Can anyone recommend a structural engineer for some residential icf work in Kansas?  I need the foundation and floors engineered on a house I'm building.  Thanks

Call local engineers until you find at least three you like and get bids from them.

Be aware that some structural engineers have a favorite way of doing things and it can be difficult to get them to use a product's strength.  In other words, watch out for over-engineering which can drive up the cost.  Talk to local ICF installers or builders in your area before talking to the engineers to get an idea what they recommend for your situation.  Having some knowledge of what it takes to do the job can help you keep the engineers reasonable.

A very good point there from Alton. Here in Central Virginia, some of the more established and influential in the engineering community do not want to understand ICF and have a hard time with the concept that it's just a reinforced concrete wall that goes up faster than traditional. Don't get me wrong, there are some that are big proponents of the method, but you have to look for them and ask questions first.

I've spoken with the engineer whom the icf distributor recommended, but his bid is high and I want some other opinions.  I've called about 6 other engineers, all who are too busy or don't do residential.  I've asked who they would they could recommend, and I get a lot of the same engineers I've already spoken to.  I'm beginning to think no one wants to do residential.  My walls are pretty straightforward, so I assumed I could find a good engineer on here.  I think I'll start to call engineers in Kansas City.  Thanks everyone.

Be careful of only looking at the bid cost. I have seen engineers that don't charge a lot for their services, but over-design to the point that the project is no longer economical. The engineer I prefer is not the cheapest to have his stamp on a drawing, but his designs have proven to save money in the long run. Saving a few hundred dollars on an engineer is not worth it if you end up spending thousands extra on concrete/rebar.

I would check with the distributor that recommended this engineer in the first place and get his thoughts.

countryhomebrew,
If you want to send me a PM, I can recommend a good structural engineer in KS. I use him for many of my designs, both ICF and non-ICF. He is great to work with and quite reasonable.

John

Just curious, but do you really need a structural engineer on an ICF project? I was under the impression the manufacturer's have engineered their systems and have tables that you can follow to design the walls (similar to what is in the IRC). Why involve the extra cost of a structural engineer when you have the IRC and the manufacturer as resources?

You should be able to use the HUD Prescriptive method for ICF construction.

http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/destech/icf.html

Some plans can still require the services of a structural engineer.

Some building inspection departments still require ICF house plans to be stamped, even though ICF manufacturers have engineering data available. It just depends on local requirements.

In addition, depending on the complexity of the design (mainly dealing with the roof structure and beams) the services of a structural engineer may be required.