VoidForm Products, LLC

We're thrilled to see the city of Fort Worth bringing the community together with the new Northwest Community Center. This impressive facility will feature meeting rooms, a culinary kitchen, a state-of-the-art fitness room, a group fitness room, a basketball gym, and space for workshops and classes.

We provided over 18,000 SQ FT of SlabVoid to RTD Construction LLC to ensure the new center remains a community hub in Fort Worth for many years to come. Our carton forms will create a void space underneath the building to ensure its structural longevity — despite the expansive soil.

Want to see more VoidForm on real-world products? Follow us for updates.

Our recent 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 & 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 with Tom Green & Company Engineers, Inc. covered our PlumbingVoid & Mudskipper solutions designed to protect below-grade utilities from expansive soil damage.

Attendees learned the applications for each system and how to specify them for real-world projects.

🌐 More product info is now available on our redesigned website. Links in the first comment.

We are excited to introduce our new Safety Manager, Ana Garcia! To get to know her better, we asked her these questions:

Q: Where does your passion for safety come from?
A: “My passion for Safety stems from witnessing workplace accidents that consequently altered people’s lives forever. Everyone deserves to work in a place where their well-being is prioritized daily. Creating an environment of trust, respect, and open communication where everyone feels valued and secure is part of this.”

Q: What excites you about working for VoidForm?
A: “I am excited to grow and further develop the Safety Department alongside our team of professionals who are committed to creating a safe and healthy workplace. I am thrilled to be part of the VoidForm family.”

From all of us at VoidForm, welcome to the team Ana!

American Airlines is adding extra Flight Simulator Bays to their American Airlines Flight Training Academy in Dallas, TX.

In partnership with Cates Courtney & Roebuck, the project's concrete contractor, we supported these state-of-the-art additions with VoidForm systems.

With each flight simulator priced at $20 million, VoidForm's cartons and components help protect this hyper-sensitive equipment from possible instability due to expansive soil pressures across the facility's foundation.

For more project examples and updates, follow us on LinkedIn.

Go Canada! 🍁

Congratulations, White Cap and thanks for inviting us to the Saskatoon Grand Opening last week! 🎉

Even though the weather was great, Rene Bourbonnais was on-site answering questions about building on expansive soils, wet conditions, and frost heave.

Talk to your local distributor, dealer, or our product advisors about protecting your structure. We’re all dedicated to ensuring the success of your next construction project.

Thanks again to White Cap for making it easier to access a wide variety of products in the growing region. 🙌

Follow us on LinkedIn for project and product insights.

Due to Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Houston, we’ve closed our Houston facility today (Monday, July 8th) to keep our employees safe. We anticipate re-opening on Tuesday. For immediate assistance, please call 888-803-VOID (8643).

It's exciting to see new residential developments in Heath, TX, a small but growing town just 26 miles from downtown Dallas.

We recently supplied Mabry Custom Homes with over 10,000 sqft of VoidForm products for their latest custom home project in Heath.

Using our degradable carton forms to create a void space underneath the structure, Mabry Custom Homes will safeguard the building from the dangers of expansive soil and ensure the home's longevity and structural integrity for many years.

Want to keep informed on future project examples? Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated.

𝟑 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐲
(A prominent soil type in central regions of the U.S.)

1. Bentonite clay, commonly found in Colorado, can absorb water and expand up to several times its original size. This can be disastrous for concrete structures built on top, causing cracks and uneven floors.

2. According to the Colorado Geological Survey, “Bentonite and montmorillonite (weathered volcanic ash) clays can expand up to 20% by volume when exposed to water and exert a force of up to 30,000 pounds-per-square-foot, more than enough to break up any structure they encounter. One Denver suburb has the dubious distinction of suffering 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.”

3. Bentonite clay can be difficult to detect during standard soil tests. While some tests can identify its presence, its expansive nature can be missed if not specifically evaluated.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜? Leave it in the comments.

If you'd like to speak to our product advisors please, reach us at [email protected]

Summer is here, and so are the holidays!

Next week, our Canadian location will be closed on Monday, July 1st to celebrate Canada Day. 🍁 Meanwhile, our U.S. locations will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. 🎆

We hope you all have a fantastic time celebrating with your friends and family!

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠…
It’s been 4 years since the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) had a record-breaking $3.47B in bonds pass, enabling them to resolve issues with aging campuses in high-poverty neighborhoods.

Today, that planning is paying off. The John Lewis Social Justice Academy, a new school at the O.W. Holmes site in Dallas, has broken ground. We’re proud and honored to be part of this historic community transformation alongside Miller Sierra. The project has over 200,000 sqft of VoidForm products under it to guard against expansive soil damage.

Kudos to Miller Sierra and the DISD community for creating a safe, inspiring, and enduring environment for the students.

For more project examples and updates, follow us on LinkedIn.

