Hi, I'm looking into the advantages and disadvantages of the simpson strong tie vs the Icf connect. I like the Icf connect product over the strong tie as I can eliminate the ledger board. I will be using I-Joists  with  max span of 12 ' over a 34' run using 2 posts in between.  I'm building a custom log home  and like the idea of setting my logs on a sill plate directly atop the 8" ICF wall.
 I was going to use the I-joists at 16" centers but am now looking at 24"oc.I will be using 2  -    5 1/2" x 34' parralam beams  with  mid range  9 1/4"  I-joists. I know its over kill but I don't want any bounce in the floor.

One advantage with using ledger boards. If you find you need to relocate a joist or two, or half dozen, because of plumbing interferences, or to better support interior walls you decide to move from the planned location, it will be a lot easier with a ledger board.

Consider building pony walls to support the joists mid span. I was going to use a center beam on posts but opted to go with a pony wall. Easier to build, and probably cheaper. The only places I used a beam was on a slope where it was easier to pour pads for posts instead of continuous footer.

If you're handy with engineering programs both Roseburg Forest Products and Boise Cascade have no cost programs for beam calculations. I found that 9 1/2" I joists on 16" centers with spans of 11' to 14' calculated out to provide a very stiff floor. The additional cost over 24" spacing isn't that great. 9 1/2" I-joists are a commodity item and priced accordingly. At 16" spacing you can use the lower strength rated joists.

You need to know what your area accepts. I for example am in California and ICF connect doesn't work to good since we must have full nail diaphragm which requires a rim board fastened to the structure.

If you are planning ICF connect I (before moving to California) would embed the joist into the ICF wall prior to pour, simply order your joists longer then required, wrap the ends in 10 mil poly and insert into the block, attach a brick tie to the joist once in the cavity of the wall and pour.

Simpson strong tie works well but a little pricey @ $ 11.50 per kit, I prefer anchor bolts @ $ 0.75 each. as long as the floor system is higher than my wall channel I install the rimboard with the hangers prior to pour, this saves a lot of time.

Quit trying to play with the TJI floor system, you supplier can design the floor system for you through TJXpert, it gives a few options, base your decision on the system giving the best floor rating. There is nothing worse than a floor that bounces or has movement when someone is walking on it. Ever been in someones house and as you walk the crystal rattles every so slightly in the china cabinet? Someone cheaped out on the floor system...don't be a victim. Also with TJI remember...deeper is cheaper

Mark our preference is Simpson over ICF connect, the ICF connect system does not allow for any errors.

Dave

As always,  many useful and informative opinions. I'm convinced to go with the ledger board with the anchor bolts. 16" centers for the I joists , this is what I wanted to use in the first place, just wanted to hear it from  the knowledge of the forum. Thanks again mark

Although the AB w/ a ledger is approved, you need to review closely the spacing for these bolts. Typically, 1/2" bolts are a waste of time, whereas using 3/4" provides you with a better spacing.

Review your floor and determine how many bolts you require.

When I use ABs, I like to use Anchor Tunnels because they are so easy and fast to use. You do have to drill them to use 3/4" though!

Perhaps this one boils down to 2 things- Personal prefference and Code compliance...

Up here in Canada, the ICF Connect system has one advantage over the Simpson hangers- they can be used for exterior applications, where as the Simson product can not (due to the thickness of coating).

The down side (in my opinion) is that the ICF Connect product is quite labor intensive, requiring a major amount of fasteners per/joist ( something like more than 35 screws per/joist) if I correctly recall.
Just my 2 cents worth...

Take care,
C.Kerr

Chris
I seem to recall 10 fasteners per joist end? But you're right in that there is a lot of labor to prep the i-joists and install them.

They do have their place.