Insulated Concrete Framework: The Best Modern Method of Construction for Self-Builders

This report discusses the benefits of insulated concrete framework (ICF) as a modern method of construction for self-builders. It covers the ICF design, building process, and environmental impacts. ICF is energy-efficient, strong, and has sound absorption properties. It is also non-biodegradable, quick to construct, and has better resistance to extreme weather. ICF is a greener option and minimizes waste.

1INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
By
Course
Instructor
Institution
Location
Date

2INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
TASK 2
INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
Introduction
Insulated concrete form (ICF) relates to a method where reinforced concrete is made
with thermal insulation to make exterior and interior substrate for roofs, walls and floors that
are usually dry stacked then filled with concrete. Self-build is the act of creating homes for
oneself using a combination of methods including being involved in the actual construction
work or even hiring a contractor. Modern methods of construction include precast flat panel
system, 3D volumetric modulus, flat slab construction, concrete walls and floors, twin wall
technology, precast concrete foundation, insulated concrete form, and concrete wall and
floors (Haefs, 2010). For a self-builder what would be the best method? This report will try
and prove that the insulated concrete form (ICF) of construction is the best modern of
construction for self-builders. Also its merits over the traditional method of construction.
The ICF design
There are things to consider when building using the ICF method and they include:
The ICF walls should not be thicker than metal or wood formed walls as this will affect the
exterior and interior designs. There is a need to preserve interior space by placing moving the
walls outside. Bathrooms and stairwells can be affected if the thickness of the wall varies and
is moved to the interior (Matthews, 2012). There is a need to maintain interior dimensions to
alleviate this worry.
Vents are to be installed in the concrete core or interior wall partition.
Windows and door openings are recommended to be 12 inches or more to ensure a proper
consolidation of concrete and create a structural column.

3INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
Headers and lintel designs should be based on product engineer
The ICF building process includes:
The first step involves excavation and site preparation (Panushev, 2014). A solid
foundation forms the basis of any project. Site clearing involves the removal of trees, bushes,
roots and other types of vegetation. Ensure that the ditch markings are well put and dug
properly. Backhoe operators use a centreline or an outer edge as their basis and by knowing
the veneer to be used will show the footing to be dug.
Secondly, form the footings as per the engineer’s requirements. Footings form an
integral part in construction of the foundation. They constitute of concrete plus rebar
reinforcement that has been poured into an excavated trench. Footings usually act as a
support to the foundation mostly in areas with weak soils by prevention of settling. In-ground
footings aren’t usually straight hence you should leave some extra width (Association, 2012).
Footing often spread the load from the structure to the ground.one has to consider frost lines,
moisture control, code compliance, structure loading, and soil type when designing the
foundation.
Thirdly, place the concrete footing forms by finishing the concrete to make a level surface
for the ICF blocks. Formwork involves pouring cement in temporary or permanent moulds.
They are usually assembled on site and stays in place after the concrete has cured.
The fourth step involves stacking the block forms. The first row of the ICF walls
stacks directly on the footing. ICF blocks are usually 4 foot long and 16 inches high but may
vary mostly due to manufacturing styles. A cavity that gives the blocks strength is created

4INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
and is made of evenly spaced webs. The thickness of the cavity runs between 4-12 inches or
even more (Wael, 2014). There are usually blocks of 45-degree, corner blocks, brick ledge
forms and taper top blocks alongside other fittings. Some blocks are made to fit even if they
placed backwards making construction work easy .Radial walls, elevations, plus other
architectural features are easily made using ICFs .Firstly, a corner block is placed on every
corner of the structure. Followed by straight ICF blocks towards the centre of every wall
segment. Use HV clips on every corner web hold them tightly together by pulling the blocks
towards each other. The horizontal rebar is placed inside the block cavity usually at the top
clips of the internal webs. The clips place the rebar in its position hence eliminate the need
for wire tying and repeating this step for each of the course blocks. When installing the
second course of the block, do reverse the corner blocks. Use the transit level to check that
the wall is level and that the footings have not dropped by checking for the correct height and
length .install bucks in the window and door openings that stay in place permanently and
provide attachment and insulation between concrete and window and door frames. Put more
courses of blocks by ensuring the blocks form an interlocking pattern through overlapping of
the blocks. The blocks are stacked to the full wall height for a one storey building and if it is
a multi-storey building they are stacked just above floor height.
Fifthly, install vertical alignment bracing around the entire structure to secure the
walls. The bracing system keeps the walls straight and plumb. The bracing also allows for
alignment to be adjusted before and during the concrete pour. Also bracing provides a safe
and secure framework to support scaffolding planks (Steve, 2003). Vertical steel is placed
before each pour. A cold joint dowel is then put to hold in place the next pour and the last.
Almost all bracing systems have adjustable turnbuckles that is key for straightening of the
walls after the pouring has ended.

5INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
It is critical to inspect all the reinforcement, strapping, and bracing before placing
concrete into the blocks. Horizontal reinforcement occurs when the forms are being
installed .Alignment systems are installed when the wall becomes too high and is unreachable
while standing on the ground. The alignment systems allow the stacking of forms by placing
planks that have foot plank brackets. Afterwards concrete is poured at every level at a time.
A boom or line pump is used to inject concrete into the ICF walls. Placing the concrete
in lifts at about four feet at a time (Westendorff, 2011). Continue to place the concrete until it
reaches the top most part of the wall. Improper concrete placement can cause a blowout that
results and delay and clean up. Sufficient vibration while placing while placing the concrete
is crucial for preventing the formation of air pockets and voids that usually weaken the
structure of a home.
A mechanical vibrator is then used to internally vibrate concrete hence all air pockets
from within are removed. Level off concrete until it is at the same level with the block top
then commence to wet set anchor bolts into the concrete block top. The anchor bolts are used
afterwards to install the top plate, awaiting for the truss or rafters to be installed. (Charo,
2013). Afterwards remove and clean the braces that are usually placed every 4-6 feet that
withstand wind forces during construction bracing and alignment is usually key for the
project to be successful.
Usually, window openings should not be less than 12 inches. Framing smaller
openings together reduces the overall vertical rebar on the side of the openings. A better lintel
design is to be used if the openings are much wider. Doors with sidelights are framed
together. Vertical steel is then put in place on either side of the openings .Lintels are
reinforced should to a maximum of 24 inches for the opening. It is a must for openings in
ICF walls to stop concrete from flowing and furthermore provide attachment points for doors

6INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
or windows to be installed. (Panushev, 2014). Bucking is generally a permanent part of the
wall once the concrete is poured .The bucks are pre-built to ensure correct sizes hence saving
time and labour. It is necessary that the material type and buck thickness be considered when
creating rough openings. Horizontal and vertical bracing is needed to prevent the buck from
moving( mainly caused by the concrete force) could prevent the installation of windows or
door with no need of structural changes
When you get to the roof if you are to avoid wastage try and keenly study the ICF
home (Matthews, 2012). You may consider adding attics which may be vented or unvented.
In addition, radiant barriers are often a great plus in the attic since most are foil products to
ensure maximum efficiency by reflecting heat and act as an insulator to the materials below.
Electrical and plumbing pipes should be added to the ICF walls by creating chases
using routers and chainsaws and use adhesive foams to secure any pipes in place. All wiring
is put into the foam as deep as possible.
ICF roofing panels are usually 40 feet long and 6 inches thicker with a wood or a
metal deck roofing system the concrete cap is supported by a bar joist. All concrete roofing
system provide lifesaving protection which includes tilt-up panels or hollow core precast
panels and can be set with high slope. Some self-builders choose to build a flat deck concrete
roof and place after a truss system. Insulation options for the roof include batt insulation,
foam sheet or icynene spray insulation that protects the roof from weather and solar damage.
Roof coating also reduces the temperature transmitted to the interior of the ICF house (Krul,
2013).
Termites shield are often designed to create a barrier that termites cannot pass. The
shield only forces the termites out but cannot block the invasion other methods of keeping
termites in check includes; using a stainless steel mesh or waterproofing materials.

7INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
When finishing an ICF home, drywall is secured into plastic strips in the ICF forms,
allowing the home to be plastered and finished like a convection home. The look of the home
is better in comparison to a standard home.
Merits of ICF as a method of construction:
Firstly, ICF blocks usually interlock reducing the need for bonding materials like
mortar. This will reduce the construction costs as less material will be needed. Secondly,
ICFs are usually energy efficient as they are high thermal resistance, unlike the uninsulated
masonry. Also, there are minimal air leaks which in turn means that there is minimal heat
loss. Thirdly, ICF structures are very strong. They don’t decay when wet, have high ductility,
and possess structural integrity features that are ten times stronger than wood framed
structures (Kennedy, 2011).
Fourthly, the standard thickness of ICF walls reduce rates of acoustic transmission
hence possess sound absorption properties, unlike wood framed structures that allow sound.
Most ICF also have a six-inch concrete with a sound transmission rate of 55 compared to
wood walls that have a rating of about 38. Hence ICF walls can stop more sound from going
out hence less noise pollution or even complaints.
In addition, ICF walls maintain high thermal performance by regulating humidity
levels thereby better indoor air quality by maintaining even heating and cooling. Also, ICFs
are an unappealing source of food for pests like termites that often dine on wood framed
walls. Also, there are no gaps to allow the insects to pass through creating a more challenging
barrier to vermin.
Then again, ICF walls are non-biodegradable as they aren’t vulnerable to decay in
comparison to untreated timber. Also, less skilled labour can be employed as ICF

8INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
construction is less demanding due to its modularity. And ICF requires only temporary
scaffolding as structural support, unlike traditional wood beam construction.
Furthermore, ICF is designed a friendly considering the variety of shapes and sizes
making it ideal for innovative designing features like freeform shapes and curved walls hence
it is suitable for the self-built project and those that have highly innovated architectural
designs. The blocks used in ICF fit together quickly meaning that the building can be
watertight less time as compared to the traditional method of construction. ICF building style
is not limited by vagaries of whether meaning that no amount of rain or frosty conditions will
stop the construction process.
This system is a greener option since the material used in construction are made from
recycled cement-bonded wood fibre, cellular concrete, polyurethane foam, or even cement
bonded polystyrene beads. ICF has been designed to withstand pressures of extreme weather
like hurricanes and tornadoes and to withstand the pressures of the wet concrete pour up to
3m and for this reason, it is majorly being used.
ICF is quick and easy to construct since the blocks or panels fit together quickly and do
not need any joining agent. The filling with concrete is of the more skilled job, but as long as
the mix and method are carefully monitored by an experienced person are fairly
straightforward. Also, well-trained plumbers and electricians find it easy to use ICF as they
usually come with reference marks that help in speeding up the construction process.
There is structural integrity for better resistance to the extremes of nature. The
components of ICF don’t decay when wet and a monolithic, post or beam is usually 10 times
stronger than wood framed structures.
Lastly, ICFs are lightweight meaning lower insurance costs as there are minimal injuries if
any during the construction process.

9INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
The environmental and sustainability impacts of ICFs include:
ICF optimize energy performance. Such building reduces heating and cooling loads
through thermal insulation, reduced air infiltration and thermal mass.
ICFs minimise waste and can be recycled or reused on the job site. Polypropylene in
ICFs are made of 100% recycled materials and cement is also added as a cavity in the form of
fly ash (Thogan, 2013). Also, waste generated by an ICF building is usually low and
construction waste is usually resold to the manufacturer for recycling.
ICFs improve indoor environmental quality by minimising exposure to mould, mildew
and other toxins. Bracing is installed on the interior of the structure minimising activity that
occurs outside. Concrete build durable structures. ICF is highly durable and usually
accommodates water damage protection strategies like waterproofing and damp proofing.
Conclusion
If this was a wrestling match, ICF building system will win with a knockout punch
over traditional methods of construction. ICF was first practised during World War II and the
technology has been advanced over time to meet the current trends in the markets. Finding a
construction system that is pocket-friendly, energy efficient, conserves the environment is the
way to go to construction. Be it extreme weathers such as hurricanes or tornadoes and even
areas with seismic activities there is a guarantee that you will live another day in an ICF
house with only minor repairs to bare afterwards. ICFs apply thermal mass strategies and are
often less expensive over time since they need lesser amounts of energy that is usually 60%
to heat and cool the same amount of space compared to other traditional forms of
construction as. Currently, in the construction industry ICF is the trend as it has gained
awareness in the market even though there is stiff competition from other types of designs.
When you want to upgrade just try ICF.

10INSULATED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK
References
Association, P. C., 2012. Insulated Concrete Forms. 2nd ed. Amsterdam: CRC.
Charo, M., 2013. Construction in modern way , Chicago: CRC.
Glennon, R., 2010. Solar Energy's Cloudy Future. 2nd ed. Hull: CRC.
Haefs, B., 2010. Forms and FUnctions. 1st ed. Hawaii: Springer.
International Solar Energy Society, 2015. Solar Energy Pocket Reference. 1st ed. Tokyo: Italian Press.
Kennedy, G., 2011. Several modern ways of construction. 1st ed. Chicago: CRC.
Krul, J., 2013. Best construction in the modern world. 2nd ed. Hull: Springer .
Matthews, R., 2012. All About Self Build. 2nd ed. Florida: Blackberry books.
Mills, D., 2014. Advances in Solar Thermal Electricity Technology. 2nd ed. Hawaii: Springer.
Norton, B., 2013. Harnessing Solar Heat. 3rd ed. Chicago: CRC.
Panushev, I., 2014. Insulating Concrete Forms Construction. 3rd ed. Manchester: McGraw Hill.
Steve, S., 2003. The Cement Industry and Global Climate Change, s.l.: Oxford.
Thogan, B., 2013. Ensuring the sustainability innthe environmental impacts on construction. 3rd ed.
Florida: CRC.
Wael, S., 2014. Types of Self Built Houses. 3rd ed. Florida: Universal Publishers.
Westendorff, D., 2011. Self built house in developing countries. 4th ed. Florida: CRC.