As in all construction, the strength and stability of the foundation are critical for ensuring long-term durability, structural integrity, and of course the safety and functionality of the space. And post-frame is no different. A strong foundation is essential for resisting lateral forces and heavy loads, such as those caused by high winds or heavy snow.
At Integrity Post Structures, we recently conducted a rigorous comparison between the Perma-Column® foundation system and current alternatives. As a company committed to offering the most durable and reliable post-frame solutions, we wanted to investigate how these two systems perform under real-world conditions. “The goal was to assess the pressure both systems could withstand and evaluate each product’s performance,” explains Jerry Myer, founder of Integrity Post Structures and CEO of the Integrity Group.
The testing process was designed to provide valuable insights into the performance of each system under different types of stress. Integrity put both systems through a series of three tests to evaluate their durability: top pull, base pull, and uplift. “We wanted to simulate the kinds of natural forces post-frame buildings encounter, especially in the Prairies of Western Canada, where buildings must withstand strong winds and vertical pressures from snow loads,” adds Jerry.
In the Top Pull Test, a horizontal load was applied to the top of the post to measure its resistance and observe the bending effects at the base. This test is crucial in understanding how well each system can handle horizontal forces that cause bending at the base without losing structural integrity. The Base Pull Test applied a horizontal load near the base of the post to assess its stability and lateral resistance. This test simulates the forces that push against the base of the post-frame structures, such as wind pressure or the shifting of the foundation over time. Finally, the Uplift Test involved applying a vertical upward load to determine how much weight each system could handle before significant movement occurred. This test is designed to gauge the ability of each foundation system to withstand forces that try to lift or displace the structure, such as wind loads and overturning effects.
Each test measured the amount of movement, rotation, and the load at which failure occurred, providing a detailed understanding of the post’s structural integrity. The data collected from these tests offers a clear picture of how each foundation system performs under pressure, providing customers with valuable information to make informed decisions about their construction projects.
The results were clear: Perma-Column outperformed the competitor’s foundation system in all three tests, demonstrating superior strength, stability, and durability. In the Top Pull and Base Pull tests, the Perma-Column withstood 150% more pressure and offered 68% greater resistance to lateral forces than the competitor’s column. These significant differences in performance underline the superior engineering of the Perma-Column system, particularly in applications where the structure will be exposed to high lateral forces or where stability is paramount. The Uplift test yielded a more comparable result, with the Perma-Column showing 19% less deflection than the competitor’s column, indicating slightly better resistance to vertical forces.
“We anticipated positive results for the Perma-Column,” says Jerry, “but we were excited by how decisive the results were for the majority of tests.” The superior performance of the Perma-Column in resisting horizontal forces and bending is a testament to its quality and engineering. It shows that the Perma-Column system is well-suited for challenging environments, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather activity.
“Based on these findings,” continues Jerry, “we stand firm in our conviction that Perma-Column is a superior product, and we are proud to continue to offer it to our customers.” The confidence that comes from the clear performance advantage in these tests solidifies Integrity Post Structures’ commitment to providing the best foundation solutions available in the market.
In conclusion, these tests validate the long-standing reputation of the Perma-Column foundation system as a durable, reliable, and high-performance choice for post-frame construction. Its exceptional resistance to horizontal and vertical forces, along with its ability to maintain structural integrity over time, ensures long-term durability. Whether facing high winds, heavy snow loads, or shifting soil, the Perma-Column offers the resilience needed to support any post-frame structure, making it the trusted choice for a wide range of applications.
For full results, see this case study: Case Study: Comparing Perma-Columns and Competitor Columns for Post-Frame Construction.
