All PSI construction systems employ only two structural materials: concrete and steel. A third material – high density, modified, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam – contributes in numerous ways to improve the structural performance of these two basic materials. It also significantly increases the buildings thermal and acoustical insulating properties as well as reducing overall field construction time. EPS foam’s use as “stay-in-place” concrete forms provides an opportunity to employ unskilled young men and women as workers in tasks previously requiring considerable skill, experience and physical strength. For these reasons, PSI considers EPS foam a third critical raw material, even though it does not contribute to the structural integrity of the building. Therefore, we have included its compliance standards.

CONCRETE:

The most common form of concrete in use throughout the US (and most other countries) employs Type II Portland Cement. In the US, this material, together with Type I Portland Cement, must comply with the standards established and defined by the ASTM C150 or C150M standards for general use. Specifications for structural concrete are defined by the ACI (American Concrete Institute) in ACI 301. PSI will insure that all concrete utilized in buildings it will construct will be in compliance with these standards as well as local and National building codes.