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Integra blocks are mortared into place around high-strength steel rods, which are secured to the house foundation. |
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The top course uses a special plate-bearing block at each tension rod. These units are essentially solid blocks with 5/8-inch slots for the tension rods. |
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The tension assembly, consisting of a half-inch steel plate washer, standard hardened washers and a Direct Tension Indicator Washer, sits in a recessed pocket in the masonry unit. |
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Once the walls are in place, the steel rods are tensioned to a pre-engineered force of 7400# using impact wrenches. |
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Polyurethane insulation is sprayed into the wall interior, allowed to expand, harden and dry. The excess is cut flush to the block. |
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In home construction, the roof system is connected to the walls and tied to the post-tensioned system, reinforcing structural integrity from top to bottom. |
