PREFAB FOUNDATIONS — WAN-NSO SIGNATURE SYSTEMS

Foundations are the single most important determinant of modular performance and lifespan. WAN-NSO engineered its systems to solve the limitations of traditional modular foundations, which often fail due to soil instability, poor load distribution, thermal expansion, moisture intrusion, or insufficient anchoring.

Each WAN-NSO foundation system is built on five engineering priorities:

  1. Structural load-handling
  2. Soil-movement adaptation
  3. Moisture and corrosion protection
  4. Thermal stability
  5. Fast deployment with minimal site disruption

The four systems below cover 100% of the terrain and climate types encountered across the U.S., Caribbean, South America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

A. SmartGeo Flex-Pier System™

Adaptive pier foundation for unstable or sensitive soils

The SmartGeo Flex-Pier System™ was engineered to solve one of the biggest problems in modular construction: soil movement.

Many regions — especially coastal zones, tropical areas, clay-rich soils, and seismic territories — experience:

  • seasonal expansion and contraction
  • differential settlement
  • rising moisture tables
  • micro-seismic vibrations

Traditional concrete piers cannot adapt to these changes, causing misalignment, door sticking, cracks, plumbing disconnection, and structural warping.

The WAN-NSO solution eliminates these problems.

Technical Features

1. High-compression nano-enhanced concrete piers

The pier columns contain nano-silica additives that:

  • reduce micro-voids inside the concrete
  • dramatically improve internal bonding
  • lower permeability (water cannot easily penetrate)
  • increase compressive strength and flexibility

This allows the piers to maintain integrity even when the soil beneath expands, contracts, or shifts.


2. Adjustable micro-leveling stanchions (±18 mm tolerance)

This component is what makes SmartGeo “flexible”:

  • Allows fine adjustment after installation
  • Corrects settlement that occurs over months or years
  • Prevents misalignment of modular units
  • Keeps doors, windows, plumbing, flooring, and rooflines perfectly aligned

Instead of re-shimming or lifting the entire structure, installers simply adjust the stanchions.


3. Vibration-isolation pads

These engineered pads are placed between the pier head and the modular chassis.

Their purpose:

  • absorb seismic vibration
  • prevent oscillation damage
  • protect the structure from repetitive ground movement
  • reduce stress on welded and bolted connection points

These pads are especially beneficial in the Caribbean, California, and parts of South America.

Deployment Advantages

Superior performance in unstable and moisture-prone soils

Perfect for:

  • flood zones
  • clay soils that swell or shrink
  • areas with seismic micro-vibrations
  • locations with inconsistent soil compaction

Rapid installation (Hours, not days)

SmartGeo piers require:

  • no large excavations
  • no soil replacement
  • minimal equipment
  • minimal curing time

Long-term structural alignment

Over the building’s lifespan, adjustments can be made without lifting or relocating the structure.

This makes SmartGeo ideal for:

  • modular homes
  • office pods
  • classrooms
  • health clinics
  • lightweight industrial spaces

B. NanoBond Reinforced Slab System™

High-performance slab engineered for extreme loads

The NanoBond Slab System™ is a monolithic slab engineered to handle extremely high loads while maintaining structural integrity in all climates.

This system was created for environments where traditional slabs crack due to:

  • thermal expansion
  • moisture cycling
  • uneven curing
  • heavy modular footprints
  • vibration or machinery loading

Technical Enhancements

1. Nanoparticle-modified concrete matrix

Nano-silica and nano-alumina change the internal chemistry of concrete, giving it:

  • denser crystal formation
  • faster and more uniform hydration
  • fewer internal voids
  • higher tensile and flexural strength

In simple terms:
The slab becomes harder, stronger, more stable, and more resistant to cracking.


2. Dual-fiber reinforcement system

Two types of fibers work together:

Polymer microfibers:
  • control early shrinkage cracks
  • prevent surface weakening
  • increase slab elasticity
Steel microfilaments:
  • carry tensile loads
  • improve impact resistance
  • stabilize the slab under heavy point loads

This combination creates a slab capable of handling repetitive weight, stacking loads, and heavy machinery.


3. Thermal-stability aggregates

These aggregates significantly reduce thermal expansion and contraction, making the slab ideal for:

  • deserts
  • snow regions
  • tropical humidity
  • rapidly changing temperatures

This ensures the slab will not crack from heat stress or freeze–thaw cycling.

Load Capacity

Supports up to 95,000 lbs footprint — enough for:

  • stacked modular homes
  • industrial container units
  • commercial pods
  • machinery housing
  • large prefabricated buildings

This slab system is the go-to solution for any structure requiring high durability and long-term performance.

C. Hybrid Steel Raft Foundation™

Light, fast, corrosion-resistant foundation for varied terrain

The Hybrid Steel Raft Foundation™ is engineered for sites where a traditional slab or deep excavation is not feasible.

Common conditions:

  • rocky terrain
  • high water table
  • flood-prone zones
  • areas with strict limits on excavation

It combines a steel structural grid with a reinforced base layer to create a stable, durable foundation that spreads load efficiently.

System Characteristics

1. Hot-dip galvanized steel frame (70+ year corrosion resistance)

Steel members are submerged in molten zinc, forming a coating that protects against:

  • salt spray
  • humidity
  • chemical corrosion
  • oxidation

Perfect for coastal and island environments.


2. Integrated vapor barrier membrane

This protects the structure from rising moisture, reducing:

  • mold risk
  • mildew
  • corrosion
  • insulation inefficiency

3. Pre-engineered anchor plates

These plates are designed to match:

  • ISO container corner castings
  • modular chassis connection nodes
  • custom prefab steel frameworks

This allows for bolt-fastening and immediate load transfer.

Advantages

1–3 day deployment

Ideal for rapid-response projects.

Excellent load distribution

Prevents differential settling — one of the main causes of modular failures.

Minimal site disruption

No need for:

  • deep excavation
  • heavy machinery
  • large concrete pours

Perfect for protected environmental zones.

D. Elevated Pile-Grid System™

Engineered for coastal, hurricane, and flood-prone regions

This system is a deep-foundation grid designed for locations facing extreme weather, storm surges, or unstable marine soil.

Technical Strengths

1. Marine-grade steel piles with nano-ceramic coating

Prevents corrosion from:

  • saltwater
  • coastal humidity
  • alkaline soils
  • storm debris moisture

Nano-ceramic coatings bond chemically with steel, creating a barrier comparable to military-grade anti-corrosion systems.


2. Deep anchoring profiles (15–25 ft)

Depth depends on:

  • soil class
  • tidal impact
  • expected wind loads
  • flood heights

Deep piles provide:

  • uplift resistance
  • lateral stability
  • protection from soil washout

3. Hurricane tie-down system (up to 175 mph winds)

This includes:

  • steel tension rods
  • reinforced anchor plates
  • load-distribution brackets

These prevent the structure from lifting, sliding, or twisting during severe storms.


4. Diagonal cross-bracing reduces lateral drift

This stiffens the pile grid, preventing:

  • sway
  • vibration
  • oscillation
  • structural racking

Ideal For

This foundation is used across regions such as:

  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Caribbean
  • East Africa’s coastal zones
  • Middle Eastern waterfront developments

Perfect for:

  • elevated modular homes
  • hotels
  • clinics
  • storage units
  • command centers