We sat down with David DiLuccia to talk about the first 5 years at VoidForm. With one burning question, he did not disappoint. Check it out.
--

If I could shuttle back in time and give advice to my bright-eyed self on Day One as President of VoidForm, here's what I'd say:

1. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤-𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - chase work-life integration. This gig owns your soul for the next few years. Prepare your loved ones accordingly.
2. You'll be forced to 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝. Literal and metaphorical. Like that time we delivered 150 truckloads in a week beyond what was thought possible. Lean into the impossible.
3. Money is fueled by trail mix and coffee…but mostly coffee. 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 however you can.
4. Celebrate hilariously. Whether it's a Flag Day-inspired shirt or a barrage of Anchorman quotes, 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 to this adrenaline-filled endeavor.
5. Five years in…the 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 forged in struggle are real. They will get you through the next five years.

--
From all of us at VoidForm, Happy Anniversary David!

𝟑 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐘𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐲
(It’s a prominent soil type in southern regions of the US).

• Yazoo clay is a type of highly plastic clay soil found in the Mississippi Delta region. It is known for its high shrink-swell capacity, meaning it expands significantly when wet and contracts/cracks when dry. 200%+ is common.

• The shrink-swell properties of Yazoo clay can cause major structural damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure if not properly accounted for during construction. Special foundation designs are often required in areas with Yazoo clay.

• The same moisture changes that make Yazoo clay swell also weaken it. When dry, the clay is relatively strong. However, as it absorbs water, its shear strength, which is its resistance to sliding, plummets. This can lead to slope instability and even landslides.

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚? Creating a void space by using void forms enables the clay to expand without impacting the structure. VoidForm has expertise with this soil type and a new manufacturing facility located outside of Jackson, MS.

If you'd like to learn more about how our products can help protect your structures, reach us at [email protected]

With over 700 educational facilities under our belt, there have been many lessons learned.

Capform Inc. initially used regular carton form boxes for the basement of the new Texas Woman’s University Health Science Center in Denton, Texas. However, because of the recent rainy conditions, they decided to go with StormVoid to avoid further delays. Over 45,000 sqft of VoidForm products now protect the structure from the damaging effects of expansive soil.

Great job improving the structural longevity of our schools, Capform!

For more project examples and updates, follow us on LinkedIn.

Our Lunch and Learns (L&Ls) offer engineering firms opportunities to:
• Learn about the damaging effects of expansive soil
• Review installation processes
• Interact with the products and ask great questions

Baird, Hampton & Brown came to our Fort Worth facility to discuss Mudskipper, a robust plumbing isolation system, used under slab-on-voidform foundation applications. It was great to have you over, and we hope you found the session very informative!

VoidForm schedules a few sessions with qualified firms each month. Reach out to [email protected] to check availability.

We love seeing new healthcare facilities in our communities that are built to last!

Check out our recent project with Beam Concrete at the new Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Beam Concrete utilized the StormVoid System to uniformly support concrete loads while creating a permanent void space under the new hospital to ensure its structural longevity. In total, over 27,000 sqft of StormVoid products were used to protect the structure from damaging soils.

For more project examples and updates, follow us on LinkedIn.

Join us this Thursday and Friday at the AIA24 Expo in Washington, DC!

The Expo is a major networking event for the AEC industry, featuring nearly 550 exhibiting companies and thousands of experts.

VoidForm will be at Booth 4025, showcasing our innovative products designed to combat expansive soil damage—a problem that costs over $2.3 billion annually in damages to plumbing, utilities, and structures. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more.

If you're not able to attend, follow us on LinkedIn to get the latest updates.

Architect and Engineers – Let’s meet at AIA24!

With so many new construction starts slated in regions with poor soil conditions, the longevity of your structure is dependent on careful structural construction.

At AIA, VoidForm will be discussing 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 in Booth 4025.

Considerations for expansive, collapsible, seismic, and corrosive soil:
- 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: Plastic-based void and plumbing products enable crews to protect structures and keep on schedule, even in inclement weather.
- 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆: Corrugated paper-based void products are simple to install and economical when remediating soil issues.
- 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸: Structural damage caused by soil movement can result in insurance claims, lawsuits, and reputational damage.

Let’s build the unbuildable while mitigating our risk together.

Swing by Booth 4025 to see recent projects and a broad range of products.

This is worth your time.

We have a new (short) video, for a new-ish product line that is designed to keep your construction project on schedule, even in poor weather conditions.🌦️

First question: If StormVoid has a carton cover, how is it perfect for use in wet soil conditions? Check out how StormVoid actually works.
https://hubs.li/Q02yHHlR0

Have other questions? Leave them in the comments or DM us.

This Memorial Day, we’d like to give thanks to all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. We are grateful for their extraordinary courage and the commitment of our current U.S. Armed Forces personnel.

All our U.S. locations will be closed next Monday in honor of Memorial Day.

AIA24 Conference on Design and Architecture is the premier event to share knowledge, gain exposure, and find multidisciplinary solutions to today’s most pressing issues.

