Gulf Construction Online - ICF points way to energy efficiency

Cement & Concrete

ICF construction is said to allow great design flexibility.

ICF points way to energy efficiency

A new Canadian technology comprising polystrene forms promises energy and time savings in concrete construction.

01 March 2004

Insulated concrete form (ICF) is one of the emerging technologies in the cement and concrete industry that can help save energy and reduce construction time, and builders in the Middle East can hardly ignore the benefits offered in terms of both capital and operating costs, says Reza Rabbani of Rabbani Enterprises.

Rabbani Enterprise of Canada specialises in providing a complete package of the Canadian ICF system, together with production plant for expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene insulation.
ICFs are an advanced system for a building foundation and above-grade exterior walls, and given Canada’s harsh and demanding climate, the system has evolved as a leading-edge Canadian building technology. The Gulf, with its extreme climatic conditions can also benefit from the system. ICF wall systems are the perfect choice for long-lasting comfort, superior energy efficiency, and outstanding protection, says Rabbani.
ICFs are polystyrene forms that stack like panels or interlocking blocks. After assembling the blocks, concrete is poured into the hollow core of the block to create walls. They are either shaped into pre-formed panels or interlocking blocks connected with plastic or metallic ties. Once in place, ICF walls are ready for standard interior dry wall and choice of exterior cladding, brick or stucco.
“The ICF sandwich of reinforced concrete and insulating foam provides exceptional structural strength and a high level of heat insulation. An ICF wall is extremely solid with much greater mass than typical construction, so sudden swings in outside temperature have little impact on the indoor temperature and since the wall is one continuous structure, there are no gaps, cracks or joints to let in dust or hot summer drafts.
“ICF construction allows great design flexibility. Curved walls, vaulted ceilings, longer floor spans and larger shaped windows are easily accommodated. The plumbing and electrical installations are also made simpler by cutting grooves on polystyrene foam by a regular knife.
“The high R-value of polystyrene means an average ICF building will use 40 per cent less energy than conventional insulated buildings, which translates to a 40 per cent saving in energy bills for years to come.
“While in most buildings a significant portion of heat loss is caused by air leakage through the exterior walls, ICF wall systems dramatically reduce unwanted air-leakage. With traditional construction, exterior walls have hundreds of small joints where wall studs, floor plates and door/window frames meet. Every joint is a potential air-leak that can let hot air, dust and moisture into the building.
“With ICF construction, the exterior walls are a continuous structure from the base of foundation to the eaves. By eliminating the joints, air leakage is kept under control. An adequate ventilation system will ensure superior indoor air quality. In the coastal regions of Arabian Gulf, the moisture in the leaked humid air carries latent heat, putting more demand on air-conditioning load,” says Rabbani.
“Moist air is also a major contributor to the growth of moulds inside buildings causing respiratory health problems. Some of the conventional fibrous insulation materials do not prevent the flow of air and moisture – it attempts to block the conduction heat only.
ICF buildings also help to reduce noise. Studies show the effectiveness of concrete wall systems in controlling noise infiltration. The layers of insulation and steel reinforced concrete in an ICF wall are ideal for absorbing sound,” he adds.