What is a good type of connector to use for anchoring a glulam ridge beam to an ICF wall. I know Simpson makes some connectors but any recommendations? Is it better to install a connector PRIOR to the pour or AFTER the pour and curing?

Glulams are so heavy and carry so much weight, maybe they should be supported by a beam pocket in the ICF wall. If so, then protect beam from moisture in concrete. More than likely the beam will not require the full thickness of the wall for bearing. Beam pockets can be made with EPS, etc. Heavy duty steel clips can be expensive so consider beam pockets.

Bear - cast a 15 or 20m rebar dowel in the pocket projecting up a third of your beam. Also cast two simpson straps with the bottom wrapped around your horizontal bar and the top projecting enough to fold and nail over the beam after it is placed. Drill the mating hole in the bottom of the beam, drop it in place over the dowel and nail the straps over the beam to prevent up lift.

The dowel method comes from placing concrete post tension beams.

Posted By FBBP on 13 May 2014 10:20 AM
Bear - cast a 15 or 20m rebar dowel in the pocket projecting up a third of your beam. Also cast two simpson straps with the bottom wrapped around your horizontal bar and the top projecting enough to fold and nail over the beam after it is placed. Drill the mating hole in the bottom of the beam, drop it in place over the dowel and nail the straps over the beam to prevent up lift.

The dowel method comes from placing concrete post tension beams.

Thanks!

Any pics or link to a detail?

Posted By Alton on 13 May 2014 09:27 AM
Glulams are so heavy and carry so much weight, maybe they should be supported by a beam pocket in the ICF wall. If so, then protect beam from moisture in concrete. More than likely the beam will not require the full thickness of the wall for bearing. Beam pockets can be made with EPS, etc. Heavy duty steel clips can be expensive so consider beam pockets.

I will run this past my engineer and see what he says. Do you have any pics or details for the above? Would the beam be thermally broken by the exterior 2.5" EPS?

Yes, the beam will be thermally broken by the exterior EPS. If the beam required only 4" of bearing and the concrete was 8", then more EPS could be placed between the end of the beam and the exterior EPS. The beam pocket must be formed to keep concrete out of it unless you want to saw concrete. Consult engineer about reinforcement around the pocket.