| Insulating
Concrete Formwork
Insulating concrete formwork (ICF) is a proprietary formwork
system for concrete that is left in place to come part of
the building. ICF systems have been available in New Zealand
for the last 10 years and during that time have been increasingly
used for both commercial and residential construction.
ICF
construction has been used for some 30 years in Europe,
where concrete residential construction is quite common.
Block systems are widely available in New Zealand. Plank
and panel systems are available internationally but
not currently in New Zealand. The forms are typically
made of expanded polystyrene, a closed cell polymer.
The reinforced concrete core provides all the structural
capacity of the wall. |
©Portland
Cement Association |
The main advantages of these systems are:
- excellent insulation properties
- low levels of air infiltration
- blocks are easy to lay and fill
- relatively easy to run services concealed in polystyrene
layer. This is true of both new construction and refitting
work
- long life expectancy
For more information:
Last update on page:
14-Jul-2005
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