Hello I'm currently looking to start building a 18' X 52' ICF Cabin with a shed style roof. I will be using Glulam beams on 4' center for the 18' span + 1' overhand in the rear and 5' overhang in the front. I'm wondering what the best method would be for bearing and connection of the ICF & Beams. I was thinking of using through beam pockets at each location so the ICF walls can extend directly to the SIP roofing panels. Wondering if anyone has done this and what type of bearing they used for the beams (ie. birdsmouth cuts?). I also recently watched a construction video on youtube where the builder angled the topcap on the ICF to match the slope of the roof and placed the rafters directly on the topcap without notching. Wondering what type of connection would be required here to counter the lateral forces involved. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Beam pockets are best for glulam beams. It's a ggod method since the beam is resting inside of a concrete pocket instead of a hanger and bolts.

Are you going with a SIP Roof?

I like the idea of using beam pockets formed with EPS. Unless the glulams are treated, I would place a non-permeable membrane within the pocket under the glulam to prevent moisture rotting the glulam.

Posted By Alton on 14 May 2019 02:14 PM
I like the idea of using beam pockets formed with EPS. Unless the glulams are treated, I would place a non-permeable membrane within the pocket under the glulam to prevent moisture rotting the glulam.

Pretty much this.

Possibly a fluid-applied flashing.

Look into Prosoco FastFlash and their AirDam products.

The FastFlash will protect the beam from direct contact with the concrete.

The AirDam will act as an air/waterproof gap filler that won't push on the beams the way expanding foam might.

I like chipping out the beam pockets the next morning after the pore....

Putting in foam to block them out usually leaves a void under the foam and you have to shim each beam.
Using foam blocking also usually doesn't end up level so you have to work the pockets anyway.

Compromise.
Set up for pockets slightly shallower than the beam requires.
This way it limits the amount of material you have to hog out

Posted By Jason83 on 30 Apr 2019 09:52 PM
Hello I'm currently looking to start building a 18' X 52' ICF Cabin with a shed style roof. I will be using Glulam beams on 4' center for the 18' span + 1' overhand in the rear and 5' overhang in the front. I'm wondering what the best method would be for bearing and connection of the ICF & Beams. I was thinking of using through beam pockets at each location so the ICF walls can extend directly to the SIP roofing panels. Wondering if anyone has done this and what type of bearing they used for the beams (ie. birdsmouth cuts?). I also recently watched a construction video on youtube where the builder angled the topcap on the ICF to match the slope of the roof and placed the rafters directly on the topcap without notching. Wondering what type of connection would be required here to counter the lateral forces involved. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24729609
like this one used with ICF walls glulams @ 6ft on center and steel SIPs perpendicular , manufactured up to 55 ft long and up to R-51