ACI 560R-16 Report on Design and Construction with Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs). 1.2—Scope As noted previously, there are many proprietary ICF systems, and building codes do not offer general guidance about ICF construction. This report provides background information that is useful for designing and building ICF structures. It also supplements proprietary information avail- able from individual manufacturers with general information applying to most ICFs. This report is also useful to building offcials and other professionals who may work with ICFs. Construction in the United States has undergone several important changes in the past century. With these changes have come codes and standards to assist owners, building offcials, designers, and contractors in constructing quality structures that are durable and sustainable, with more emphasis on energy effciency. Quality-of-life issues are also being addressed, either through codes or other building criteria, notably the development of green building rating systems and programs promoting greater energy effciency and sustainability (USGBC 2010). Occupant health, safety, and general well-being—for example, resilient construc- tion—are also being identifed as important factors in building construction practices, integrating entire building envelopes into a cohesive system. This ultimately is moving today’s industry toward more sustainable structures that are longer-lasting and resilient enough to reduce rebuilding, thereby reducing energy consumption. Research on ICFs is addressed in detail throughout this document. Manufacturers should provide specifc, detailed information about their proprietary products and tests demonstrating performance of the ICF in meeting the intent of applicable building codes. Whether this information is available as an evaluation service report or some other tech- nical report, it should allow a licensed design professional to determine whether an ICF is appropriate for a particular application. 3.1—Flat-wall Flat-wall insulating concrete form (ICF) systems are the most commonly used in wall construction today. They result in a solid, fat reinforced concrete wall sandwiched between two faces of low-absorptive, foam plastic insulating mate- rial, commonly referred to as expanded polystyrene (EPS). The form faces are typically interconnected by polypropylene crossties that are subsequently encapsulated in the reinforced concrete. Figure 3.1a illustrates a typical block-type ICF. Figure 3.1b illustrates the typical isometric and cross section view of the form and the resulting concrete core.ACI 560R pdf download.
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