Since it is 2011 and ICF has a pretty good track record, I wanted to inquire where is the ICF industry in terms of technology development for things like: 1. Self Consolidating Concrete instead of internal vibration to reduce labor and construction schedule 2. Fiber reinforcement to reduce rebar requirements 3. Higher spec concrete mixes ( 5000 psi and above and high early strength to reduce construction schedule. 4. Different density/material ICF forms (2,0 lb density/ neopor) to support higher insulation values. IS anyone using the above, and do the ICF manufacturers support this? Thanks, as I am still in the planning stages for an ICF home I am wondering where the industry is with respect to this. Jperiod

All good questions. I know that fiber reinforcement is being used sporadically on commercial jobs. I am not sure why it is not in wider use. With regard to different density materials, Polycrete makes a product called Flex 850 that is a full 2 lb density, and it's been in use in 15 countries on five continents for 20 years. With regard to other materials, you can be sure that research is continuously underway on other materials. I can't speak to the state of that research, and I doubt anyone else will either until the new products are announced or the patents filed.

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) exists today. It is about 25 to 30% more expensive than the regular concrete. This may be why you don't hear of it being used a lot in ICF since many builders are so cost conscience. Or, is ICF not able to handle the additional pressure; I don't know, but would like to.

There is at least one really good YouTube video of SCC. They have a clear box setup with a good amount of rebar in it. It flows in one end and fills everything and goe completely to the other end. I couldn't understand what they were saying since it was in German, but the picture spoke for itself.

I'd really like to hear about anybody's experience using SCC.