Kelly Slab Document - PDF file

Originated in New Orleans Louisiana in the mid 60's, patented by Billy Kelly, it utilized sealed self locking hardware for the 3/8" extruded strand. The field test done by H. Platt Thompson was initiated by Walter M. Mischer Co. who had expressed an interest in purchasing the rights to market Kelly Slabs in all states with the exception of New Orleans which Kelly wished to retain.

A super 8 mm movie was also made of the test along with the report which is described in the text. The film had a tremendous impact on the homebuilders of El Paso, Texas, where Kelly's representatives were kind enough to present and answer questions at my request.

My firm at the time, Jensen Inc., received the exclusive right to market the Kelly System in El Paso in 1969, approximately one year after the report. It was my initiation into post-tensioning and at the time we were the only foundation contractor doing Kelly Slabs.

B.L. Jensen