It is possible to build 4 stories tall with SIPs. Some additional thought does need to occur, but the continually shrinking wall is not necessary if the SIPs are built by a custom manufacturer with the engineering capability to build thermally broken structure within the panel walls themselves. Wes Shelby is correct in the fact that many structures utilize SIPs as very efficient systems to dry in structures. You can also account for some of the structural properties of the SIP wall when designing a sub-structure, such as a timber frame. I'd be happy to send pictures of the blended method of several projects that we've done recently.

Joe Quinn
Regional Sales Manager
Enercept Building Systems
(800) 658-3303
[email protected]

The International code says you can build a basement plus 3 stories using SIPS but if you go over that EVERYONE has to have a skeleton.

What section of the code is that?

The International Building Code. You can look it up as well as anyone else can.

Haddock;

your right!     I did and did not see any part of the code with that restriction, so if I am missing it? Please state the section of the code that speaks to it.

thanks

So which code are you using that says you can build 4 stories with SIPS without any skeleton? Would that be easier? Also aren't you the same guy who always answers all our email replies to everyone we ever try to answer? You must be very busy on the computer all the time. J

You stated the International Building Code, so thats where I was looking.
Do you have the answer or we just going to play tag?

The IRC scope and purpose limits to 3 stories above grade in height, but the International code does not

Check out ESR-1638 more detail at, http://strataus.com/Joomla_1.5.11/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=79

So, ergodesk, what does that picture have to do with the original topic of this thread? " 4 stories with SIPs". I don't know whether or not anyone else would agree but, in my humble opinion, your "SIA" (Structural Insulated Air) system doesn't belong in the SIP or ICF forums. Maybe you could get the GBT administrator to set up a separate forum for "SIA", or keep it in the "General Green Building" forums at the top of the page. I'm not trying to be the "boss of anyone", again, just my opinion.

Sipper, glad you asked, here is the direct link, only if you care to check it out. Here is the components of the wall section. www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR-1638.pdf

You can also check out these postings, http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/Forums/tabid/53/forumid/4/tpage/1/view/Topic/postid/37498/Default.aspx

Here the GFRC Coating is being applies to EPS Foan, no crappy wood anywhere near the EPS Foam.

Ergodesk, Sorry, those URLs are way too long to type in. How about a website for the manufacturer of the system that was used in the photo that my comments were addressed to. It looks to me like it is basically built with very thick foam "building blocks", that could then be finished much like ICFs.

In any event, I still don't see the system as illustrated in either the photo, or the diagram as being SIP's (Structural Insulated Panels). Maybe some others will chime in to help set me straight (If, indeed, I'm the one that needs to be "set straight")

I didn't get it either, looks like a random post in the wrong forum

Well, now, I've seen several different versions of that last system, steel framing with foam "inserts", still not a SIP in my mind. And, its totally different from the other two systems that you illustrated on previous posts, one with a photo, one with a diagram.

The SABS System could be built up-to 8 stories;-)

Ergodesk,

Can you list a reference for using SABS for eight stories.  My understanding is that some structure would have to be added for more than 3 stories.

www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR-1638.pdf

My brother and I are the only ones offering load bearing solutions without an additional skeleton. One could build a 100 story building with SIPs as a cladding.