The Patented PowerBrace Brackets have revolutionized the use of steel I-beams to reinforce a bowing basement wall. I-beams have been used to reinforce bowing walls for decades but the with the help of the PowerBrace Brackets steel I-beams have been transformed into the most reliable wall bracing system available. Unlike wall anchor systems that rely on the moving soil to stabilize a foundation wall, the PowerBrace utilizes the strength of the concrete floor and the floor joist to stabilize the wall. The bottom bracket of the PowerBrace simply uses two concrete anchors to hold the I-beam in place against the bottom of the foundation wall. The PowerBrace top bracket fastens in the floor joist and when a constant pressure is kept on the bracket the beam will slowly move the wall back to its original position with out any exterior excavation, except in extreme situations. Since the PowerBrace has contact with the wall from the basement floor up to the floor joist, the PowerBrace will eliminate the possibility of wall shear. PowerBrace is the most Reliable and most Cost Effective product to use on a cracked or bowed foundation wall.

For more information on PowerBrace: www.powerbrace.net

Carbon fiber straps
FORTRESS STABILIZATION develops Carbon-fiber/Kevlar grid strap reinforcement systems, designed to stabilize concrete and other structures that have fractured or bowed due to soil pressure, water damage or other causes. Fortress Carbon-fiber/Kevlar grid straps have been proven to be the best solution on the market today providing Innovative Solutions for Concrete Reinforcement. Prior to Fortress grid strap, there were two types of carbon fiber commercially available: wet layup (tow sheet), and protruded plate. Both of these have pros and cons. After evaluating the strength and weaknesses of available products, Fortress developed the Carbon Fiber/Kevlar grid strap.

Wet layup: Must use more fabric for wall coverage to achieve desired strength and must be impregnated on the job site, which is messy. This also requires a much higher skill level in getting tows straight. Any misalignment of tows and carbon has no strength at all. If used on damp walls it may also fail to properly bond.

Protruded Plate is very strong. However, its is also very rigid and typically has very poor bonding capabilities. Epoxies do not bond well to epoxies or polyester resins. This can be a disadvantage on deflected surfaces. It also depends on a "sandwich" bond, where voids can be typical and unseen.

Fortress Stabilization Systems Carbon Fiber Kelvar Grip Straps has the advantages of both the wet lay up and protruded plate but eliminates the disadvantages related to both.

For more information about Fortress Stabilization: www.fortressstabilization.com/index.php

For more information or a consultation on your foundation and environmental solution, contact KC Waterproofing, A KC Building Solutions Company.
P.O. Box 12087
Parkville, MO 64152Ph. MO (816) 505-9990

Ph. KS (913) 385-9905
E-mail