginning in March 2018, the FTI Hairpin™ was selected and used on the $962 million Sam Houston Tollway project in Channelview, Texas, led by Ship Channel Constructors (featured in the photo below). Stretching 4.1 miles, this project is to be completed in the fall of 2024. FTI’s renowned Hairpin™ and ShaftSpacer® combination were necessary to tie the outside of the cages to meet the 6-inch clearance requirements by TxDOT.
The duo was also used on the Jane Bryne Interchange project in the heart of Chicago, where over 400,000 vehicles cross over the foundation each day and are featured in the IDOT (www.janebyrneinterchange.org). The Hairpin™ featured on these projects has previously helped numerously other contractors properly align their drilled shaft cages as well.
If a unique solution is needed for a drilled shaft problem, FTI will serve as a top provider of product execution and customer service.
FTI is renowned for providing safe, quality solutions to field construction concerns and continues to lead the industry regarding product innovation, inventory stock, and expert support and services. Since the conception of its ShaftSpacer® System and centralizers, FTI and its specialty teams have researched diligently to create and improve our products to meet the needs of the industry. We take pride in our accomplishments and the quality innovations, solutions, and services provided to the construction industry at large.