Unlocking the Potential of Insulated Concrete Formwork

ICF represents a shift in traditional construction, replacing traditional bricks and blocks with modular hollow container blocks crafted from either polystyrene or woodcrete. These blocks serve a dual purpose as formwork and insulation. Steel reinforcement bars are installed within the formwork blocks, and the blocks are then filled with concrete. The formwork stays in situ, providing the surface upon which the finishes can be fixed, both inside and out, meaning traditional methods like plasterboard and rendering can still be used.

The benefits of using ICF?

Making houses out of concrete may not be people’s first thought when creating a building but there are significant benefits:

• Energy saving: ICF insulation properties are incredibly good, providing low U-values – the measurement used in assessing how effective a building element is at preventing heat from transmitting from the inside to the outside of a building. The block itself provides the insulation so traditional cavity construction insulation is not required.
• Quick method of construction: The formwork blocks are laid dry, meaning no mortar is used, as opposed to traditional masonry blocks which require a skilled trade with a brick layer on site. The forms are exceptionally light, so the manual handling on site is safer and allows for faster installation. The blocks feature pre-formed spaces to position reinforcement bars, meaning complicated bar fixing on site is not required.
• Cost saving: A shorter build time means less labour and hire cost periods.

Overcoming the Challenges of Insulated Concrete Formwork

While the benefits of ICF are clear, challenges and perceptions do remain:

• Industry awareness: Limited knowledge and experience with ICF pose hurdles to widespread adoption. We have experience of projects using both polystyrene and woodcrete systems.
• Supply chain integration: Integration of ICF into existing supply chains and construction practices is essential to realising its full potential and minimising costs. People tend to have preferred methods of construction based on previous experience.
• Design complexity: Designing with ICF requires careful planning to accommodate its modular nature and minimise onsite adjustments. Setting out is critical and it means a clear vision of the building is required, emphasising the importance of early collaboration between the design team and the builder.
• Accessibility: The concrete must be pumped in to the formwork and not placed by hand, so this will require access for concrete delivery. Therefore, congested city sites or sites with narrow approach roads may prove a challenge.

Insulated Concrete Formwork Applications

ICF is generally suited to:

• Self builds
• Swimming pools
• Basements
• Retaining walls for gardens

It won’t rot, twist, move or shrink. These structures will stand the test of time. There is zero maintenance required for an ICF structure, and the only thing you need to maintain are the various internal and external finishes.

Insulated Concrete Formwork Engineers

If you are proposing to do an ICF self-build – how do you know if you need an ICF structural engineer? Working with ICF requires thought and it is best when we are brought in at the conceptual stage.

We can provide structural engineering for ICF and the required foundations, meaning complete design consideration. Our experienced technicians offer the service of producing detailed drawings of ICF wall layouts, with consideration of how everything fits together, as well as fabrication drawings and bar bending schedules of reinforcement bars for manufactuer.

If you are considering ICF for your build, don’t hesitate to get in touch.