Designing Walls With Insulated Concrete Forms INTRODUCTION Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are typically constructed of rigid foam plastic insulation, a composite of cement and foam insulation, or a composite of cement and wood chips. The forms typically remain in place after the concrete has cured to provide an insulated concrete wall. ICFs are typically categorized by the form of the ICF unit, such as pane, plank, and block. The main differences among these categories are the amount of concrete vs. form material required, insulating value, attachment requirements, and method of installation. ICF characteristics include the inherent strength of reinforced concrete construction in resisting high winds, reduction in the intrusion of outside noise, and resistance to damage by termites and moisture. Although ICFs have been used successfully in the United States, Canada, and Europe for more than 20 years, broader acceptance has been limited by a lack of practical design guidelines and prescriptive requirements for residential applications. As a result, those who desire to build or purchase a home with ICF construction must incur the additional burden of engineering for each application. ICF DESIGN The NAHB Research Center recently completed two publications: Prescriptive Method For Insulating Concrete Forms In Residential Construction, and Structural Design of Insulating Concrete Form Walls in Residential Construction. These publications will help builders, contractors, designers and others understand how to design and use ICF systems in residential construction. Prescriptive Design Method A prescriptive approach to ICF design eliminates the need for engineering in most applications. Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction includes below-grade and above-grade wall design tables, lintel tables, construction details, thermal guidelines, and other related information for home builders, building code officials, and design professionals. The provisions of this document were developed by applying accepted engineering practices to standard construction techniques; however, users of the document should verify its compliance with local code requirements. Funding for the research that lead to the development of the Prescriptive Method publication was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Portland Cement Association. It is available through HUD at 202-708-3151; PCA at 800-868-6733; and the NAHB Research Center at 800-638-8556. Structural Design Guide For applications not specifically addressed by the above prescriptive requirements, the Research Center developed a more detailed procedure for applying accepted engineering practice entitled Structural Design of Insulating Concrete Form Walls in Residential Construction. This publication is a step-by-step guideline for the design of single- and multi-unit residential structures using ICF wall systems. It includes detailed design procedures, a comprehensive design example, and design aids such as graphs, charts, and tables to assist the designer. | 
