Introduction to Insulating Concrete Forms Insulating Concrete Forms, also known as ICF construction, is a building system that offers superior strength, energy efficiency, durability and comfort compared to traditional construction methods. Although it has been predominantly used in the residential market during the past decade, commercial applications are rapidly increasing.

Joseph Lyman Executive Director, ICFA My name is David Shepherd. I am the Program Manager for Residential Technology at the Portland Cement Association. Phone (847) 966 – 6200, ext 323 E-mail dshepherd@portcement.org The Portland Cement Association 5420 Old Orchard Road Skokie, IL 60077

Wall Functions Structure Insulation Finish Attachment Chase for utilities There are several other concrete home building systems, including masonry, reusable forms and precast products. We are going to focus on ICF Technology. ICF construction is not smoke and mirrors. It is a very proven product in a new package. Simply put, it is a reinforced concrete wall identical to the ones you have designed for years as basements, foundations and retaining walls. The advantage is that the forming system is very lightweight, has high insulation properties and does not require removal. The finished wall generally incorporates integral attachment points for interior and exterior finishes.

Typical ICF Wall 100% insulation (R- 18 to 22) 100% monolithic structure Integral furring Fully insulated chase cavity With an ICF wall, the forms are stacked and the concrete is poured. You end up with a monolithic concrete core (just like any other concrete wall), and two continuous insulation layers. The face of the ties function as the furring strips.

Components Face Shell 2 to 2.5” thick R- 18 to R-22 EPS or XPS Withstands internal pressure of concrete during placement Conceptually, ICF’s are rather simple. They all use the same basic components. A Face Shell of polystyrene foam, a core of reinforced concrete and a form tie that supports the face during placement. The face shell is: EPS expanded ( beadboard, white, construction grade version of coolers and refrigerator insulation.) XPS extruded (Dow’s blue board, Owens-Corning = pink, and Amoco = green) Typically 2” to 2.5” thick. Provides an R-18 to R-22 continuous insulation plane from footing to top plate.

Components Form Tie Plastic or metal 6” to 12” o.c. Rebar saddles Form ties are either plastic or metal. They hold the faces apart, provide rigidity to the form, support the rebar and frequently are the attachment point for finishes.

Components Form Tie Face Tie face for attachment of finishes can be exposed or recessed Pullout values vary by manufacturer and the type of fastener. Generally speaking, siding, drywall, lath, cabinets, trim, masonry veneer anchors, etc. are all adequately supported by the screw attachment. Heavy concentrated loads may require additional anchorage. The blocks above show an exposed tie face. Some systems use a recessed face which are about 3/8” below the foam face and indicated by a mark of the foam so installers can find them.

Components Reinforced Concrete Core 4”, 6” or 8” thick 10”+ in 2” increments Monolithic, 2,500 to 4,000 psi 6”slump 3/8” aggregate Rebar = 40 or 60 ksi The concrete in an ICF wall is nothing special. Design specifications are typical of conventional foundation requirements. The one minor difference is the aggregate size. It is typically 3/8” max to allow for pumping of the concrete, especially for above grade applications. Concrete placed inside an ICF actually achieves higher than normal strength due to the ideal curing conditions, stable temperature and slow moisture loss rates.

Quiet Comfort ICFs Have High STC Ratings 6” ICF wall = 57 Collaborative for High-Performance Schools study shows as noise is reduced inside classrooms, test scores increase In occupancy surveys by new ICF homeowners, the number one response about the quality of living is not the lower energy bills, it’s how quiet their new home is. You have probably used multi-layer, staggered stud walls for party walls. A flat 6” ICF system can achieve this fairly easily. No flanking path for noise to travel. Consequently, it is an ideal solution for a noisy urban or suburban infill site.

End Result Exterior shell with: Superior strength Thermal performance High R-value Thermal mass Virtually no thru wall infiltration Acoustical attenuation Disaster resistance Low Maintenance Refer to notes on screen.

ICF History EPS was created by the German chemical company BASF in 1940s. Werner Gregori created the foam ICF concept in the mid 1960’s as a foundation material, and submitted patents in 1966. The German chemical company BASF created expanded polystyrene in the late 1940’s and has been worked with the construction industry since that time developing products that use EPS. Insulating Concrete Forms, or ICFs, were developed by Werner Gregori in the mid-1960’s as an alternative to the heavy traditional forming systems of the day like steel pan and plywood forms. ICFs brought flexibility of design to the jobsite while also giving workers a form they could easily manipulate. Since tracking the ICF industry in 1994, the industry has grown 4000% in the past decade, with 20% of work done in the commercial market. Currently, 70% of the ICF market is residential and 30% is commercial

Schools The commercial market for quiet, strong and durable ICF’s is unlimited. Hotels and motels, light commercial offices, big box retail, schools, nursing homes and churches are ideal projects that ICF’s can enhance.

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