How Strong is the Fox Blocks 90° Corner?
We built a test wall 440 feet long x 9′-4″ tall with 24 turns, with no bracing or strapping, to test the 90 degree blocks with concrete.
Attaching Floor Joists to Your Insulated Concrete Forms
Just one way to attach your floor system to the side of a Fox Blocks wall when building with Insulated Concrete Forms for multiple stories of construction.
In the Field: Gymnasium Auditorium in Phoenix, AZ
Take a tour with us through the Gymnasium Bourgade Hillman High School in Phoenix, AZ.
Las Vegas Goes Green with ICFs
Thanks to Randy and Bart, many Las Vegas fire stations will be now be built using Fox Blocks core 6″ insulated concrete forms. An exciting example of excellent work between a regional manager and a top flight local dealer.
Build to Resist Tornadoes: Storm Safe ICF Structures
Research by Texas Tech Wind Science and Engineering Research Center has demonstrated that ICF walls better protect occupants of houses from windblown debris, than frame walls. Being hit by windblown debris is the most common cause of injury during tornadoes.
Why is the concrete limited to a placement height or lifts of 4 feet (1.2 m)?
To alleviate the pressure from the liquid concrete, the concrete is placed in layers or ‘lifts’. The first lift is limited to 4′ (1.2 m) of concrete around the perimeter of the building. This allows approximately one hour for the concrete to set-up before continuing with the next 4′ (1.2 m) lift. The lower lift provides support for the next lift as the concrete is placed continuously around the building in consecutive lifts to the top of the wall.
Is a vapor barrier required on the inside face of an ICF wall?
No. The characteristics of an ICF wall with the mass concrete and the EPS insulation provide the required vapor permeance to meet building code requirements as a vapor barrier.
Is there a problem when placing concrete, dropping concrete from the top of the wall which may be over 8' (2.4 m)?
No. Specifications in the America Concrete Institute (ACI) do not limit the maximum distance concrete can free fall. Engineering studies and reports have shown that free fall from up to 35′ doesn’t reduce concrete quality and there is no evidence of segregation or weakened concrete strength. ICF concrete design calls for a high slump mix which assists in reducing segregation.
Can you build and pour concrete in cold weather?
Yes. The forms insulate the concrete and enhance the curing process. The top of the forms, or exposed concrete areas will need to be covered, temporarily, with insulation to prevent the exposed concrete from freezing. Fox Blocks projects can be constructed any time of the year, no delays for cold weather.
How do you control voids in the wall?
The concrete mix is a high slump 5″- 6.5″ (125 mm – 165 mm) with a smaller aggregate size so the concrete flows easily. The person in charge of placing the concrete should watch the concrete flow throughout the whole wall to ensure there are no void pockets. Internal vibrating provides good consolidation, eliminating voids.