INSTALLATION MANUAL ICF

Amvic ICF Installation Manual

STRONGER EVERY DAY

INNOVATIVE INSULATION CONSTRUCTION

SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT AND
COMFORTABLE BUILDINGS
8 November 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface ............................................................................................................................................................................
Technical Support...........................................................................................................................................................
Amvic Website................................................................................................................................................................
Acknowledgment............................................................................................................................................................
Disclaimer.......................................................................................................................................................................
Copyright.........................................................................................................................................................................

Part 1 - Introduction..................................................................................................................................................... 8

Part 2 - Products and Availability............................................................................................................................... 14

Part 3 - Accessories and Tools.................................................................................................................................... 15

Part 4 - 10 Step ICF Construction Guide..................................................................................................................... 16

Part 5 - Footings, Slaps and Coursing......................................................................................................................... 21

Part 5.1 - Coursing and Dowel Placement.................................................................................................................. 25

Part 6 - Wall Reinforcement....................................................................................................................................... 38

Part 7 - Wall Openings................................................................................................................................................ 45

Part 8 - ICF Installation Process

Section 8.1 - Mobilization: Materials & Tool Positioning...................................................................................... 48
Section 8.2 - Course Planning: Determining Wall Heights and Number of Courses per Floor.............................. 49
Section 8.3 - Placing First Course of Block............................................................................................................ 50
Section 8.4 - Placing the Second Course of Block................................................................................................. 53
Section 8.5 - Checking for Level............................................................................................................................ 54
Section 8.6 - Securing First Course to Foundation/Slab........................................................................................ 55
Section 8.7 - Placing Third & Subsequent Courses of Block.................................................................................. 56
Section 8.7.1 - Cutting block around door bucks............................................................................................ 56
Section 8.7.2 - Elevated doorways.................................................................................................................. 56
Section 8.7.3 - Cutting Forms around Window Bucks.................................................................................... 57
Section 8.7.4 - Reinforcing Steel around wall openings................................................................................. 57
Section 8.7.5 - Placing the top course of block............................................................................................... 58
Section 8.7.6 - Installing vertical rebar........................................................................................................... 59
Section 8.8 - Installing Wall Alignment & Bracing................................................................................................. 59
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 8.8.1 - General application................................................................................................................ 59

Section 8.8.2 - Spacing for the alignment and bracing system....................................................................... 61
Section 8.9 - Preparing Bucks for the Concrete Pour............................................................................................ 62
Section 8.10 - Required Additional Bracing........................................................................................................... 64
Section 8.11 - Utility Penetrations........................................................................................................................ 66
Section 8.12 - Suspended Floor Installations........................................................................................................ 67
Section 8.12.1 - Ledger boards Installed with Anchor Bolts........................................................................... 67
Section 8.12.2 - Simpson Strong-Tie™ ICFVL Ledger Connector System Overview........................................ 69
Section 8.12.3 - Installing Simpson Strong-Tie™ ICFVL Ledger Connector System......................................... 70
Section 8.13 - Beam Pocket and Floor Joist Directly Bearing on ICF Wall............................................................. 72
Section 8.14 - Final Adjustments Prior to Pouring of the Concrete...................................................................... 73

Part 9 - Special ICF Installation

Section 9.1 - Short Corner Construction............................................................................................................... 74
Section 9.1.1 - Short corners using 90° corner blocks with a stack joint ....................................................... 74
Section 9.1.2 - Short corners using 90° corner blocks with a running bond pattern...................................... 75
Section 9.1.3 - Short corners made of straight Amvic ICF ............................................................................. 76
Section 9.2 - Radius Wall Construction ................................................................................................................ 78
Section 9.2.1 - Minimum Radii for Amvic ICF................................................................................................. 79
Section 9.3 - T-Wall Construction.......................................................................................................................... 81
Section 9.3.1 - Site Constructed T-Wall Connection....................................................................................... 82
Section 9.4 - Brick Ledge Applications.................................................................................................................. 83
Section 9.4.1 - Installing Amvic Brick Ledge Blocks........................................................................................ 84
Section 9.4.2 - Installing Standard Brick Veneer............................................................................................. 85
Section 9.5 - Brick Ledge Reinforcer..................................................................................................................... 86
Section 9.6 - Brick Ledge Extension...................................................................................................................... 87
Section 9.7 - Brick Ledge Extension Corner.......................................................................................................... 88
Section 9.8 - Gable Ends....................................................................................................................................... 89
Section 9.9 - Pre-cast Concrete Floor Systems...................................................................................................... 89
Section 9.10 - Hambro® Composite Concrete Floors............................................................................................ 90
Section 9.11 - Composite Steel Deck.................................................................................................................... 91
Section 9.12 - Amdeck Floor and Roof System..................................................................................................... 92
Section 9.13 - Standing Seam (Stack Joint)........................................................................................................... 93
Section 9.14 - Installation of HV Hook.................................................................................................................. 95
Section 9.15 - Height Adjusters............................................................................................................................. 96
Section 9.16 - Site Constructed 45° Corner........................................................................................................... 97
Section 9.17 - Site Constructed Taper Top............................................................................................................ 98
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 10 - Concrete Placement

Section 10.1 - Concrete Fundamentals................................................................................................................. 99
Section 10.1.1 - Cement Paste........................................................................................................................ 99
Section 10.1.2 - Aggregates............................................................................................................................ 99
Section 10.2 - Quality of a Concrete Mix............................................................................................................ 100
Section 10.2.1 - Water/Cement Ratio........................................................................................................... 100
Section 10.2.2 - Concrete Strength............................................................................................................... 100
Section 10.2.3 - Concrete Workability.......................................................................................................... 100
Section 10.2.4 - Concrete Curing.................................................................................................................. 101
Section 10.2.5 - Entrained Air....................................................................................................................... 101
Section 10.2.6 - Entrapped Air...................................................................................................................... 101
Section 10.3 - Concrete Admixtures................................................................................................................... 102
Section 10.4 - Specifications of Concrete for Amvic ICF ..................................................................................... 103
Section 10.5 - Concrete Placement..................................................................................................................... 104
Section 10.5.1 - Pre-Pouring Checklist.......................................................................................................... 104
Section 10.6 - Safety Tips for Handling and Placing Concrete............................................................................. 105
Section 10.7 - Rate of Pouring Concrete............................................................................................................. 106
Section 10.8 - Methods & Equipment for Pouring Concrete............................................................................... 107
Section 10.8.1 - Placing Concrete with a Boom Pump................................................................................. 108
Section 10.8.2 - Crew Size............................................................................................................................ 108
Section 10.9 - Pouring the Concrete................................................................................................................... 108
Section 10.9.1 - Pouring Concrete in 90° Corners........................................................................................ 109
Section 10.9.2 - Pouring Concrete around Windows/Doors & Straight Sections......................................... 110
Section 10.10 - Concrete Quality Control ........................................................................................................... 111
Section 10.10.1 - Concrete Slump................................................................................................................ 111
Section 10.10.2 - Concrete Compressive Strength....................................................................................... 111
Section 10.11 - Concrete Consolidation.............................................................................................................. 111
Section 10.11.1 - What is Consolidation....................................................................................................... 111
Section 10.11.2 - Methods of Consolidation................................................................................................ 112
Section 10.12 - Using Concrete Vibrators........................................................................................................... 112
Section 10.12.1 - Recommended Specifications........................................................................................... 112
Section 10.12.2 - Guidelines for Concrete Consolidation............................................................................. 113
Section 10.13 - Finishing the Concrete Pour....................................................................................................... 114
Section 10.13.1 - After the Pour: Recheck Wall Straightness and Adjust..................................................... 114
Section 10.14 - Preparing a Blowout Kit............................................................................................................. 114
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 11 - Below Grade Protection

