Here is an InsulDeck and ICF transition detail. This is for the 2nd floor area of the home. I had some questions and needed some input. This will all be engineered in the end but we are trying to get the details and elevations done so we can then turn in a set of plans to have them engineered.

As it stands right now the concrete beam is probably much larger than required for the spans we have anyway. 12' from column to column. Per foot loading on this beam varies (same 24" depth everywhere) but the max. load it will be supporting is the Master Suite extension, but in that case, column to column span is only 8'.

My main concern was the execution of form-work and reinforcing placement of this beam and its connection to the top of the round 12" concrete column with the column being wider than the beam.

The 24" deep concrete beam could not exceed 8" in depth (if centered on the column) and could only be a max. of 10" wide (if off-centered) in order to maintain the 2" inset reveal from the face of the column that we need for the detailing.

Any input or advice?

InsulDeckICFDetail

Based on your drawing, a steel beam could also be feasible there as well

Posted By Chris Johnson on 13 May 2012 11:53 AM
Based on your drawing, a steel beam could also be feasible there as well

Which would be easier and less costly. the steel beam or concrete?

That's a loaded question

Who's doing the work? If you, the concrete beam is cheaper

The steel beam is easier, it's a simple set it and forget it, it's done

Posted By Chris Johnson on 13 May 2012 07:29 PM
That's a loaded question

Who's doing the work? If you, the concrete beam is cheaper

The steel beam is easier, it's a simple set it and forget it, it's done

The work will be done by a contractor.

How would the steel beam be anchored down to the 2nd story InsulDeck floor and column?

lbear
if you email me a set of plans i'll be glad to comment....
insuldeckflorida@aol.com
peter@insuldeck.com

Posted By insuldeckflorida on 14 May 2012 09:06 AM
lbear
if you email me a set of plans i'll be glad to comment....
insuldeckflorida@aol.com
peter@insuldeck.com

OK, I emailed over the plans. Thanks

Peter is the expert in this, but to answer what you asked me

There will be a bracket that goes in the columns to hold the beam

The beam will have some rebar detail that is welded to the top flange and run into the insuldeck to secure it

The engineer will make all the connection details

Posted By Chris Johnson on 14 May 2012 09:45 PM
Peter is the expert in this, but to answer what you asked me

There will be a bracket that goes in the columns to hold the beam

The beam will have some rebar detail that is welded to the top flange and run into the insuldeck to secure it

The engineer will make all the connection details

So which would YOU use, the steel beam or concrete? Which is stronger?

I assume that the steel beam can have concrete touching it as it is coated, right?

you can have a flush or drop down concrete beam, or a steel beam enclosed in the floor, partially dropped down or fully below. matter of choice, price, architecural need, availabilty of material and installers.

if not needed as steel i-beam for span or load reasons, i prefer a formed concrete beam, integrated into the insuldeck floor. as there likely will be a concrete forming crew doing the insuldeck, its easy to form a concrete beam.
same materials and tools, a little plywood and some 2x4,s... concrete pump will do the heavy work, no crane needed to hoist anything in place. no need for special connections or imbeds, or welding etc. just rebar, as with the walls.
peter@insuldeck.com

Haha, I'm an installer, I would do the concrete beam, I make money building the form, fabricating the stirups, putting all the pieces together, more so than plopping the steel beam in place and it's done.

Each has there application and place, in your application I would use a concrete beam as Peter tells you above, no crane needed. On a commercial project there is usually more than one need for a crane so they are more readily available and cost is not as critical as it is in a housing project.