Acme Homes II - Concrete Footer Page

"J"-hooks are located in the outer trenches to precisely match the house tie-down straps. This precludes house movement during severe storms.

"J"-hooks are precisely angled at the end of the trenches to comply with the requirements of the diagonal tie-downs.

Family Owned & Operated
Since 1972

8438 S. Suncoast Blvd. (Hwy 19) Homosassa, Fl 34446
352-382-1076 • 1-800-226-1076
Fax 352-382-4514

Tests demostrated that the footer system is satisfactory for use in Wind zone III locations. The tests were based on loads equal to 32PSF uplift with a simultaneous 47 PSF horizontal load, plus 50% overload producing the equivalent of 300 MPH storm force winds. The average movement in the home from the lateral test was less than 1/4 inch at 150% of design load and 3/16 inch at design load for longitudinal test again at 150% of design load.

In simple terms, these tests demonstrated the Byrd Footer System not only met State of Florida's criteria, but exceeded it by a further 50%!!!

Another telling feature of the system is a comparison with anchor discs as mentioned above which requires a minimal 'ground pull' of 4,725 pounds for anchors. Tests regularly demonstrated minimal movement of the J-hook anchors at 7,838 pounds pull, some 66% in excess of the minimum requirement. Tests continued to find the total pull needed to identify any weakness, this proved to be a bolt within the tie downs which disintegrated at 10,950 pounds; 132% in excess of the minimum requirement.

Below is a simplified explanation of the installation procedures for the Byrd Footer System. The system was approved by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles Bureau of Mobile Homes on September 2, 1999 and accepted by Skyline Homes on August 16, 1999.

The Byrd Footer System clearly demonstrates a major advance in safety that will result in :

Considerably fewer total losses in severe wind storms;
Substantially fewer severe damage claims;
Substantially fewer subsidence claims (if any).


Step 1		Step 2
First, the site is cleared and leveled. Precise measurements are then taken so the Footer System fits exactly the State-approved requirements and the house manufacturer's specifications.	The accuracy of all measurements marked out by string lines is then checked using a laser transit.

	Step 3	Step 4
Using a mechanical digger, the two outside trenches are dug 24" wide and 12 +-1" deep. The center trench is 60"-84" wide, 12 +-1" deep under the I-beams and 7+-1" in the center.		Step 4
		The sides of the trenches are measured and squared to ensure strong bonding of the concrete with the walls of the trench.

Step 5			Step 6
The first outside trench is then filled with concrete. A typical 28' x 60' home will be supported by three trenches which hold approximately 16 yards (52,000 pounds) of cement.			Filling the center trench with concrete. To privide additional strength, only 'fiber concrete' is used.

Step 7			Step 8

			"J"-hooks, conforming to the house manufacturer's spcification, are placed in the center trench immediately after the concrete is leveled.
Measurements are taken during the pouring operation to ensure that the concrete pads are level and 12 +-1" thick.