Contractor wants to do ICF construction on solid grouted reinforced CMU stemwall with slab on grade. This is a one story story residential structure in high wind. I have have heard another engineer have issue with this approach, as depending on the nature of the icf system you maybe stacking a stronger/stiffer element on a weaker one? PCA100 does not appear to address this application. I see the icf system typically continued down to the foundation. Anyone have experience with building from a cmu stemwall? Any issues to consider? How common is this application? Is this addressed in the IBC?
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ICF construction on CMU stemwall
- Thread starter eng003
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TXStructural
Structural
This seems like an odd arrangement. The ICF (i.e., cast-in-place concrete wall) will be significantly stronger with the same cross section. I'm guessing the contractor wants to use the uninsulated stem wall below grade, but this is probably asking for moisture problems. Since it is a non-standard configuration, just design it as you would any other engineered structure. The ICF prescriptive method applies only to regular buildings and usual conditions, and should not be kludged to work with odd arrangements.
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