Section 11.1 - Moisture....................................................................................................................................... 115
Section 11.1.1 - Damp Proofing vs. Waterproofing...................................................................................... 115
Section 11.1.2 - Damp Proofing and Waterproofing According to Building Codes....................................... 115
Section 11.1.3 - Foundation Drainage System.............................................................................................. 115
Section 11.1.4 - Maintaining a Dry Basement.............................................................................................. 116
Section 11.1.5 - Damp Proofing & Waterproofing Applications for Amvic ICF............................................. 116
Section 11.1.6 - Liquid Applied Damp Proofing/Waterproofing systems..................................................... 117
Section 11.1.7 - Self-adhered Damp Proofing/Waterproofing systems........................................................ 118
Section 11.1.8 - Dimpled Membrane Damp Proofing/Waterproofing Systems........................................... 119
Section 11.1.9 - Parging................................................................................................................................ 119
Section 11.2 – Termite........................................................................................................................................ 120
Section 11.2.1 - Termites and ICF construction............................................................................................ 121
Section 11.2.2 - Code Issues and EPS Foam Below Grade............................................................................ 121
Section 11.2.3 - Termite Control and EPS Protection................................................................................... 121
Section 11.2.4 - Termite Control and EPS Protection................................................................................... 122
Section 11.2.5 - Termite Protection and Control.......................................................................................... 122
Section 11.2.6 - Physical Barriers.................................................................................................................. 122
Section 11.2.7 - Suppression........................................................................................................................ 124

Part 12 - Utilities and Services Installation

Section 12.1 - ICF Wall Penetrations................................................................................................................... 127
Section 12.1.1 - Electrical Installation.......................................................................................................... 127
Section 12.1.2 - Conduits.............................................................................................................................. 129
Section 12.1.3 - Electrical Boxes................................................................................................................... 129
Section 12.2 - Plumbing...................................................................................................................................... 130

Part 13 - Exterior and Interior Finishes

Section 13.1 - Interior Finishes........................................................................................................................... 131
Section 13.1.1 - Mounting Cabinets or Shelving........................................................................................... 131
Section 13.2 - Exterior Finishes........................................................................................................................... 132
Section 13.2.1 - Stucco................................................................................................................................. 132
Section 13.2.2 - Traditional vs. Acrylic Stucco.............................................................................................. 133
Section 13.2.3 - EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System)....................................................................... 133
Section 13.2.4 - Masonry Veneer................................................................................................................. 134
Section 13.2.5 - Siding.................................................................................................................................. 135
 PREFACE

Preface
Amvic ICF are the best insulated concrete forms available on the market today. Competitive pricing, extensive
product distribution and excellent technical support are combined to provide our clients with a simplified approach
to a superior finished product at an installation cost less than any other comparable systems.
If any of your questions or concerns are not completely addressed in this manual, please attend one of Amvic’s
training seminars (check your local area for schedule) or feel free to contact us and our staff will be happy to answer
your questions. At Amvic, we pride ourselves in offering our customers an exceptional level of customer service.

Technical Support
Please contact us for any inquiries pertaining to information included in this manual or if you require other technical
assistance.
Phone: 1 (877) 470-9991 (toll free)
Email: [email protected]

Amvic Website
The Amvic website is updated regularly with the most updated information including, product data sheets,
construction details and installation manuals. This technical and installation manual is posted on the website, see
www.amvicsystem.com

Acknowledgment
Amvic would like to thank all those who participated in the original compilation of this manual. Special thanks to:
• Bill Juhl
• Bob Barker
• John and Kathy Krzic
• Rory and Tonia Ahern
• Joe Wallace
• Lindsey McLeod
• Steve Rentz
• Norman Williams
• Gary Brown

And the updated 2019 version:

• Marty McCartney
• Vadim Novik
 PREFACE

Disclaimer
This document is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in this document represents
the current view of Amvic Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. These opinions as
expressed, should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Amvic Corporation and cannot guarantee
the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication. The user assumes the entire risk as to the
accuracy and use of this document.
This manual is intended to supplement rather than replace the basic construction knowledge of the construction
professional. All structures built with the Amvic Building System must be designed and erected in accordance with all
applicable building codes and/or guidance of a licensed professional engineer. In all cases, applicable building code
regulations take precedence over this manual.

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND FREEDOM OF INFRINGEMENT.

Copyright
This document may not be copied or reproduced in any form without the written consent of Amvic Corporation
Copyright© 2019 Amvic Corporation
 PART 1 INTRODUCTION

Amvic Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)

Amvic insulated concrete forms (ICF) are hollow, lightweight forms manufactured using two 1.5 lb/ft³ (24 kg/m3)
density, closed cell, expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels which are connected by 8 (R22) or 6 (R30) uniquely designed,
high impact polypropylene webs. Amvic ICF R22 blocks use 2-1/2” (63mm) thick panels while 3-1/4” (82mm) panels
are used for the Amvic ICF R30 blocks. During construction, the forms are stacked then filled with concrete making
stable, durable and sustainable walls.
Amvic ICF combines the insulating effectiveness of EPS with the thermal mass and structural strength of reinforced
concrete, in an air and vapor tight wall. ICF offers a “5 in 1” solution that provides structure, insulation, air and vapor
barrier, sound attenuation and attachment for interior and exterior finishes in one easy step.
Amvic ICF provides a thermal resistance of 22 hr.ft2.F/Btu (3.87 m2K/W) with the R22 blocks and 30 hr.ft2.F/Btu
(5.28 m2K/W) with the Amvic R30 blocks. A Fire Resistance Rating (FRR) of 3+ hours can be easily achieved along
with an apparent Sound Transmission Class (ASTC) of 47+ depending on the wall assembly. The combination of the
thermal mass, inherent air and vapor tightness and sound attenuation of an ICF wall creates for a very durable and
comfortable space for the occupants to enjoy for many years.

Figure 1 – Amvic ICF products Figure 2 – Typical Amvic reversible ICF straight block

The webs used in Amvic ICF greatly reduce the need for rebar tie downs while placing rebar most effectively to
ensure superior structural strength. The webs are manufactured using more raw material than competing products
allowing for superior finishing capabilities and 198lbs (90kg) pull out strength for drywall screws. Webs are spaced 6”
(152mm) on center for the Amvic R22 block or 8” (203mm) on center for the Amvic R30 resulting in greater rigidity,
which keeps the wall straight and plumb during stacking and pouring of the concrete.

8
 PART 1 INTRODUCTION

Amvic webs connect the EPS panels and terminate with a 1-1/2” (38mm) flange which is embedded 1/2” (13mm)
beneath the outside surface of the panels. The flange has a height of 15” (381mm) in all blocks except the 10”
(254mm) and 12” (305mm) block which has a flange height of 22” (559mm). When the blocks are stacked, the
flanges form a continuous horizontal and vertical grid which is used to attach interior finishes like gypsum board
(drywall) and exterior finishes like stucco, wood siding and brick veneer ties.

4" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 4"

6" 1"
34

1"
34

WEB

1"
22
6"

1"
22
3" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 6" 3"

48"
Figure 3 – Typical Amvic straight ICF blocks (R30 6” block at the top and R22 6”, bottom)

9
 PART 1 INTRODUCTION

Amvic ICF blocks use the FormLock™ interlocking system developed by Amvic, which has considerably deeper
grooves than competing products. The interlock exists on all long edges allowing the blocks to be fully reversible.
They also secure the courses together, preventing any movement or leakage during the concrete pour. This unique
feature allows Amvic ICF to be stacked quickly, easily and little need for glue or ties. Amvic’s user friendly, easy to
install system increases job site efficiency and worker productivity which saves time and money.

