Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cupolex Floor require engineering?
Yes; all Cupolex floors come with a specific design carried out by a Professional Engineer. The engineering takes into account the ground conditions present and all roofing, cladding and loading considerations. You are provided with a PS1 Producer Statement, a plan, and design calculations and methodology to meet your local council’s consent criteria.
What is the lead time for delivery of the components?
Delivery is typically overnight, but we appreciate as much notice as possible in order to expedite delivery. We can typically have your engineering completed in one week.
Has Cupolex had any testing performed within New Zealand?
Testing has been carried out by Uniservices, a branch of the University of Auckland Engineering faculty, to ensure that the Building Codes are met. These results are available in the downloads section for your perusal. There has also been extensive testing and certification throughout Europe and North America.
Does Cupolex require an approved installer to install the Cupolex system?
Where we have an approved installer in your area, we can recommend their services to you, but any carpenter will be well qualified to install Cupolex and typically we offer on-site training where possible.
Does the Cupolex come in different sizes?
The Cupolex domes range in size from 50mm to 700mm, however only the 260mm high dome is manufactured in New Zealand. The other sizes are imported from Italy.
What type of reinforcing steel is required for Cupolex slabs?
All Cupolex slabs have high tensile reinforcing steel specified i.e. XD or HD and typically 665 or 668 reinforcing mesh.
What strength of concrete is required for Cupolex slabs?
20Mpa (13mm) concrete is specified for residential slabs (with 25Mpa for sea spray zones). Commercial slabs concrete strength will be determined on an individual job basis.
Can Cupolex slabs be designed for bad ground?
Cupolex slabs can be designed for most ground conditions; please contact Cupolex to discuss your specific conditions.
How does the Cupolex design allow for the unique geometry of each slab with regars to infilling whilst maintaining a 300mm edge beam?
The Beton Stop component is designed with ribs to allow for five different settings under the Cupolex domes; from fully in (flush with the dome) to fully out (which gives an additional 250mm from the edge of the Cupolex dome.
Click for photoIs the concrete cover sufficient to the under side of the mesh where it contacts with the Cupolex domes?
The durability requirements are achieved via concrete cover in accordance with NZS3101 and the NZ Building Code in both B1 and B2 exposure classes. At the point where the mesh sits hard down on the apex of the dome, a continuous barrier of 0.5mm thick plastic exists. The plastic layer is capable of protecting the reinforcementfor at least 50 years in accordance with NZBC requirements section B2/VM2.