PRC-560-22: Insulating Concrete Form Design and Construction—Report

Abstract:

Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are leave-in-place forms typically produced in block or panel shapes of expanded polystyrene (EPS). They provide additional components, such as insulation and a substrate for interior and exterior finish attachment, for a wall or floor system. The most widely used ICFs are block shapes, which are stacked in an interlocking fashion to create stable formwork for creation of reinforced concrete walls. Due to the variability of these manufactured form systems, this report does not attempt to address every ICF type, but provides a commentary on those systems most prevalent in the market, and insight, as well as additional information, relative to their use in design and construction. The report focuses on ICFs for walls.