Cupolex FAQs

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Has CUPOLEX® had any testing performed within New Zealand?
- Testing has been carried out by Uni services, 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. Click here for NZ test report
4. Does CUPOLEX® require an approved installer to install the CUPOLEX® system? New Folder
- 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 photo
10. Is 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 reinforcement for at least 50 years in accordance with NZBC requirements section B2/VM2.
11. What is an Aerated Floor Slab?
- Aerated Floors are slabs have an under slab void that is created for ventilating. Aerated Floors provide healthier environments and offer many advantages over conventional floor slabs.
12. Do CUPOLEX® Floors require engineering?
- Yes; all CUPOLEX® floors require a specific design carried out by a Professional Engineer. Each CUPOLEX® floor is specifically designed to suit site conditions. A plan drawing, and design calculations and methodology to meet the local regulatory criteria are required for every slab design.
13. Does the company provide design engineering services?
- Yes; CUPOLEX® Building Systems provides full engineering support for its products through formal agreements with renowned engineering firms nationally and internationally. Our engineering team can either support your existing contractors and designers at no additional cost, or provide full engineering design services on a fee basis, as desired.
14. What variables are considered in a CUPOLEX® Design?
- The following variables are considered: Type of CUPOLEX® Thickness of slab, Levels of reinforcement, Type of soil.The static behavior of the concrete floor depends on the following factors: Geometry: Dome geometry Minimum thickness of the slab above the CUPOLEX® elements Type of soil or subbase, Position of loads on the CUPOLEX® slab.
15. What is the lead time for engineering and calculations?
- We can typically have your engineering completed in one week on receipt of a foundation floor plan on a CAD file.
15. Do CUPOLEX® forms come in different sizes?
- Click here to see the chart