|
INSULATED CONCRETE FORMWORK (ICF)
Insulating concrete form
(ICF) systems have been available
in the UK and Ireland for over 20 years and worldwide for
approximately 50 years.
These types of systems are based on large hollow lightweight
block components, generally manufactured from expanded polystyrene,
that lock together like pieces of a puzzle, to provide a
rigid formwork system.
Concrete is then poured into the hollow chambers of the
blocks and once set, the concrete becomes a high strength
structure. The formwork permanently remains in place as
the thermal insulant, and can offer u-values ranging from
0.30 W/m²K to 0.11 W/m²K - ideal for zero-energy
buildings.

ICF systems offers excellent thermal, acoustic and wind
resistant properties along with fantastic design flexibility,
so much so that after the blocks have been initially assembled,
it is possible to verify the design before any concrete
is poured, enabling any preferred or beneficial modifications
to be made with minimum disruption. This would not be possible
with alternative building methods.
All service cables and pipes are easily concealed within
channels that can simply be cut into the foam walls, eliminating
the need for specific service ducts, and thereby increasing
the internal dimensions of a structure.
WBS have long existing business partnerships with numerous
ICF manufacturers in the UK who offer a wide range of component
widths, shapes, integral ties and reinforcement options
that achieve different levels of performance.

WBS’s renders are ideal for use with ICF systems and
can be applied directly to the formwork.
Thin-coat silicone & acrylic and brick slip cladding
systems, all offer a perfect finish that will give any ICF
building a seamless, attractive finish.
Although silicone and acrylic render systems are reinforced
using alkali resistant scrim cloth as standard, areas that
may be at risk from high levels of impact damage, such as
through traffic areas, are often reinforced using ‘armour
mesh’.
| Some of the benefits
of ICF Construction ... |
|
Rapid on-site assembly time |
|
Low labour and equipment requirement |
|
High strength structure is achieved |
|
Fantastic design flexibility |
|
Ideal new build construction method
for coastal areas |
|
Good thermal, acoustic and wind
resistant properties |
|
A wide range of external finishes
that can be applied directly to the formwork |
|
The AMVIC ICF System now has a 60
year IAB life expectancy - the first of it's kind in
Europe.
Download
Certificate |

As featured on CH4 Grand Designs |
|


.
|
|