Thoughts on Concrete Pier System

[Mezz2006]

Looking for feedback on Concrete Pier System brackets. Has anyone used them? They are similar to the Perma-Column, Sturdi-Wall brackets, but slide into a clip on your slab splash boards, and utilize a pre-made form for the top of the pier that would be at slab level. Seems like pier forming and install of the brackets would be a bit easier and faster utilizing this system vs a "standard" poured pier and Sturdi-wall bracket. Couple links: Bracket/Clips and Install Guide. Price is quite a bit cheaper than the Sturdi-Wall brackets too.

 

[Mezz2006]

Wow. I 'm surprised, no one has an opinion or any thoughts on this system. I'll try renaming the thread to see if it gets any more attention.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I have not used them, but like the concept. I will look into them for my barn build.

 

[Firebrick43]

It looks like a well thought out system but I find two things odd

One is there is no engineering documentation like there is with other systems.

Second is they are portraying it as a pole building.

Pole building use the poles to transfer wind loads via bending moments of the poles to save lumber. The only inground concrete system that can do this is the permacolumns that I am aware of.

They accomplish this by using a very high strength (10000 psi) and carefully cured concrete with 4 pieces of rebar.

They caution that the sturdiwall brackets can not have bending moments and additional bracing or diaphragms are needed to make sure that the forces are in shear or uplift only.

The CPS system only has 2 pieces of rebar and using standard concrete it can not possibly take bending moments just like the sturdi wall brackets can not.

I find it irresponsible that they don’t point this out and the picture tutorial doesn’t show any additional bracing or sheathing to act as a diaphragm.

 

[Mezz2006]

@Firebrick43 - Good points, Engineering documentation would be a nice addition. I agree that it should be marketed as a direct competition to the Sturdi Wall or similar wetset systems.
I think the overall system is well thought out and could make for easier installation compared to the Sturdi-Wall wetset.

 

[jbarrick]

We just installed concrete pier system for a garage. Excellent system. Well made. Easy to install. Love it!

However, we’re working on a new larger 2 story and we’re having difficulty committing to this system again because of the lack of documentation for the structural engineering.

In seeing these in person I believe they are much better the perma column or anything else. However they lack the legal documentation to use it in anything other than a small or DIY project where you are comfortable yourself and assume all liability.

I love the system I wish they had the documentation they would make a killing with this as what should be the best bracket.

The reason why it appears to be better is the easy of intake, the metal bracket has legs that extend down into the concrete, this allows for stronger steel. The biggest thing I saw was the legs allowed the rebar to not just be a **** weld like other wet set brackets but allows for a couple inches of weld down the rebar.

 

[trashauler]

Wish i had better pictures. Here is mine with a similar bracket system.

 

[jbarrick]

Is that concrete pier systems? I’m not sure if it is.

One thing I forgot to mention is in contrast to other brands is CPS at least their new bracket the screws holes are offset rather then both centered which helps prevent splitting.

 

[trashauler]

It is. I also went with a composite splashboard.
https://blunierbuilders.com/building-features/blunier-features

 

[jbarrick]

Thanks for providing a link. Your brackets are similar but they are a different brand. I’ll look to see if they provide structural reports on their brackets