ABOUT DAT
DAT SYSTEM was developed by Pittsburgh Area structural engineer, Dirk Taylor, who has 40 years of experience with the design of new building structures and restoration of existing deteriorated building structures. He has helped with the rehabilitation of many historic structures, including the oldest remaining original building in Pittsburgh, PA, the Fort Pitt Block House.
Dirk created DAT SYSTEM in 2018 to resolve a failing basement retaining wall problem at his youngest daughter’s house. After one basement wall repair company walked away from the job because the existing conditions were “outside their comfort zone” and being quoted by another wall repair contractor that it would be much more expensive and much more invasive, Dirk developed a more affordable and dependable system as the solution. Since the initial installation, Dirk was able to perfect the system not only by making it easier to install, but also giving it a cleaner look. On June 2nd, 2020, he awarded U.S. Patent No.10,669,730 B1 for DAT SYSTEM.
DAT SYSTEM is engineered to handle tension stresses on inner surfaces of basement walls that were not properly designed or constructed, by providing external reinforcing that works in the same manner as conventional reinforcing steel.
HOW IT WORKS
Lateral earth pressure on the exterior wall surface creates tension stress on the inner wall surface.
As tension stresses exceed the tensile strength of masonry, the wall cracks and bows inward.
DAT SYSTEM provides the tensile strength needed at the inner wall surface to resist the lateral earth pressure.
