![]() The recommended concrete slump for commercial work should be a minimum of 5” to 6” (102 mm to 152 mm), subject to climate and engineering design. This should always be done in conjunction with your producer.Ĭoncrete specifications for ICFs have two main requirements that are important to the placement and flow of concrete within the forms. Most producers have a concrete mix design for ICF walls, but they may have to be adjusted due to weather or site conditions. The responsibility for the concrete mix design should remain with the ready-mix producer. By not being exposed to the weather and having the concrete insulated, the requirement for expansion or control joints is eliminated on most walls. This slow cure results in a high early strength and longevity. Since the concrete is never exposed to the weather, it retains a higher moisture content. In cold weather the only concern is the exposed top of the pour, which can be protected by thermal blankets or speciality products recommended by the manufacturer. Vibration, in order to achieve consolidation, is a requirement.Ĭuring is achieved by the nature of the insulating properties of the ICF form. Designs can exceed 20 storeys and beyond.Ĭoncrete contractors should treat ICF construction as typical concrete wall construction for both commercial and residential applications. There is a simplicity with the design and installation of an ICF wall system – the insulating form, the reinforcement, and the concrete working together as one in the structural building envelope. ![]() ![]() These ICF walls have load bearing capacities that can support any type of floor or roof system.įor large, multi-storey buildings, ICF walls may be designed as shear walls, elevator shafts and interior load-bearing walls. Other projects, such as box big stores with walls up to 32-foot (9.75 m) in height have been constructed using an 8” (200 mm) ICF. Depending on the project design requirements, some multi-storey buildings up to five storeys have been constructed with a 6” (150 mm) concrete core ICF. Reinforced concrete is one of the strongest structural systems for walls, its used in wall that spans vertically between lateral supports allows for a thinner design. These requirements are dictated by the “CAN/CSA A23.3 Design of Concrete Structures.” All commercial and industrial ICFs must still be designed to Part 4 of the NBC. To support these changes, the Insulating Concrete Form Manufacturers Association (ICFMA) has created a free document, available on its website, that explains the prescriptive designs for residential buildings, and is stamped for all the provinces. This advantage allowed the owners considerate improvement in obtaining fully occupied residences in a short amount of time. For example, the use of ICF allowed student housing to be constructed and occupied before the next school year. The main driver for many of these builds was time. In the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario, more than 80 eight-storey buildings have been constructed over the past 20 years. As concrete pumping has allowed the ICF universe to expand, today’s ICF industry also serves high-rise buildings, schools, commercial buildings and retirement homes. Gradually, the market moved to above-grade residential and commercial construction. This was due, in part, to engineering restrictions imposed by building codes. The initial introduction of ICF focussed mainly on residential basements. Many ICF companies have specially designed forms for brick ledges and corners. The plastic webs are embedded in the expanded polystyrene insulation and create flanges that the contractor can use to attach exterior and interior finishes. Steel rebar is placed horizontally on the webs and then concrete is cast in the form to create a structural wall. Blocks have interlocking joints on their edges to connect them together to form the structure. These may arrive on a jobsite in block form, or they may be assembled on site. ![]() Most ICF systems can be described as two sections of expanded polystyrene insulation connected by a series of plastic ties. Among their benefits are air tightness, labour savings, energy efficiency, resiliency, low carbon intensity, and more. (Photo courtesy of Airfoam Industries Ltd.)Īround for more than 40 years, Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) represent a simple solution to achieve many government- and industry-led climate or environmental goals. Innovative insulating building solutions.
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