Hello Green ICF'ers,

First off I am new to the ICF world and have never built a home, I am still a few years away from my first Project. None the less I am researching like hell so when the day comes I know as much as possible.

What Do you think of using this?? http://www.basalt-rebar.com/

I will be building something in Los Angeles, and if Basalt is the way to go plan on going a mass order from China (got a few connections)

All thoughts if any?? Why have people not been using this yet?? other then it is still expensive and new to the market.

Thanks Guys!!

m3snow;

you may want to find out if it is accepted by your local building department first.

Yea, I would be looking for an ICC number on that before ordering a boatload and if your building in L.A. you don't want to be the first for anything

My understanding from a local structural engineer is that even if you are allowed to use Basalt Rebar, it will not replace all steel rebar.  He may be wrong but that was his take on it.  Not only make sure your local code official will accept the new type of rebar but where and how much can be used for your project.

I too have an interest in rock rebar. My discussions with rockbar importers indicates that they are in process of obtaining the appropriate international building code clearances. I am not sure how it works, but i believe rockbar can be substituted for glass bar, but it is much stronger. Much of the price differential is due to transportation costs from China or Russia. US plants are supposedly being built. As demand increases, costs will decline drastically. Current costs seem to be about 25-50% higher than steel. The raw material costs (basalt, energy, labor) are much lower than steel, so long-term the cost should be less.

Alton; rockbar is generally sold in straight pieces, and it does not hold a set. So angled portions (corners) have to be separate. They are making the bends and angles available, but as special orders. That may be why your SE says it may not replace all steel. .This stuff is much lighter than steel, and easier to work with onsite; a long roll equivalent to 1/2 " rebar can be carried on your shoulder. Lengthy sections are usually 1 piece, so no time consuming splices.

As noted, you may have to educate code officials, but several large projects have been done, and it is becoming better known. Stronger than steel, lighter, does not rust, better temperature resistance, is not electromagnetically effected so no ill-effects on cell phones, or electromagnetic radiation.

I like the idea of fiberglass rebar, we have used fibermesh in our slabs in lieu of 6 x6 -10/10 for years. According to my concrete cutter- when he removes concrete the fibermsh holds together better than the old wire mesh.

Helix is also an option. http://www.polytorx.com/technical.html

I'd like to hear from people who use helix with ICF. I have not seen it used, but have spoken with installers that tell me it is difficult to work with as it rips up the inside of the forms and can also be challenging to hands and clothing.

I'd like to hear from people who use helix with ICF. I have not seen it used, but have spoken with installers that tell me it is difficult to work with as it rips up the inside of the forms and can also be challenging to skin and clothing.

BrucePolycrete,

Depending upon the speed of the internet service you have, there can be a delay to process a "Submit" request when posting.  Clicking "Submit" again will store and later process the command thus resulting in a double post.  If this is not causing your double posting, then maybe the administrator can clue us in.

My understanding is that we can edit only our own postings.  I think this editing can remove all of our text, etc. in a posting but only the administrator can delete a posting.  I know you did not ask me about how the double posting happens but I am just trying to be helpful to you and everyone else.

That double posting just started happening today. It may be a symptom of my impatience!

Thanks guys!! you basically answered my question, no one seems to be using it yet. It seems as if it is the future and is a very green product. We will just have to wait for production and shipping cost to go down I guess.

At the end of the day I will be looking at cost to build over greenness (not a word I know), I would like to do a project with no wood or steel but seems impossible with out spending a sh*t ton of money.

Thanks Again!!