MAGNUM® steel moment frames provide a strong foundation solution for elevated homes and structures in coastal and hurricane-prone regions. The system combines structural steel frames with deep foundation options, including MAGNUM® Helical Piles, to support structures above required flood elevations.

For properties exposed to flooding, high winds, weak soils, or changing FEMA flood requirements, the MAGNUM Moment Frame system provides a practical way to elevate and support the structure while maintaining an open foundation below.

Steel Moment Frames for Coastal Construction

Steel moment frames have supported buildings for more than a century. Their rigid beam-to-column connections allow the frame to resist significant vertical and lateral forces.

MAGNUM has adapted this proven structural concept into a standardized steel foundation system for residential and light commercial construction. Interchangeable beams, columns, connections, and foundation components provide flexibility for a wide range of structure sizes and site conditions.

MAGNUM® Moment Frames can be used for:

• Elevated coastal homes
• Hurricane-prone residential construction
• Flood resistant foundations
• House elevation projects
• Modular and manufactured homes
• Beachfront properties
• Residential and light commercial structures

Flood Resistant Moment Frames

Coastal construction requirements have changed in many areas following major hurricane and flooding events. Updated flood maps can require homes to be constructed or raised above new base flood elevations.

MAGNUM Geo-Solutions has developed several Flood Resistant Moment Frame systems supported by helical piles along the Eastern coastline. These systems elevate structures above required flood elevations while transferring structural loads through the frame and into deeper bearing soils.

Helical piles can also reduce the need for large excavations and extensive concrete foundations. This can be especially valuable on coastal properties with limited access, weak surface soils, or existing structures.

Built to Resist Hurricane Wind Loads

Elevating a structure creates additional exposure to wind. The foundation system must therefore resist more than vertical building loads.

A MAGNUM® Moment Frame uses rigid steel connections to transfer lateral forces through the beams and columns and into the foundation. This allows the frame to resist forces created by hurricane winds while controlling lateral movement.

Steel also provides predictable elastic behavior. When a frame remains within its specified elastic range, it can flex under lateral loading and return toward its original position after the load is removed.

Each project must account for site-specific wind exposure, structure height, flood elevation, soil conditions, and structural loads.

Multiple Foundation Options

Site conditions can vary significantly from one coastal property to another. MAGNUM Moment Frames can accommodate several foundation configurations based on project requirements.

Foundation options may include:

• MAGNUM® Helical Piles
• Direct-connect helical pile foundations
• Steel grade beams with helical piles
• Concrete grade beams with helical piles
• Reinforced concrete foundation connections

Helical piles are particularly useful where weak upper soils make shallow foundations difficult. The piles can extend through unsuitable material and transfer loads to stronger soils at depth.

Installation can also be completed with relatively small equipment. This provides an advantage on restricted residential properties where access for conventional foundation equipment may be limited.