Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated Concrete Forms
(OP)
Anyone have any experience with ICF's? I am currently in the concept phase of a project and looking for some pro's and cons of the product.
When was the last time you drove down the highway without seeing a commercial truck hauling goods?
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RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
Dik
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
General recommendations:
1. Require a contractor with experience using that particular product
2. Don't hang anything (i.e. canopies or balloon type framing) from the face of these walls
3. It is preferable to make these walls cladding, and have the framing supported independently.
4. Require SSI and SSO
5. If you use a core type ICF (4" or 6" holes at 15" plus or minus on center), it is very difficult to install epoxy anchors in the face without blowing out the cell. To reiterate #2- try to avoid surface mounting connections.
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
Another thing, don't point out to your field inspectors how they anchor on the walkways for construction. I explained to one of our guys that they only use #10 pan head screws in the plastic ties, and he still is not thrilled to know that.
Brad
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
BA
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
ICF's, in themselves, are styrofoam forms, true.
However, when you fill them with concrete and steel, they become structural elements - walls (some perforated), beams, columns and lintels. I prefer to work with those that are rated.
If they are not rated, then they need to be analyzed structurally for the application and location of use.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
The lower end systems are usually used by people that just dump the forms full, let them bulge, deform or move at corners and promote poor concrete placement and never seem to mention thta pumping can be a superior placement method.
There are some very good suppliers with a wealth of experience and technical assistance to designers that bother to go to get their system tested and approved.
It still bothers me that they use EPS foam instead of XPS foam, but that fits the system although it does limit the forming and bracing.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
All the walls, beams, lintels, etc. that are FORMED by the ICF are still just concrete walls, beams, and lintels.
RE: Insulated Concrete Forms
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask