Connecting Cold-Formed Steel Framing to Insulating Concrete Form Walls - 6/11/2003 - Home Foundation Structure Framing

Prescriptive Method for Connecting Cold-Formed Steel Framing to Insulating Concrete Form Walls in Residential Construction

February 2003

Executive Summary

In recent years construction of single-family homes with exterior walls of insulating concrete forms has grown rapidly. The use of cold-formed steel for the construction of residential interior walls, floors, and roofs has likewise grown rapidly. The reasons given for use of both materials include:

• Durability
• Strength
• Material consistency
• Price stability of material
• Ecological concerns

Yet builders who have combined insulating concrete forms and cold-formed steel framing in homes complain of a lack of information on making the connections. Many say that they believe they are employing overly involved and expensive methods. However, they are unwilling to employ simpler methods for fear that the connections might be inadequate.

This publication is intended to alleviate these problems by providing construction details and schedules for the connection of cold-formed steel frame walls, floor decks, and roofs to insulating concrete form exterior walls, based on engineering analysis and common building requirements. It is also intended to provide code officials and inspectors with the guidance necessary to perform their duties in home construction when these materials are used. Note that this publication is intended for use only by qualified industry professionals who can evaluate the applicability of its recommended details in specific projects and circumstances.

By facilitating the construction of houses from insulating concrete forms and coldformed steel, HUD expands housing affordability and quality through competition from new methods and materials.

The full guide is available in PDF format:

• Section 1
  • Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Chapter 2: General
  • Chapter 3: Materials, Shapes, and Standards of Sizes
• Section 2
  • Chapter 4: ICF-to-Steel Floor Connection Methods
  • Chapter 5: ICF-to-Steel Non-Structural Wall Connection Methods
  • Chapter 6: ICF-to-Steel Exterior Wall Connection Methods
• Section 3
  • Chapter 7: ICF-to-Steel Roof Connection Methods
  • Chapter 8: References

PREPARED FOR:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington, DC

The Steel Framing Alliance
Washington, DC

The Portland Cement Association
Skokie, IL

The Insulating Concrete Form Association
Glenview, IL

PREPARED BY:
Building Works, Inc.
Cambridge, MA