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Waffle Pattern ICF Systems (Cast in Place)....Are these Legit ?

Waffle Pattern ICF Systems (Cast in Place)....Are these Legit ?

Waffle Pattern ICF Systems (Cast in Place)....Are these Legit ?

(OP)
Has anyone ever used this product

http://www.efbm.com/

, or one like it for any or all of the following conditions:

a) basement wall condition
b) frost wall condition
c) to replace wood framed walls on any or all levels

A person approached me with this product. I have seen this once before in a fire investigation project. The foam had burned off leaving this waffle pattern of concrete. I noted how thin the remaining concrete section was when I saw this.

After the above product showed up on my radar yesterday, I am again concerned with the very thin width (something like 2") at its panel form pinch points, which coincides with the location where the "foam" is widest.

Per ACI 318 Section 14.5.3.2 exterior basement walls shall be at least 7. 1/2" wide.....so I guess I'm wondering how in the world a supplier as big as Lowes is actually selling this stuff and inspectors in IRC jursidictions are ok with it.

Details and specifications for this product can be found at this link:

http://www.efbm.com/EF-Block-ICF-Blocks.html

They even have full height basement wall sections.

RE: Waffle Pattern ICF Systems (Cast in Place)....Are these Legit ?

It seems pretty sketchy to me for use in engineered construction. Everything on their website seems geared towards an outdated (2006) version of the IRC, which is based on prescriptive requirements. They keep showing pictures of a medical center that used it, but I wonder if it was as architectural concrete since that's what their specification is geared towards. They have a licensed PE,SE on staff; it may be worth giving him a call and discussing your concerns. FWIW, I think it's fair to be concerned that it is up to code.

RE: Waffle Pattern ICF Systems (Cast in Place)....Are these Legit ?

Need the EIR'S that many ICF companies do not have for the various allowable structural load values. Without those, I am skeptical as it would have to be analyzed manually. Some have done this, but not me.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)


RE: Waffle Pattern ICF Systems (Cast in Place)....Are these Legit ?

I agree with the other Mike. He brings up a good point.

RE: Waffle Pattern ICF Systems (Cast in Place)....Are these Legit ?

(OP)
A self answer here that may help others.....IRC Chapter 611 is chock full of all sorts of codified guidelines on enforcement, reduction factors etc for the proper technical term "waffle grid wall system"......Hmmm....learning something new every day.

RE: Waffle Pattern ICF Systems (Cast in Place)....Are these Legit ?

And what if it is engineered under the IBC and tested to get an EIR approval?

Most of these companies do not go that far though from my experience.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)


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