Jim
Having been a builder for over twenty years with another fifteen working for two other builders I am well aware of many quality controls issues.
SCIP systems are not new. I know many claim they are first, but the modern SCIP concept dates back to the 40s for fences and homes in the 50s. Many changes have transpired from the 50s but we are still talking about foam, a form of reinforcement and shot, blast or brand X crete. The system can be done by hand without power tools in third world areas where time and labor are cheap or with manual presses and minimal power tools to all auto cad production plant.
Even the materials are changing and improving. I think it may be Forza who now offers green non petroleum base foam.
I have also learned not all SCIP designs are equal some failing tests at a southern university where other excelled. I do not have the details or the names of the systems that were tested. What is important to me, is the strengths of the system I am using.
I understand it has been designed to ten stories. The four levels I am currently building are high enough.
As far as Code issues, Denver is far from a back water town using the 2006 IBC/IRC and the amount of documentation I am sure would stand up to any area in the US and beyond.
The design model I am following clear spans 30’ for roofs and floors even in the Colorado Mountains with snow loads you will never see in temperate areas.
With values cover extreme tempters, R 40 walls, R 80 roof, wind loads to 250 miles, earthquakes to 8.3 and four hour fire rating.
The design model I am using is scaled down to a two hour fire rating and 120 mile hour wind load and a reduced systemic rating in line with Colorado.
The SCIP home I am building is my first I have built. I am taking extra care and time for that reason. The last home I finished last year for the same family was 12,800’ this system would have saved them $600 or more a month in heating and cooling costs. I am already bidding versions of the system for two additions and wrapping one home for greater fire protection.
I am looking forward to many more projects with the SCIP design.
I will miss the smell of cut wood but offering homes that will out perform stick built homes is reward enough.
I also am honored to have installed the first Amasond Geoexchange system in the US.
It is a new generation of geothermal ground source pipe that is more efficient and cost less to install. You can check them out at Amasond.com.
Richard Sims.