Insulated Concrete forms (ICFs) is an sandwich-type of forms in which reinforced concrete is poured between two insulating layers ( Expanded Polystyrene"EPS" or Extruded Polystyrene"XPS" form) separated by web or connector. ICF are used in construction of residential as well as commercial buildings. It has lifespan much more than traditional constructed building. ICF gives a building enhanced solidity, durability, resistance to serve conditions, quietness, energy efficiency.
The foam blocks are stacked as interlocking blocks which does not require an binding material such as cement mortar. The most common size of blocks are 4 foot long and 16 inches high. The block width vary from 4 to 12 inches but most common sizes is 6 and 8 inches. The manufacturer also offer corner blocks, 45-degree blocks and taper top block. Some blocks are fully reversible which adding ease to construction. Electric and Water fitting can be easily done as the each side of insulated blocks is enough wide. Before doing that Fitter or worker know how to cut the channels in the blocks. They can learn these skills easily from the manufacturers and industry groups. You can also place water and electric pipes in cavity but sometimes during placing the concrete, these pipes may get damage which require more cost and time to repair. Thus fitting in form is preferred.
After placing the form, necessary penetration holes are constructed across the insulated layers. Then horizontal steel bars are placed inside the form blocks. After that, vertical bars are placed in the blocks and alignment of walls made by interlocking of blocks is checked. Then concrete is poured in the form cavity of blocks up to desired heights.
In commercial buildings, the steel welded plates or bolt plates are pre installed within the formwork as they can embedded with the fresh concrete.
In commercial buildings, the steel welded plates or bolt plates are pre installed within the formwork as they can embedded with the fresh concrete.
Advantage
- Energy Efficient: According to Portland Cement Association, ICF homes can save upto 50% on heating or cooling cost over a wood farmed house as it help to maintain the indoor air temperature.
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Handling and Transportation: The form blocks are light in weight which makes its handling and transportation easy than wood. Thus less labors and heavy machinery are required.
Handling and Transportation: The form blocks are light in weight which makes its handling and transportation easy than wood. Thus less labors and heavy machinery are required.
- Weather Resistance: ICF homes are more weather resistant than traditional wooden homes. It can even withstand in tornadoes and hurricanes.
- Faster Construction times: ICF block eliminate times for setting formworks before pouring concrete or time required in sheating and insulating exterior walls in wood constructed houses.
- Insect Resistance: It completely eliminate insect attack like termites. But in wooden houses, it is always a danger as it weakens the structure with time and if neglected, then result into collapse of structure.
- Sound Proof: ICF walls only allow one-third of noise to penetrates through it as compared to wooden walls.
- Fire Resistance: In fire, wooden structure can withstand only 15 minutes to 1 hour but ICF structure can withstand upto 4 hours as concrete
Disadvantage
- Cost: ICF increase the cost of construction upto 1 to 8 percent as compared to wooden construction. But in some cases, ICF has less construction cost as it depends upon design. Simpler the design of structure, lesser the cost of construction.
- Changes: Form allow to make penetrations easily by a hot knife before placing the concrete. But after hardening the concrete, it is much difficult to make another penetrations as you have to cut the concrete. So choose the design carefully.
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