Speed vs Safety: How Fast-Installed Foundations Stay Structurally Sound

Portable and modular buildings allow many different types of projects to be streamlined and finished within budget. Rather than opting for a traditional building or structure that uses brick-and-mortar construction methods, modular construction is a choice many contractors and site managers are going for because of these two benefits alone. 

So, with faster build times and lower costs, you’d expect the same from the modular building foundations, right? Many think fast foundation systems may compromise on structural integrity, but using the Jackpad® modular foundations, you benefit from both. 

This blog explains how our foundations are both structurally safe and fast to install, and why our foundation pads offer far more value for modular construction than choosing alternatives like concrete. 

Does Faster Foundation Installation Mean Compromising on Safety?

People often associate structurally safe foundation systems with extensive preparation and lengthy installation, whether performing groundworks, pouring concrete and waiting for it to fully cure or paying for costly piled foundations where ground conditions have insufficient bearing capacity. 

Both concrete and piled foundations can provide the structural support a modular building needs, but they can also extend project timelines, increase costs and cause greater disruption to the surrounding site. 

This has meant a surge in project managers and contractors looking for fast to install foundation systems without compromising on structural stability. The important distinction is that faster installation should come from a system designed to work efficiently, not from cutting corners. With the right site assessment, load calculations and foundation configuration, speed and safety can work together. 

How Jackpad® Foundations Are Designed for Structural Stability

The Jackpad® foundations are designed for structural stability and fast installation. How you might ask? Founded in 2000, Jackpad® foundations use an innovative design consisting of an incremental packer, support block and steel adjuster. Each engineered component works together to create a strong and adaptable foundation that supports modular buildings of various sizes and safe working loads (SWL).

Rather than relying on extensive groundworks, the system is designed to provide stable support at each required load point while allowing precise adjustment during installation. 

Spreading Point Loads Across the Foundation Pad

The Jackapad® 400 support block is what spreads the vertical point load of the modular building across the wider area of the foundation pad. This reduces the concentration of load at individual support points and helps create a stable base beneath the structure.

When combined with the other Jackpad® components, a single foundation pad has a SWL of 48kN, with certain configurations able to support loads of up to 295kN. The exact number and configuration of the foundation pads required will depend on factors including dead and live loads.

Adjusting Levels to Within +/- 2mm

One of the key advantages of the Jackpad® system is its ability to make precise level adjustments during installation. The steel adjuster allows the foundation height to be fine-tuned to within +/- 2mm, helping the modular building sit level even where there are slight variations across the site., even where there are undulations across the site.

This adjustability also removes the need for traditional shims commonly associated with concrete foundations. If levels need to be altered during installation, this fast foundation system can be adjusted quickly by turning the nut on the threaded receiving plate, or the introduction of 50 mm additional incremental packers.

Matching the Foundation System to Ground-Bearing Capacity

A fast installation still needs to start with the right foundation configuration. For Jackpad®, one of the most important considerations is the relationship between the building load and the ground-bearing capacity of the site. 

Before installation, site access, levels and whether the system is suitable for the proposed location will be assessed. This helps determine the number and configuration of foundation pads required for the modular building. 

Providing the client is satisfied with the sufficient bearing capacity has been achieved the Jackpads® can be installed with no ground preparation. This is a key reason the system can be installed quickly without compromising the support required for the modular building above. 

What Makes Jackpad® Foundations Faster to Install?

We’ve established what makes the Jackpad® system structurally sound. But what makes them the ideal quick installation foundations for your modular build?

For one, if conditions allow for it, minimal or no groundworks are needed. Jackpad® can be installed on almost any surface, including tarmac and gravel, even where fall in level is common. You won’t have to wait for extensive ground preparation before installing the system, followed by the modular building. 

As you won’t have to use concrete, you also won’t need to perform the lengthy process of laying and waiting for it to fully cure. Concrete generally has considerable curing times, so project timelines can be reduced by weeks if not months. Plus, you won’t be at risk of costly and timely remedial work if the concrete mix is compromised. 

When Jackpad® match the SWL detailed on the clients foundation drawings and the number and configurations of foundation pads required have been figured out, most installations can be completed within one day. And in some cases, we have installed up to 100 pads in a day, depending on conditions. Installation can also take place when it’s raining, something you’ll have issues with when using concrete. 

Why Adjustability Matters During Rapid Site Development

Foundations for modular buildings need to be designed to work around undulations and differences in ground level. Normally, shims would be placed between a foundation or support point and the structure above to make up for small differences in height. 

The drawback is that shimming adds another adjustment stage during installation. It also relies on the correct type and thickness of shim being selected and positioned properly at each support point. With Jackpad®, the steel adjuster allows the foundation height itself to be fine-tuned, reducing the need to add separate shims to correct small level differences. 

Can Modular Buildings Be Installed on the Same Day as Their Foundations?

With traditional modular building foundations like concrete, the answer is a quick no. Concrete foundations must be fully cured before a modular building is installed. , and curing can take up to 28 days. 

Jackpad® is known as a fast foundation system because if all conditions are favourable, and planning and logistics are confirmed, there’s no reason why the foundations and the modular building can’t be installed on the same day. However, this will of course depend on the condition of the site and access, logistics and whether the number of foundation pads needed, as well as the configuration, have been confirmed. 

Fast Foundations for Short-Term and Long-Term Modular Buildings

Rapid installation of foundations can be for both short- and long-term modular projects. While many modular and portable buildings will be in situ temporarily, modular buildings are also being used as permanent structures. 

If the building is intended to be relocated, the Jackpad® foundations can come along with the structure to the new site, ready to be installed. This reusable benefit also means you can lower waste and have a cost-effective solution for your foundations. 

If your modular building is going to be in situ permanently, you can benefit from using our structurally safe foundation systems for the long-term. Our Jackpad® foundations have been used for modular classrooms, healthcare cabins and other long-term projects, providing strong structural support for decades. 

Faster Foundations Without Cutting Corners

Fast installation does not have to come at the expense of structural stability. With the right site assessment, load calculations and foundation configuration, the Jackpad® system provides a practical way to keep modular building projects moving without skipping the steps that matter. By combining precise adjustability, effective load distribution and minimal-to-no ground preparation where conditions allow, the system helps reduce installation time while still giving your modular building the support it needs. 

Enquire to hire or buy Jackpad® quick installation foundations by contacting us here.