1"
12 8"

15" 16"

EMBEDDED WEB CENTER LINE FOR

FLANGE EMBEDDED WEB FLANGE
15" (22" FOR

16" (24" FOR

10" & 12")

10" & 12")

1"
12 6"

Figure 4 – Side view of Amvic ICF straight block showing web flanges

10
PART 1 INTRODUCTION

INTEGRATED REBAR
PLACEMENT AND
HOLDING SLOTS IN
WEBS

6" 1"
34 8" 1"
34

4" 1"
22 6" 1"
22 8" 1"
22

INTEGRATED REBAR
PLACEMENT AND
HOLDING SLOTS IN
WEBS

10" 1"
22 12" 1"
22

Figure 5 – Cross section of Amvic ICF blocks

11
 PART 1 INTRODUCTION

8"

FORM LOCKä
INTERLOCKING INTEGRATED
SYSTEM DRAINAGE CHANNELS

6"
Figure 6 – Interior view of ICF panel showing integrated drainage (R30 at the top, R22 bottom)

Amvic ICF R22 is available in a variety of sizes allowing for concrete cores of 4” (102mm), 6” (152mm), 8” (203mm),
10” (254mm) and 12” (305mm). Straight, 90° corner, 45° corner, taper top, brick ledge, T-block and radius blocks are
available in most core sizes. For Amvic ICF R30 straight, 90° corner, 45° corner, taper top and brick ledge blocks (only
in 6” (152mm)) are available in 6” (152mm) and 8” (203mm) core sizes.

12
 PART 1 INTRODUCTION

R6"
6"

6" 1"
R34

6" 1"
R34

Figure 7 – Typical Amvic ICF corners. Short R22 corner (above), long R22 corner (middle) and R30 corner (bottom)

Amvic is the best ICF system available on the market today. Competitive pricing, extensive product distribution and
professional technical support are combined to provide customers with a superior product with an installation cost
less than comparable systems.

13
 PART 2 PRODUCTS AND AVAILABILITY

All Amvic ICF blocks and accessories are packaged in bundles to achieve maximum space utilization during shipping,
refer to table below for details. Make sure to contact your local Amvic territory manager or distributor to discuss
stock availability of blocks, tools and accessories.

Number
Bundle Size Bundle Weight Blocks per
Amvic Code Item Description Bundles per
(L x W x H) in inches (Gross) In lbs Bundle
53ft Trailer
BLO0406 R22 4” Straight 55 x 48.5 x 49 125.5 18 814
BLO0407 R22 4” 90° Short Corner 52.5 x 43 x 49 90.00 24 1280
BLO0408 R22 4” 45° Short Corner 50 x 50 x 49 98.00 24 1179
BLO0606 R22 6” Straight 55 x 48.5 x 49 110.0 15 678
BLO0614L R22 6” 90° Long Corner 49 x 35 x 49 60.00 6 405
BLO0608 R22 6” 45° Short Corner 51.5 x 28.5 x 49 55.50 12 770
BLO0610 R22 6” Brick Ledge 49.5 x 48.5 x 49 76.75 9 455
BLO0611 R22 6” Double Taper Top 55 x 48.5 x 49 107.5 15 678
BLOT06S R22 6” Short T-Block
45 x 31 x 49 46.00 6 389
BLOT06L R22 6” Long T-Block
BLO0636 R30 6” Straight 50 x 48 x 49 87.00 12 590
BLO0637 R30 6” 90° Long Corner 44 x 40 x 49 58.00 6 400
BLO0638 R30 6” 45° Long Corner 53 x 35 x 49 55.50 6 374
BLO0639 R30 6” Brick Ledge 55 x 48 x 49 90.00 9 426
BLO0640 R30 6” Double Taper Top 50 x 48 x 49 84.00 12 590
BLO0806 R22 8” Straight 53.25 x 48 x 49 89.00 12 570
BLO0814L R22 8” 90° Long Corner 49 x 38 x 49.5 68.25 6 385
BLO0808 R22 8” 45° Short Corner 60 x 31 x 49 57.50 12 796
BLO0811 R22 8” Brick Ledge 54.5 x 48.5 x 49 78.75 9 407
BLO0812 R22 8” Double Taper Top 53 x 48.5 x 49 84.00 12 570
BLOT08S R22 8” Short T-Block
49 x 33 x 49 78.75 6 442
BLOT08L R22 8” Long T-Block
BLO0836 R30 8” Straight 60 x 49 x 49 88.00 12 519
BLO0837 R30 8” 90° Long Corner 46 x 46 x 49 60.00 6 351
BLO0838 R30 8” 45° Long Corner 53 x 35 x 49 55.50 6 354
BLO0839 R30 8” Double Taper Top 60 x 49 x 49 80.00 12 519
BLO0101 R22 10” Straight 45 x 48.5 x 48.5 56.00 6 319
BLO0102 R22 10” 90° Short Corner 43.5 x 34 x 49 43.00 4 313
BLO1201 R22 12” Straight 51 x 48.5 x 48.5 76.00 6 295
BLO1202 R22 12” 90° Short Corner 39 x 38 x 49 44.00 4 301

14
 PART 3 ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS

Tool Checklist For ICF Block Installation

□ Hand saw, folding pruning saw or conventional rip saw
□ Portable power saw
□ Keyhole saw
□ Table saw (optional)
□ Tape measure
□ Cordless driver drill and appropriate bits
□ Hammer drill
□ Rebar tie tools (“Yankee” twist type preferred)
□ Hammer
□ Framing square
□ 2’ (610mm) spirit level
□ 6’ (183mm) spirit level
□ Laser level, water level, or transit
□ Plumb bob
□ Mason’s line (Enough to circle entire structure)
□ Chalk line
□ Foam gun
□ Rebar bender and cutter
□ Scaffold planks
□ Wall alignment & bracing system
□ Steel stakes to anchor alignment braces (n/a if bracing off a slab)
Tool Checklist For Concrete Pour
□ Concrete pencil vibrator, 1” (25mm) maximum head size with 10-14’ (3-4.26m) shaft
□ Rubber gloves
□ Hard hats
□ Concrete finishing tools
□ Flat shovels for spill cleanup

Note: Keep spare a concrete pencil vibrator head and shaft on hand.

Tool Checklist For Utilities Installation

□ Hot knife (for electric box cutout)
□ Electric chain saw (for cutting channels for electrical wiring and plumbing)
□ Foam dispensing gun and foam
Material Checklist
□ Reinforcing steel as required and accessories, e.g. Amvic’s HV hooks, rebar ties, stirrups.
□ Screws for alignment bracing attachment to ICF blocks (1-5/8” (41mm), 2-1/2” (64mm), #10 coarse thread)
□ Concrete screws 1-1/2” (38mm) to 1-3/4” (44mm) to attach foot of alignment braces to concrete slab
□ Material for rough openings (i.e. standard 2-by lumber or plywood for fabricating wood bucks, and nails or spikes
to anchor the buck)
□ Anchor bolts, nuts, and washers or Simpson Strong-tie® ICFVL ledger connector system
□ PVC sleeves for mechanical and/or electrical fixtures
□ OSB or plywood to use to bridge cut joints, or removed webs, block out for anchor bolts, etc.
□ Low-expansion, polyurethane construction spray foam adhesive
□ Waterproofing and drainage membrane

15
 PART 4 10 STEP ICF CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Step 1
Plan the outline of the blocks and the location of
door and window openings on a conventional footing
or a slab that is level, straight and square. Rebar
should extend upward at least 24” (610mm) from the
footing into the cavity of the block or as per structural
requirement.

Figure 1 – Outline walls

Step 2
Place the first corner blocks at each corner, then lay
the straight blocks toward the center of each wall
segment. On the first course, use zip ties on the webs
to connect the blocks and pull them snugly together.
Following this, install horizontal rebar by placing it in
the clips at the top of the internal webs within the
block cavity. The clips hold the rebar securely and
eliminate the need for wire tying. (Repeat this process
for each course of block).

