Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction, Second Edition

Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) represent a category of building product that is receiving greater attention among builders. ICFs are hollow blocks, planks, or panels that can be constructed of rigid foam plastic insulation, a composite of cement and foam insulation, a composite of cement and wood chips, or other suitable insulation material that has the ability to act as forms for cast-in-place concrete walls. The forms typically remain in place after the concrete has cured, providing well-insulated construction. ICFs continue to gain popularity because they are competitive with light-frame construction and offer a strong, durable, and energy-efficient wall system for housing. The second edition expands on the first edition by adding provisions for Seismic Design Categories C and D (Seismic Zones 3 and 4). Wall construction requirements utilizing Grade 60 reinforcing steel and concrete mixes with selected compressive strengths are included. In addition, tables throughout the document have been simplified as a result of additional evaluation and user input.