Slip forming ICF > GreenBuildingTalk - Green Building Forums on Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF), Structural Insulated Panels (SIP), Radiant Heating, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Power

Forums

Members

You are not authorized to post a reply.

Author

Messages

Greenmangmp User is Offline

Registered Users

Posts:2

07/29/2008 8:28 AM
Can any tell me if it is possible to use ICF blocks to slip form a wall? I am planning a 28’ by 44’ small four corner home. I have built smaller structures using the slip form method with great success. Like most DIY homebuilders I am not comfortable with executing a complete ICF pour of this size. I like to do most of the work myself and would like to cut costs wherever possible. Any help or ideas are greatly appreciated.

Paul Stevens User is Offline

Registered Users

Posts:144

07/29/2008 9:27 AM
When you say 'slip forming' I think of the way they pour very high towers by sliding the form work slowly up to pour the structure all in one pour. If that is what you mean then it isn't possible. If your only concern is the pour and this would be your first ICF then my suggestion to you and I am sure most here would agree, is to find a experienced ICF contractor and hire him to come and help out on pour day. Also have him drop by a few days before pour to have a look at the job to let you know if there are some problem areas or not. Pour day is the 'make or break it' day, you should have a pro on site to make sure it goes fine, one mistake without have someone on site to know what to do and you could possible waste tens of thousands of dollars!! Paul Stevens

Greenmangmp User is Offline

Registered Users

Posts:2

07/29/2008 9:53 PM
Thanks for your response Paul, actually the slip forming I had in mind is a more primitive version of the one you described. A two-foot tall section is poured at a time (usually faced stone is put on one side of the form rebar is set in the middle and concrete is poured in the void). Then the forms are slipped up the wall and the process is repeated. I realize this leads to a number of cold joints. There is no way to get a pump truck to the building site short of a helicopter, which is way out of the question for a 1000 sq ft building. If I have to I will use the traditional stone and slip formed concrete method. I would really prefer some type of ICF solution

miformguy

Registered Users

Posts:25

07/29/2008 11:30 PM
Why not build a row or two then pour. You will have a cold joint every 16 - 32 inches but if thats the method you are dealing with you can get the "slip form effect" while getting your insulation as you go. Put duct tape over the top of your panels while you pour so you don't ruin your interlock. It will be slow and crude but in the long run you will get close to the same end product. Virgil Schmidt

icfcontractor User is Offline

Registered Users

Posts:237

07/30/2008 1:10 AM
Actually a true slip form has no cold joint and is considered a mono pour because the form is moved upward as the concrete is just able to hold its own weight and plus the current head pressure of the concrete being laid over the top. Many huge stuctures have been built this way and it is very effective but it is a slip form not an ICF form. ICF Contractor

You are not authorized to post a reply.