
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:
- Structural load-handling
- Soil-movement adaptation
- Moisture and corrosion protection
- Thermal stability
- 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