Figure 2 – Place corner blocks first

Figure 3 – Install horizontal reinforcing steel

and lap splicing

16
 PART 4 10 STEP ICF CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Step 3
Install the second course of blocks by reversing the
corner blocks, so that the second course of block is
offset from the first, in a running bond pattern. At this
point check for level across all of the blocks. If the
courses are not level, use shims or trim the block as
required.

Figure 4 – Install second course of blocks

Step 4
Install window and door frames (bucks) at each
location where an opening is required; cut and fit the
ICF blocks around them. Bucks are used to hold back
the concrete and stay in place permanently providing
a nailing surface for the installation of windows and
doors. Pressure-treated lumber or vinyl bucks may be
used.

Figure 5 – Install window and door bucks

17
 PART 4 10 STEP ICF CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Step 5
Install additional courses of block by continuing to
overlap the courses so that all joints are locked both
above and below by overlapping blocks.

Figure 6 – Continue installing block courses

Step 6
Install alignment bracing along the entire interior
(recommended) of the wall perimeter. This ensures
that the walls are straight and plumb and allow
alignment adjustment before and during the pour.
The bracing also serves the dual purpose of providing
a secure and safe framework to support scaffolding
planks once five courses have been stacked.

Figure 7 – Install alignment and bracing system around the interior of the
perimeter wall

18
 PART 4 10 STEP ICF CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Step 7
Stack the block to the full wall height for single story
construction, or to just above floor height for multi
story construction. Cut the vertical rebar to length
and begin installing it from the opening at the top of
the wall, through the spaces between the horizontal
rebar.

Figure 8 – Install vertical reinforcing bars after top course of blocks

Step 8
Pour the concrete into the stacked walls using a
boom pump. Do this in layers approximately 3-4’
(0.9-1.2m) at a time, circling the structure until the
top of the wall is reached. Use a mechanical pencil
vibrator (stinger) to vibrate the concrete and remove
all air pockets within the wall. Up to one story can be
poured each day using this method.

Figure 9 – Pour concrete in lifts of 3-4’ (0.9-1.2m)

19
 PART 4 10 STEP ICF CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Step 9
Screed off the concrete until it is even with the block
top and then “wet set” anchor bolts into the concrete
top. These bolts will be used later to install the top
plate (mud sill) for the installation of rafters or trusses.

Figure 10 - Wet set anchor bolts in top course of upper floor

Step 10
Remove bracing after the concrete has cured, then
proceed with further stages of construction.

Figure 11 - Once the concrete had time to cure, remove bracing if not
needed for following stages of construction

20
 PART 5 FOOTINGS, SLABS AND COURSING

An Amvic ICF wall can be started from either a footing or a slab depending on the design and structural
requirements. There are benefits and drawbacks to both methods ultimately depending on the specific site
conditions.

First course of block set on slab

The benefit to starting an Amvic ICF wall on a slab is that it provides a hard, level surface to work on and to anchor
bracing to. A sturdy working surface can increase job site efficiency.

First course of block set on a footing

The primary advantage to this method is that the block itself provides slab edge insulation. The edge of a slab, where
the floor is located, acts as thermal bridge. By insulating this area, heat movement is minimized providing energy
cost savings. This method is also preferable when a radiant hydronic floor system will be used, or if the final floor
finish will be stained and sealed concrete.

Footing and walls for a raised floor

If the first floor will be a raised floor, then the wall must be started from a footing. In some cases, it might be
beneficial to pour 2-3 courses of block initially, and then install their floor system. Once the floor system is complete,
the rest of the ICF wall is erected normally.

OPTIONAL
METAL
TRACK

OPTIONAL
METAL
TRACK

Figure 1 – Typical ICF footing types

21
 PART 5 FOOTINGS, SLABS AND COURSING

Level Foundation
After pouring the footings and/or slab on grade, the
top finished surface should be level to within 1/4”
(6.35mm). This is commonly a local building code
requirement. A proper level footing will make installing
the first two courses of block significantly easier.
Level can be checked using a laser, transit or water level.
If the top surface is not within 1/4” (6.35mm) all the
way around, the ICF blocks will need to be adjusted at a
later time during installation. It is good practice to mark
the variance of each corner of the footing or slab.
Note: If the installation of the first story of Amvic ICF
will take a few days to complete, it is recommended to
protect the chalk line to avoid it being washed away by
rain or wind gusts.

Note: It is possible to snap the chalk line at 1/2” (13mm)

away from the face of the actual wall. This becomes
beneficial when the wall placement needs to be adjusted Figure 2 – Ensure the top surface of the footing or slab is level
by allowing the installer to see where the marked outline
is located.

Outlining the Project

Several outlining steps are necessary and should be
marked on the foundation before beginning the actual
installation process. This outlining process is essential in
increasing jobsite efficiency and making the installation
process flow smoothly with minimal complications.

Outlining wall layout using chalk line

Check the building/project drawings carefully to
determine the correct foundation wall layout and
dimensions. Use a chalk line or string to mark the
wall layout on the footings or slab. The outline can be
marked on either face of the foundation wall. Most
installers tend to mark the outside face simply because
the building/project drawings will readily indicate this
information.
Ensure all 90° corners are properly squared. This can
usually be done by using conventional construction
practices by measuring diagonals or 3-4-5 right angle
triangle. A well-trained surveyor may be retained to
carry out the task of establishing the correct angles on
the jobsite including variable angles and special radius
walls.
Figure 3 – Snap a chalk line to mark the wall layout

22
 PART 5 FOOTINGS, SLABS AND COURSING

Outlining wall layout using metal

angle/metal track
An alternative to using chalk line is to
use a light gauge metal angle or a metal
track section to mark the wall layout. The
angle should be fastened to the footings/
slab with concrete screws or can be
secured in place using foam adhesive.
When installing the first course of Amvic
ICF, the angle/metal track will serve as
a guide for placement of the blocks,
see images below. The major drawback
of this method is the ability to make
modifications at a later time, after a few
courses have been erected. Since the
metal angle/track are either adhered
or mechanically fastened in place, it is
difficult to move them even to make
minor changes. Figure 4 – Securing a metal track to a concrete slab

Figure 5 – Metal track section acting as a guide for block placement

23
 PART 5 FOOTINGS, SLABS AND COURSING

Outlining rough size windows and doors

From the drawings, measure and mark where the center of each door and window will be located on the footing/
slab as well as the overall width (including buck thickness if applicable). The heights of the rough opening are also
calculated from the drawings for each opening (include buck thickness if applicable). It is important to know which
type of bucking and window detailing configuration the designer has specified since it will affect the size of the rough
opening.

ROUGH OPENING
ROUGH OPENING

ROUGH OPENING

ROUGH OPENING
ICF ICF ICF ICF
CUT CUT CUT CUT
LINE LINES LINE LINE

Figure 6 – Rough opening size depends on the type of bucking system used

Dowel Placement
When pouring footings or concrete slab, place reinforcing dowels as per engineer and/or local building code
requirements. For most walls, the dimension of the wall does not perfectly divide into an even number of blocks. In
order to keep the webs vertically aligned it is best to use a standing seam, see Part 9.12. Dowel placement should be
started at the corners and worked towards the center/cut joint. If the dowel comes up directly at a web location, the
bar can be bent in a slight S-curve to allow it to clear the web. See Part 5.1 for specific dowel placement and spacing
for all Amvic ICF block sizes

