Hey guys.
     I came across this article and wanted to share it with you.
Is there anyone here on GBT who has done or is doing ICF projects with this type of concrete, or knows of any one doing them?

Here is the link.

http://www.fibermesh.com/application.aspx?ID=2177

Aaron,

We have looked at this several times.  Novomesh 700 is the only product PROPEX suggests for ICF walls.  I have a great concrete engineer and we have disected this for several projects in siesmic zone D1 and it is not cost effective.  If you read the Application Rate and the Guidlines for usage you will see it has limited useage.  In below grade walls it can replace some horizontal steel, and in an above grade application it can repace some vertical and or some horizontal steel.  The problem is that its cost does not make it adventagous.

 

APPLICATION RATE: The standard application rate for Novomesh 700

is two 20 lb degradable bags per cubic yard (11.90 kg/m3) of concrete.

GUIDELINES

Novomesh 700 fibers should not be used to replace structural, loadbearing

reinforcement. Novomesh 700 fibers should not be used as

a means of using thinner concrete sections than original design.

Novomesh 700 is acceptable to use assuming your wall is a simply

supported wall, has a minimum wall thickness of 4 in and a

maximum height of 8 ft or has a minimum wall thickness of 6 in

and maximum height of 10 ft, and a concrete compressive strength

of no less than 3,000 psi.

On a personal note, and I offer it as anecdoetal evidence.  The only ICF structure that I have seen that had to be torn down and rebuilt was poured with fiber mesh in the walls.  It caught up on all of the webs and created plugs in the walls that caused huge voids.  I actually watch them pour this building and there were huge issues.

But hey I am always game to try something new.

ICF Contractor

I have seen 2 buildings that had to be torn down and rebuilt that did not have fiber mesh in the walls but happened as a result of a number of other things.
On this project that you mentioned, did they vibrate? How well did they vibrate, how thick was the cavity, and what was the slump?
I know that if you were just watching you might not be able to answer all those questions, but it would be nice to know a little more details about something that I have never worked with before. I called a supplier for a quote on how much their pallets were (they sell the fibers by pallets), found out how much the ready mix company would charge to add the fibers, and figured how much time I could cut out of labor and assessed from that that I would be able to do it for less. But this is in North Carolina. I'm still not sure what the seismic is out here, but probably less than Washington.
Thanks icfcontractor.

I have successfully used this product for the last ten years. I have yet to tear down one of my projects....The issues you pointed out are probably legitimate ......Fibers, ICF or any other product when put in the hands of the incompetent will no doubt not perform to expectations....perhaps that is why some people are better off not being involved in certain industries....If you aren't smart enough to use the product within the parameters of the manufacturer's specifications, then you ought not use it. To suggest that the product won't work is only a sign of ignorance about the product... Fibers are not for every project, just like ICF isn't for every project....the feasibility, cost/benefit analysis is only a part of "discovery"....Fibers have their place, just like any other product. To suggest a blanket statement as previously stated is a shortsighted comment and blows your credibility.....

Ian,
I would like to know where are you located and the general area these projects were built in, if you don't mind me asking.

I have used this fiber product in Oregon and Texas....I may have used this fiber in Colorado...just don't remember that one. I have explored the possibility of using these fibers in the Caribbean, Middle East and Asian countries as well. The limiting factor there is that the only source for this brand is in the US....so shipping makes in too costly unless manufacturing is established in the country of use.

Thanks for the information.
On another note, if you don't mind me asking, how did you get into international work?
I've been interested in international work and especially more so since manfred's post. I'm guessing one place to start would be to contact some of the block company's sales reps.