Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs)

Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are cast-in-place concrete walls are placed between two layers of insulating material. ICFs are used for the construction of low-rise buildings both commercial and industrial purpose. 

ICFs are considered as a replacement for traditional wood frame construction. It is installed and manufactured in different arrangements based on the application.

Also Read: What is Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS)?

Features of ICFs

In ICFs, styrofoam blocks forms the framing of the walls and it is filled with concrete. These forms are permanent and not removed similar to conventional concrete formwork system. These systems are light, simple and easy to work. Once the concrete is dry, the whole wall unit provide good insulation. 

Photo by LogixICF

The insulation forms are used to stack or interlink to make forms for roofs, pool walls or ceilings and later filled with concrete.

Design of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

These concrete walls show superior structural performance as load bearing walls. It can help reduce the heat production within the building and reduce electricity consumption by using A/C by 35 to 40%. It also helps reduce the construction time about 25 %.

The concrete used for ICFs can have the following characteristics

Image Credits: www.cemex.ae

Application of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

The ICFs system can be used for bearing wall panels, non-bearing or partition walls, floors or slab panels. They provide the following advantages:

1. Provide fire resistance to 120 minutes
2. Give acoustic performance
3. Design flexibility
4. Increase LEED Points
5. Increase site productivity

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