24
PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT
Table 1 ‐ Vertical coursing chart for Amvic R22 & R30 4" (102mm), 6" (152mm) & 8" (203mm) blocks
Table 1 ‐ Vertical coursing chart for Amvic R22 & R30 4" (102mm), 6" (152mm) & 8" (203mm) blocks
Plus 2" (51mm) Plus 3" (51mm) Plus 4" (51mm)
No. of Total Height Plus 2" (51mm) Plus 3" (51mm) Plus 4" (51mm)
No. of Total Height Height Adjuscter Height Adjuscter Height Adjuscter
Courses Height Adjuscter Height Adjuscter Height Adjuscter
Courses (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm)
(in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm)
1 16 1' 4" 406 18 1' 6" 457 19 1' 7" 483 20 1' 8" 508
1 16 1' 4" 406 18 1' 6" 457 19 1' 7" 483 20 1' 8" 508
2 32 2' 8" 813 34 2' 10" 864 35 2' 11" 889 36 3' 0" 914
2 32 2' 8" 813 34 2' 10" 864 35 2' 11" 889 36 3' 0" 914
3 48 4' 0" 1219 50 4' 2" 1270 51 4' 3" 1295 52 4' 4" 1321
3 48 4' 0" 1219 50 4' 2" 1270 51 4' 3" 1295 52 4' 4" 1321
4 64 5' 4" 1626 66 5' 6" 1676 67 5' 7" 1702 68 5' 8" 1727
4 64 5' 4" 1626 66 5' 6" 1676 67 5' 7" 1702 68 5' 8" 1727
5 80 6' 8" 2032 82 6' 10" 2083 83 6' 11" 2108 84 7' 0" 2134
5 80 6' 8" 2032 82 6' 10" 2083 83 6' 11" 2108 84 7' 0" 2134
6 96 8' 0" 2438 98 8' 2" 2489 99 8' 3" 2515 100 8' 4" 2540
6 96 8' 0" 2438 98 8' 2" 2489 99 8' 3" 2515 100 8' 4" 2540
7 112 9' 4" 2845 114 9' 6" 2896 115 9' 7" 2921 116 9' 8" 2946
7 112 9' 4" 2845 114 9' 6" 2896 115 9' 7" 2921 116 9' 8" 2946
8 128 10' 8" 3251 130 10' 10" 3302 131 10' 11" 3327 132 11' 0" 3353
8 128 10' 8" 3251 130 10' 10" 3302 131 10' 11" 3327 132 11' 0" 3353
9 144 12' 0" 3658 146 12' 2" 3708 147 12' 3" 3734 148 12' 4" 3759
9 144 12' 0" 3658 146 12' 2" 3708 147 12' 3" 3734 148 12' 4" 3759
10 160 13' 4" 4064 162 13' 6" 4115 163 13' 7" 4140 164 13' 8" 4166
10 160 13' 4" 4064 162 13' 6" 4115 163 13' 7" 4140 164 13' 8" 4166
11 176 14' 8" 4470 178 14' 10" 4521 179 14' 11" 4547 180 15' 0" 4572
11 176 14' 8" 4470 178 14' 10" 4521 179 14' 11" 4547 180 15' 0" 4572
12 192 16' 0" 4877 194 16' 2" 4928 195 16' 3" 4953 196 16' 4" 4978
12 192 16' 0" 4877 194 16' 2" 4928 195 16' 3" 4953 196 16' 4" 4978
13 208 17' 4" 5283 210 17' 6" 5334 211 17' 7" 5359 212 17' 8" 5385
13 208 17' 4" 5283 210 17' 6" 5334 211 17' 7" 5359 212 17' 8" 5385
14 224 18' 8" 5690 226 18' 10" 5740 227 18' 11" 5766 228 19' 0" 5791
14 224 18' 8" 5690 226 18' 10" 5740 227 18' 11" 5766 228 19' 0" 5791
15 240 20' 0" 6096 242 20' 2" 6147 243 20' 3" 6172 244 20' 4" 6198
15 240 20' 0" 6096 242 20' 2" 6147 243 20' 3" 6172 244 20' 4" 6198
16 256 21' 4" 6502 258 21' 6" 6553 259 21' 7" 6579 260 21' 8" 6604
16 256 21' 4" 6502 258 21' 6" 6553 259 21' 7" 6579 260 21' 8" 6604
17 272 22' 8" 6909 274 22' 10" 6960 275 22' 11" 6985 276 23' 0" 7010
17 272 22' 8" 6909 274 22' 10" 6960 275 22' 11" 6985 276 23' 0" 7010
18 288 24' 0" 7315 290 24' 2" 7366 291 24' 3" 7391 292 24' 4" 7417
18 288 24' 0" 7315 290 24' 2" 7366 291 24' 3" 7391 292 24' 4" 7417
19 304 25' 4" 7722 306 25' 6" 7772 307 25' 7" 7798 308 25' 8" 7823
19 304 25' 4" 7722 306 25' 6" 7772 307 25' 7" 7798 308 25' 8" 7823
20 320 26' 8" 8128 322 26' 10" 8179 323 26' 11" 8204 324 27' 0" 8230
20 320 26' 8" 8128 322 26' 10" 8179 323 26' 11" 8204 324 27' 0" 8230

Table 2 ‐ Vertical coursing chart for Amvic R22 10" (254mm) and 12" (305mm) blocks
Table 2 ‐ Vertical coursing chart for Amvic R22 10" (254mm) and 12" (305mm) blocks
Plus 2" (51mm) Plus 3" (51mm) Plus 4" (51mm)
No. of Total Height Plus 2" (51mm) Plus 3" (51mm) Plus 4" (51mm)
No. of Total Height Height Adjuscter Height Adjuscter Height Adjuscter
Courses Height Adjuscter Height Adjuscter Height Adjuscter
Courses (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm)
(in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm) (in) (ft) (mm)
1 24 2' 0" 610 26 2' 2" 660 27 2' 3" 686 28 2' 4" 711
1 24 2' 0" 610 26 2' 2" 660 27 2' 3" 686 28 2' 4" 711
2 48 4' 0" 1219 50 4' 2" 1270 51 4' 3" 1295 52 4' 4" 1321
2 48 4' 0" 1219 50 4' 2" 1270 51 4' 3" 1295 52 4' 4" 1321
3 72 6' 0" 1829 74 6' 2" 1880 75 6' 3" 1905 76 6' 4" 1930
3 72 6' 0" 1829 74 6' 2" 1880 75 6' 3" 1905 76 6' 4" 1930
4 96 8' 0" 2438 98 8' 2" 2489 99 8' 3" 2515 100 8' 4" 2540
4 96 8' 0" 2438 98 8' 2" 2489 99 8' 3" 2515 100 8' 4" 2540
5 120 10' 0" 3048 122 10' 2" 3099 123 10' 3" 3124 124 10' 4" 3150
5 120 10' 0" 3048 122 10' 2" 3099 123 10' 3" 3124 124 10' 4" 3150
6 144 12' 0" 3658 146 12' 2" 3708 147 12' 3" 3734 148 12' 4" 3759
6 144 12' 0" 3658 146 12' 2" 3708 147 12' 3" 3734 148 12' 4" 3759
7 168 14' 0" 4267 170 14' 2" 4318 171 14' 3" 4343 172 14' 4" 4369
7 168 14' 0" 4267 170 14' 2" 4318 171 14' 3" 4343 172 14' 4" 4369
8 192 16' 0" 4877 194 16' 2" 4928 195 16' 3" 4953 196 16' 4" 4978
8 192 16' 0" 4877 194 16' 2" 4928 195 16' 3" 4953 196 16' 4" 4978
9 216 18' 0" 5486 218 18' 2" 5537 219 18' 3" 5563 220 18' 4" 5588
9 216 18' 0" 5486 218 18' 2" 5537 219 18' 3" 5563 220 18' 4" 5588
10 240 20' 0" 6096 242 20' 2" 6147 243 20' 3" 6172 244 20' 4" 6198
10 240 20' 0" 6096 242 20' 2" 6147 243 20' 3" 6172 244 20' 4" 6198
11 264 22' 0" 6706 266 22' 2" 6756 267 22' 3" 6782 268 22' 4" 6807
11 264 22' 0" 6706 266 22' 2" 6756 267 22' 3" 6782 268 22' 4" 6807
12 288 24' 0" 7315 290 24' 2" 7366 291 24' 3" 7391 292 24' 4" 7417
12 288 24' 0" 7315 290 24' 2" 7366 291 24' 3" 7391 292 24' 4" 7417
13 312 26' 0" 7925 314 26' 2" 7976 315 26' 3" 8001 316 26' 4" 8026
13 312 26' 0" 7925 314 26' 2" 7976 315 26' 3" 8001 316 26' 4" 8026
14 336 28' 0" 8534 338 28' 2" 8585 339 28' 3" 8611 340 28' 4" 8636
14 336 28' 0" 8534 338 28' 2" 8585 339 28' 3" 8611 340 28' 4" 8636
15 360 30' 0" 9144 362 30' 2" 9195 363 30' 3" 9220 364 30' 4" 9246
15 360 30' 0" 9144 362 30' 2" 9195 363 30' 3" 9220 364 30' 4" 9246
16 384 32' 0" 9754 386 32' 2" 9804 387 32' 3" 9830 388 32' 4" 9855
16 384 32' 0" 9754 386 32' 2" 9804 387 32' 3" 9830 388 32' 4" 9855
17 408 34' 0" 10363 410 34' 2" 10414 411 34' 3" 10439 412 34' 4" 10465
17 408 34' 0" 10363 410 34' 2" 10414 411 34' 3" 10439 412 34' 4" 10465
18 432 36' 0" 10973 434 36' 2" 11024 435 36' 3" 11049 436 36' 4" 11074
18 432 36' 0" 10973 434 36' 2" 11024 435 36' 3" 11049 436 36' 4" 11074
19 456 38' 0" 11582 458 38' 2" 11633 459 38' 3" 11659 460 38' 4" 11684
19 456 38' 0" 11582 458 38' 2" 11633 459 38' 3" 11659 460 38' 4" 11684
20 480 40' 0" 12192 482 40' 2" 12243 483 40' 3" 12268 484 40' 4" 12294
20 480 40' 0" 12192 482 40' 2" 12243 483 40' 3" 12268 484 40' 4" 12294
25
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 3 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R22 4" (102mm) short 90° corner blocks

Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
1' 4" (406)(1) 2' 1" (635)(1) 0' 7" (178) (1) 13' 4" (4064)(1) 14' 1" (4293)(1) 12' 7" (3835)(1)
1' 10" (559)(2) 2' 7" (787)(2) 1' 1" (330) (2) 13' 10" (4216)(2) 14' 7" (4445)(2) 13' 1" (3988)(2)
2' 4" (711) 3' 1" (940) 1' 7" (483) 14' 4" (4369) 15' 1" (4597) 13' 7" (4140)
2' 10" (864) 3' 7" (1092) 2' 1" (635) 14' 10" (4521) 15' 7" (4750) 14' 1" (4293)
3' 4" (1016) 4' 1" (1245) 2' 7" (787) 15' 4" (4674) 16' 1" (4902) 14' 7" (4445)
3' 10" (1168) 4' 7" (1397) 3' 1" (940) 15' 10" (4826) 16' 7" (5055) 15' 1" (4597)
4' 4" (1321) 5' 1" (1549) 3' 7" (1092) 16' 4" (4978) 17' 1" (5207) 15' 7" (4750)
4' 10" (1473) 5' 7" (1702) 4' 1" (1245) 16' 10" (5131) 17' 7" (5359) 16' 1" (4902)
5' 4" (1626) 6' 1" (1854) 4' 7" (1397) 17' 4" (5283) 18' 1" (5512) 16' 7" (5055)
5' 10" (1778) 6' 7" (2007) 5' 1" (1549) 17' 10" (5436) 18' 7" (5664) 17' 1" (5207)
6' 4" (1930) 7' 1" (2159) 5' 7" (1702) 18' 4" (5588) 19' 1" (5817) 17' 7" (5359)
6' 10" (2083) 7' 7" (2311) 6' 1" (1854) 18' 10" (5740) 19' 7" (5969) 18' 1" (5512)
7' 4" (2235) 8' 1" (2464) 6' 7" (2007) 19' 4" (5893) 20' 1" (6121) 18' 7" (5664)
7' 10" (2388) 8' 7" (2616) 7' 1" (2159) 19' 10" (6045) 20' 7" (6274) 19' 1" (5817)
8' 4" (2540) 9' 1" (2769) 7' 7" (2311) 20' 4" (6198) 21' 1" (6426) 19' 7" (5969)
8' 10" (2692) 9' 7" (2921) 8' 1" (2464) 20' 10" (6350) 21' 7" (6579) 20' 1" (6121)
9' 4" (2845) 10' 1" (3073) 8' 7" (2616) 21' 4" (6502) 22' 1" (6731) 20' 7" (6274)
9' 10" (2997) 10' 7" (3226) 9' 1" (2769) 21' 10" (6655) 22' 7" (6883) 21' 1" (6426)
10' 4" (3150) 11' 1" (3378) 9' 7" (2921) 22' 4" (6807) 23' 1" (7036) 21' 7" (6579)
10' 10" (3302) 11' 7" (3531) 10' 1" (3073) 22' 10" (6960) 23' 7" (7188) 22' 1" (6731)
11' 4" (3454) 12' 1" (3683) 10' 7" (3226) 23' 4" (7112) 24' 1" (7341) 22' 7" (6883)
11' 10" (3607) 12' 7" (3835) 11' 1" (3378) 23' 10" (7264) 24' 7" (7493) 23' 1" (7036)
12' 4" (3759) 13' 1" (3988) 11' 7" (3531) 24' 4" (7417) 25' 1" (7645) 23' 7" (7188)
12' 10" (3912) 13' 7" (4140) 12' 1" (3683) 24' 10" (7569) 25' 7" (7798) 24' 1" (7341)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

INSIDE - INSIDE
1"
182
5" 5" 6"
INCREMENTS 1" 1"
22 22
INSIDE - OUTSIDE

OF 6"
1"
182

RECOMMENDED 1" 151"

32
1" 2
DOWEL 242
PLACEMENT
4"
OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 1"
122

26
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 4 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R22 4" (102mm) 45° corner blocks

Diagonal Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside

Dimension C Dimension A Dimension B
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
1' 2‐1/4" (362) (1) 1' 6" (457) (1) 0' 10‐9/16" (268) (1)
1' 8‐1/4" (514) (2) 2' 0" (610) (2) 1' 4‐9/16" (421) (2)
2' 2‐1/4" (667) 2' 6" (762) 1' 10‐9/16" (573)
2' 8‐1/4" (819) 3' 0" (914) 2' 4‐9/16" (725)
3' 2‐1/4" (972) 3' 6" (1067) 2' 10‐9/16" (878)
3' 8‐1/4" (1124) 4' 0" (1219) 3' 4‐9/16" (1030)
4' 2‐1/4" (1276) 4' 6" (1372) 3' 10‐9/16" (1183)
4' 8‐1/4" (1429) 5' 0" (1524) 4' 4‐9/16" (1335)
5' 2‐1/4" (1581) 5' 6" (1676) 4' 10‐9/16" (1487)
5' 8‐1/4" (1734) 6' 0" (1829) 5' 4‐9/16" (1640)
6' 2‐1/4" (1886) 6' 6" (1981) 5' 10‐9/16" (1792)
6' 8‐1/4" (2038) 7' 0" (2134) 6' 4‐9/16" (1945)
7' 2‐1/4" (2191) 7' 6" (2286) 6' 10‐9/16" (2097)
7' 8‐1/4" (2343) 8' 0" (2438) 7' 4‐9/16" (2249)
8' 2‐1/4" (2496) 8' 6" (2591) 7' 10‐9/16" (2402)
8' 8‐1/4" (2648) 9' 0" (2743) 8' 4‐9/16" (2554)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required
IN

