Posted By arkie6 on 11 Dec 2011 12:01 PM

In another thread here he mentioned using 12" SIPS for the roof.  With SIPS I assume there would be a large ridge beam.  With the ICF gables, he would need to create a beam pocket at the peak to accept the ridge beam.  The ICF gables then would define the slope/pitch of the roof.

The design calls for an exposed glulam beam running across the ceiling. I assume with a SIPs roof, one can simply utilize that structural element.

So how would an ICF builder address this issue of having the 2nd floor jut out where it needs to be supported by the piers? With wood, it's pretty easy to do. How would this be done with an ICF pour?

I assume one would have to build a form for the separate 2nd story areas, pour a perimeter and then wait for it to cure. Afterwards the ICF block would be stacked onto those forms to complete the 2nd story. The piers would have to be steel beam to support the weight of the 2nd floor areas that sit above the "porch area".

Has any ICF builder tackled a similar project like this?

Posted By Lbear on 12 Dec 2011 12:57 AM
So how would an ICF builder address this issue of having the 2nd floor jut out where it needs to be supported by the piers? With wood, it's pretty easy to do. How would this be done with an ICF pour?

I assume one would have to build a form for the separate 2nd story areas, pour a perimeter and then wait for it to cure. Afterwards the ICF block would be stacked onto those forms to complete the 2nd story. The piers would have to be steel beam to support the weight of the 2nd floor areas that sit above the "porch area".

Has any ICF builder tackled a similar project like this?

I would look at constructing the walls supported by piers the same as above windows and garage doors. Add rebar as needed, support the ICF blocks on temporary bucking, and pour away. Hang the floor inside the wall the same as the rest of the second level floor.

BTW, if you're so bloomin' worried about earthquakes, why do you have all those pier supports in the design? Isn't that kind of like trying to insulate a fuel can so it won't explode just because you want to store it on a hot stove, even though you have plenty of other storage options?

Posted By dmaceld on 12 Dec 2011 01:23 AM

I would look at constructing the walls supported by piers the same as above windows and garage doors. Add rebar as needed, support the ICF blocks on temporary bucking, and pour away. Hang the floor inside the wall the same as the rest of the second level floor.

BTW, if you're so bloomin' worried about earthquakes, why do you have all those pier supports in the design? Isn't that kind of like trying to insulate a fuel can so it won't explode just because you want to store it on a hot stove, even though you have plenty of other storage options?

You bring up a good point. Originally the home was designed as a wood frame home. Even with the seismic potential, the minimal overhang of the 2nd story wood structure did not pose a problem because the weight was minimal overhead.

Now in regards to it being ICF, that is where the weight issue comes in and it is something the engineer would have to make a call on. The engineer would have to decide whether or not the piers would pose a problem due to the weight of the ICF. Originally with wood, it was not a problem.

When InsulDeck or a similar product is used, is the pier poured at the same time, or is the pier poured first and then cured?

Walls and decks are placed monolithically in one pour.  I suppose a pier and deck could also be placed at the same time if proper bracing is in place.  In fact, it might be stronger if there are no cold joints between the pier and deck.  Maybe the ICF installers will answer this according to their practice.

Posted By Lbear on 13 Dec 2011 03:19 PM
When InsulDeck or a similar product is used, is the pier poured at the same time, or is the pier poured first and then cured?

It may be done either way, depends on the job and the crew I have.

I have been solving complex ICF building solutions for years. The photo I tried to attach shows one of many homes we provided our JAMB-it-ALL solutions for the same application your house is designed. We provide the steel Jamb solution with our Universal Top Cap to create a perfect angle and gable end. The installer simply adds a few peices of plywood screwed to the top cap as your topping off the pour ensuring the surface stay nice and true. We have done this application up to a 12 12 pitch. Feel free to call with any questions. 314-322-6337 Geoff, e-mail me for the picture.

Posted By Geoff Mees on 09 Jan 2012 11:08 PM
I have been solving complex ICF building solutions for years. The photo I tried to attach shows one of many homes we provided our JAMB-it-ALL solutions for the same application your house is designed. We provide the steel Jamb solution with our Universal Top Cap to create a perfect angle and gable end. The installer simply adds a few peices of plywood screwed to the top cap as your topping off the pour ensuring the surface stay nice and true. We have done this application up to a 12 12 pitch. Feel free to call with any questions. 314-322-6337 Geoff, e-mail me for the picture.

PM sent.

I tell my clients that I can do pretty much whatever they want (within reason). This could be done, but cranking the numbers would tell the requirements. And location, as someone pointed out, would be a factor. Just have your local engineer look at it. If you're in any of my states, I'd help out. If not, I'd give you some pointers.