VoidForm is showcasing our latest products in Booth 4025 to help architects and engineers visualize how to protect plumbing and concrete structures from expansive soil damage and 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮.

Not going to the show? Follow us on LinkedIn to get the latest updates.

𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞?

A: Yes! Because its strength comes from within. 💪

StormVoid’s interior cell structure is not affected by water or moisture because of its plastic-based PPC composition. The paper cover's primary function is for easy handling and properly placing the cartons, and even if exposed to moisture, it will not affect product performance.

The strength of this patented product line is calculated based on a host of inputs, some specific to the project, like the height of the concrete. Other inputs, like the plastic density, are considered when determining the proper cell configuration. Ultimately, we’re dialing in the right strength for each project to provide sound support during the pouring and curing process while allowing for sufficient bend and flex to accommodate expansive soil pressure.

We're wishing Canada a Happy Victoria Day!

Whether you're enjoying time with loved ones or simply relaxing, we wish you a joyous and safe holiday.

In honor of the holiday, our Canadian location will be closed on May 20th.

Exciting news! 🎉 We’re thrilled to share that our newest facility is now open in Mississippi!

This expansion means a significant increase in our production capacity to better serve you and your projects across the southern United States.

Several factors influenced our decision to locate our new facility in Jackson, including the availability of a skilled workforce, the proximity to key transportation infrastructure, and the strong business climate in Mississippi.

Read more about this exciting milestone in our press release:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240509093914/en

Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you have questions or are in need of assistance.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?

Unlike paper void products which degrade by moisture, StormVoid's performance is based on the non-degradable interior components. While both materials maintain a void space between slab and soil to prevent uplift damage to the slab from expansive soils, StormVoid can be installed in wet conditions.

The StormVoid carton void forms are designed to support specific weights of wet concrete and construction loads during the set period. Once the concrete is set and the outer carton exterior degrades, only the copolymer plastic grid structure is left.

The cross members of the grid structure flex and act as a cushion for any expanding soil. Additionally, the open grid structure provides a path for soil to expand through the individual cells, mitigating uplift pressures.

Have more questions about void forms? 👇 Post it in the comments below. 👇

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐢𝐥’𝐬 𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞?

The question is important since the interior plastic components are permanent between the subgrade and concrete, unlike paper void, which disintegrates to yield 100% of the void space.

We perform stringent calculations and testing on our void forms with our compression testers. Years of testing have allowed us to recommend the right product strength based on the void height, concrete height, and working loads. These and other variables are calculated to ensure that StormVoid is strong enough to support the weight during the concrete set period but can flex and collapse when the soil expands without transferring damaging forces to the foundation.

There’s a lot to consider for a seemingly simple product, and we’re always available to discuss your specific project and concerns.

Have a question about void forms? Post it in the comments.

Please join us in welcoming our newest VoidForm team members!

David Barr - CDL Driver
Timmy Black - Non-CDL Driver
Karen Fink - Contract Specialist
Melissa Gonzales - Inside Product Advisor
Eddie Williams - Safety Manager

We're delighted to have you on board and look forward to working together.

If you haven’t checked out Practical Engineering’s videos, you should. We love their demonstration of how much pressure expansive soil can *actually* exert. Check the video out. It’s good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW-NoiM726U

Follow us to stay up to date on products, new technical documents, and some pretty awesome news happening soon!

Got questions? We’re here to help at [email protected]

3 reasons why engineering firms request a Lunch and Learn session

Engineering and architecture firms are getting busy. And, with new staff and new projects, Lunch and Learns are a great way to:

• Quickly understand a broad range of void options
• See recent project examples
• Get answers about best practices, from specifying to installing

Tailored to your needs, our Lunch and Learns can cover one or several product lines.

At the end of each session, your team will better understand product capabilities and cost vs. durability trade-offs.

Persyn Engineering in San Antonio recently had VoidForm discuss StormVoid, PlumbingVoid, and BackFill Retainers. Thanks for having us, Persyn!

VoidForm schedules a few sessions with qualified firms each month. Reach out to [email protected] to check availability.

How has AI affected the Construction Industry?

1 – AI needs greater processing power from the next generation of semiconductors.
2 – These chips need to be manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities.
3 – The construction industry has risen to the challenge of quickly completing these facilities.

Intel’s recent funding award
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/intel-award-chips-act-funding

VoidForm has extensive experience with large-scale industrial, commercial, and municipal projects. Let’s discuss your next project.

Q1 is done!

We've seen some amazing construction starts! Many are in expansive, seismic, and corrosive soil conditions.

With VoidForm, engineers and architects have access to the largest product line available in North America, to help mitigate the risk of damage to their concrete structures.

For example, the corrugated paper SureVoid® product line provides uniform support for concrete and other loads applied during placement. It degrades over time with moisture absorption, creating a void space that allows the soil to expand without causing damaging uplift pressure into the structure above.

Learn how our systems work together at voidform.com