21" 1"
C

22
R

INSIDE - INSIDE
EM

9" 6"
EN

4" 4"
TS

1"
O

15" 1" 22
F

54
6"

15" 4"
1"
174

RECOMMENDED
C C DOWEL
PLACEMENT
1"
54 1741"

OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE

27
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 6 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R22 6" (152mm) long 90° corner blocks

Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
(1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
2' 1" (635) 3' 0" (914) 1' 2" (356) 14' 1" (4293) 15' 0" (4572) 13' 2" (4013)
(2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)
2' 7" (787) 3' 6" (1067) 1' 8" (508) 14' 7" (4445) 15' 6" (4724) 13' 8" (4166)
3' 1" (940) 4' 0" (1219) 2' 2" (660) 15' 1" (4597) 16' 0" (4877) 14' 2" (4318)
3' 7" (1092) 4' 6" (1372) 2' 8" (813) 15' 7" (4750) 16' 6" (5029) 14' 8" (4470)
4' 1" (1245) 5' 0" (1524) 3' 2" (965) 16' 1" (4902) 17' 0" (5182) 15' 2" (4623)
4' 7" (1397) 5' 6" (1676) 3' 8" (1118) 16' 7" (5055) 17' 6" (5334) 15' 8" (4775)
5' 1" (1549) 6' 0" (1829) 4' 2" (1270) 17' 1" (5207) 18' 0" (5486) 16' 2" (4928)
5' 7" (1702) 6' 6" (1981) 4' 8" (1422) 17' 7" (5359) 18' 6" (5639) 16' 8" (5080)
6' 1" (1854) 7' 0" (2134) 5' 2" (1575) 18' 1" (5512) 19' 0" (5791) 17' 2" (5232)
6' 7" (2007) 7' 6" (2286) 5' 8" (1727) 18' 7" (5664) 19' 6" (5944) 17' 8" (5385)
7' 1" (2159) 8' 0" (2438) 6' 2" (1880) 19' 1" (5817) 20' 0" (6096) 18' 2" (5537)
7' 7" (2311) 8' 6" (2591) 6' 8" (2032) 19' 7" (5969) 20' 6" (6248) 18' 8" (5690)
8' 1" (2464) 9' 0" (2743) 7' 2" (2184) 20' 1" (6121) 21' 0" (6401) 19' 2" (5842)
8' 7" (2616) 9' 6" (2896) 7' 8" (2337) 20' 7" (6274) 21' 6" (6553) 19' 8" (5994)
9' 1" (2769) 10' 0" (3048) 8' 2" (2489) 21' 1" (6426) 22' 0" (6706) 20' 2" (6147)
9' 7" (2921) 10' 6" (3200) 8' 8" (2642) 21' 7" (6579) 22' 6" (6858) 20' 8" (6299)
10' 1" (3073) 11' 0" (3353) 9' 2" (2794) 22' 1" (6731) 23' 0" (7010) 21' 2" (6452)
10' 7" (3226) 11' 6" (3505) 9' 8" (2946) 22' 7" (6883) 23' 6" (7163) 21' 8" (6604)
11' 1" (3378) 12' 0" (3658) 10' 2" (3099) 23' 1" (7036) 24' 0" (7315) 22' 2" (6756)
11' 7" (3531) 12' 6" (3810) 10' 8" (3251) 23' 7" (7188) 24' 6" (7468) 22' 8" (6909)
12' 1" (3683) 13' 0" (3962) 11' 2" (3404) 24' 1" (7341) 25' 0" (7620) 23' 2" (7061)
12' 7" (3835) 13' 6" (4115) 11' 8" (3556) 24' 7" (7493) 25' 6" (7772) 23' 8" (7214)
13' 1" (3988) 14' 0" (4267) 12' 2" (3708) 25' 1" (7645) 26' 0" (7925) 24' 2" (7366)
13' 7" (4140) 14' 6" (4420) 12' 8" (3861) 25' 7" (7798) 26' 6" (8077) 24' 8" (7518)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

18"
1"
52 INCREMENTS OF 6"

1"
52 6"
18"
1"
22 1"
22
INSIDE - OUTSIDE

37"
48"
INSIDE - INSIDE RECOMMENDED 13"
DOWEL
PLACEMENT 6"

OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 24"

28
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 7 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R22 6" (152mm) 45° corner blocks

Diagonal Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside

Dimension C Dimension A Dimension B
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
(1) (1) (1)
1' 1‐15/16" (354) 1' 6‐1/2" (470) 0' 9‐3/8" (238)
(2) (2) (2)
1' 7‐15/16" (506) 2' 1/2" (622) 1' 3‐3/8" (391)
2' 1‐15/16" (659) 2' 6‐1/2" (775) 1' 9‐3/8" (543)
2' 7‐15/16" (811) 3' 1/2" (927) 2' 3‐3/8" (695)
3' 1‐15/16" (964) 3' 6‐1/2" (1080) 2' 9‐3/8" (848)
3' 7‐15/16" (1116) 4' 1/2" (1232) 3' 3‐3/8" (1000)
4' 1‐15/16" (1268) 4' 6‐1/2" (1384) 3' 9‐3/8" (1153)
4' 7‐15/16" (1421) 5' 1/2" (1537) 4' 3‐3/8" (1305)
5' 1‐15/16" (1573) 5' 6‐1/2" (1689) 4' 9‐3/8" (1457)
5' 7‐15/16" (1726) 6' 1/2" (1842) 5' 3‐3/8" (1610)
6' 1‐15/16" (1878) 6' 6‐1/2" (1994) 5' 9‐3/8" (1762)
6' 7‐15/16" (2030) 7' 1/2" (2146) 6' 3‐3/8" (1915)
7' 1‐15/16" (2183) 7' 6‐1/2" (2299) 6' 9‐3/8" (2067)
7' 7‐15/16" (2335) 8' 1/2" (2451) 7' 3‐3/8" (2219)
8' 1‐15/16" (2488) 8' 6‐1/2" (2604) 7' 9‐3/8" (2372)
8' 7‐15/16" (2640) 9' 1/2" (2756) 8' 3‐3/8" (2524)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

1"
214 1"
22
IN

1"
94
C

INSIDE - INSIDE
R

6"
EM

6"
EN

1"
42 1"
TS

1" 1" 22
11"
O

42 154 416
F
6"

11"
1616
1"
154

RECOMMENDED
C DOWEL
C
PLACEMENT
11"
416 11"
1616
OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE

29
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 8 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R30 6" (152mm) long 90° corner blocks

Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
2' 1‐1/2" (648) (1) 3' 2" (965) (1) 1' 1" (330) (1) 18' 1‐1/2" (5525)(1) 19' 2" (5842) (1) 17' 1" (5207) (1)
2' 9‐1/2" (851) (2) 3' 10" (1168) (2) 1' 9" (533) (2) 18' 9‐1/2" (5728)(2) 19' 10" (6045) (2) 17' 9" (5410) (2)
3' 5‐1/2" (1054) 4' 6" (1372) 2' 5" (737) 19' 5‐1/2" (5931) 20' 6" (6248) 18' 5" (5613)
4' 1‐1/2" (1257) 5' 2" (1575) 3' 1" (940) 20' 1‐1/2" (6134) 21' 2" (6452) 19' 1" (5817)
4' 9‐1/2" (1461) 5' 10" (1778) 3' 9" (1143) 20' 9‐1/2" (6337) 21' 10" (6655) 19' 9" (6020)
5' 5‐1/2" (1664) 6' 6" (1981) 4' 5" (1346) 21' 5‐1/2" (6541) 22' 6" (6858) 20' 5" (6223)
6' 1‐1/2" (1867) 7' 2" (2184) 5' 1" (1549) 22' 1‐1/2" (6744) 23' 2" (7061) 21' 1" (6426)
6' 9‐1/2" (2070) 7' 10" (2388) 5' 9" (1753) 22' 9‐1/2" (6947) 23' 10" (7264) 21' 9" (6629)
7' 5‐1/2" (2273) 8' 6" (2591) 6' 5" (1956) 23' 5‐1/2" (7150) 24' 6" (7468) 22' 5" (6833)
8' 1‐1/2" (2477) 9' 2" (2794) 7' 1" (2159) 24' 1‐1/2" (7353) 25' 2" (7671) 23' 1" (7036)
8' 9‐1/2" (2680) 9' 10" (2997) 7' 9" (2362) 24' 9‐1/2" (7557) 25' 10" (7874) 23' 9" (7239)
9' 5‐1/2" (2883) 10' 6" (3200) 8' 5" (2565) 25' 5‐1/2" (7760) 26' 6" (8077) 24' 5" (7442)
10' 1‐1/2" (3086) 11' 2" (3404) 9' 1" (2769) 26' 1‐1/2" (7963) 27' 2" (8280) 25' 1" (7645)
10' 9‐1/2" (3289) 11' 10" (3607) 9' 9" (2972) 26' 9‐1/2" (8166) 27' 10" (8484) 25' 9" (7849)
11' 5‐1/2" (3493) 12' 6" (3810) 10' 5" (3175) 27' 5‐1/2" (8369) 28' 6" (8687) 26' 5" (8052)
12' 1‐1/2" (3696) 13' 2" (4013) 11' 1" (3378) 28' 1‐1/2" (8573) 29' 2" (8890) 27' 1" (8255)
12' 9‐1/2" (3899) 13' 10" (4216) 11' 9" (3581) 28' 9‐1/2" (8776) 29' 10" (9093) 27' 9" (8458)
13' 5‐1/2" (4102) 14' 6" (4420) 12' 5" (3785) 29' 5‐1/2" (8979) 30' 6" (9296) 28' 5" (8661)
14' 1‐1/2" (4305) 15' 2" (4623) 13' 1" (3988) 30' 1‐1/2" (9182) 31' 2" (9500) 29' 1" (8865)
14' 9‐1/2" (4509) 15' 10" (4826) 13' 9" (4191) 30' 9‐1/2" (9385) 31' 10" (9703) 29' 9" (9068)
15' 5‐1/2" (4712) 16' 6" (5029) 14' 5" (4394) 31' 5‐1/2" (9589) 32' 6" (9906) 30' 5" (9271)
16' 1‐1/2" (4915) 17' 2" (5232) 15' 1" (4597) 32' 1‐1/2" (9792) 33' 2" (10109) 31' 1" (9474)
16' 9‐1/2" (5118) 17' 10" (5436) 15' 9" (4801) 32' 9‐1/2" (9995) 33' 10" (10312) 31' 9" (9677)
17' 5‐1/2" (5321) 18' 6" (5639) 16' 5" (5004) 33' 5‐1/2" (10198) 34' 6" (10516) 32' 5" (9881)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

19"
1"
64 INCREMENTS OF 8"

1"
64
19" 6"
1"
34 1"
34
INSIDE - OUTSIDE

1"
302
RECOMMENDED 43" 1"
INSIDE - INSIDE DOWEL 142
PLACEMENT
8"

OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 27"

30
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 9 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R30 6" (152mm) 45° corner blocks

Diagonal Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside

Dimension C Dimension A Dimension B
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
1' 6‐13/16" (478) (1)
2' 0" (610) (1)
1' 1‐5/8" (346) (1)

2' 2‐13/16" (681) (2)

2' 8" (813) (2)
1' 9‐5/8" (549) (2)

2' 10‐13/16" (884) 3' 4" (1016) 2' 5‐5/8" (752)

3' 6‐13/16" (1087) 4' 0" (1219) 3' 1‐5/8" (956)
4' 2‐13/16" (1291) 4' 8" (1422) 3' 9‐5/8" (1159)
4' 10‐13/16" (1494) 5' 4" (1626) 4' 5‐5/8" (1362)
5' 6‐13/16" (1697) 6' 0" (1829) 5' 1‐5/8" (1565)
6' 2‐13/16" (1900) 6' 8" (2032) 5' 9‐5/8" (1768)
6' 10‐13/16" (2103) 7' 4" (2235) 6' 5‐5/8" (1972)
7' 6‐13/16" (2307) 8' 0" (2438) 7' 1‐5/8" (2175)
8' 2‐13/16" (2510) 8' 8" (2642) 7' 9‐5/8" (2378)
8' 10‐13/16" (2713) 9' 4" (2845) 8' 5‐5/8" (2581)
9' 6‐13/16" (2916) 10' 0" (3048) 9' 1‐5/8" (2784)
10' 2‐13/16" (3119) 10' 8" (3251) 9' 9‐5/8" (2988)
10' 10‐13/16" (3323) 11' 4" (3454) 10' 5‐5/8" (3191)
11' 6‐13/16" (3526) 12' 0" (3658) 11' 1‐5/8" (3394)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

36" 1"
34
20" 1"
IN

8" 34
C
R
EM

13" 20"
EN

6" 1416
1"
TS

13" 20" 54
O

3016 1"
F

54
8"

RECOMMENDED
DOWEL PLACEMENT

INSIDE - INSIDE
C C

13"
1416 OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 3013
16"
31
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 11 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R22 8" (203mm) long 90° corner blocks

Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
1' 11" (584) (1) 3' 0" (914) (1) 0' 10" (254) (1) 13' 11" (4242)(1) 15' 0" (4572) (1) 12' 10" (3912) (1)
2' 5" (737) (2) 3' 6" (1067) (2) 1' 4" (406) (2) 14' 5" (4394)(2) 15' 6" (4724) (2) 13' 4" (4064) (2)
2' 11" (889) 4' 0" (1219) 1' 10" (559) 14' 11" (4547) 16' 0" (4877) 13' 10" (4216)
3' 5" (1041) 4' 6" (1372) 2' 4" (711) 15' 5" (4699) 16' 6" (5029) 14' 4" (4369)
3' 11" (1194) 5' 0" (1524) 2' 10" (864) 15' 11" (4851) 17' 0" (5182) 14' 10" (4521)
4' 5" (1346) 5' 6" (1676) 3' 4" (1016) 16' 5" (5004) 17' 6" (5334) 15' 4" (4674)
4' 11" (1499) 6' 0" (1829) 3' 10" (1168) 16' 11" (5156) 18' 0" (5486) 15' 10" (4826)
5' 5" (1651) 6' 6" (1981) 4' 4" (1321) 17' 5" (5309) 18' 6" (5639) 16' 4" (4978)
5' 11" (1803) 7' 0" (2134) 4' 10" (1473) 17' 11" (5461) 19' 0" (5791) 16' 10" (5131)
6' 5" (1956) 7' 6" (2286) 5' 4" (1626) 18' 5" (5613) 19' 6" (5944) 17' 4" (5283)
6' 11" (2108) 8' 0" (2438) 5' 10" (1778) 18' 11" (5766) 20' 0" (6096) 17' 10" (5436)
7' 5" (2261) 8' 6" (2591) 6' 4" (1930) 19' 5" (5918) 20' 6" (6248) 18' 4" (5588)
7' 11" (2413) 9' 0" (2743) 6' 10" (2083) 19' 11" (6071) 21' 0" (6401) 18' 10" (5740)
8' 5" (2565) 9' 6" (2896) 7' 4" (2235) 20' 5" (6223) 21' 6" (6553) 19' 4" (5893)
8' 11" (2718) 10' 0" (3048) 7' 10" (2388) 20' 11" (6375) 22' 0" (6706) 19' 10" (6045)
9' 5" (2870) 10' 6" (3200) 8' 4" (2540) 21' 5" (6528) 22' 6" (6858) 20' 4" (6198)
9' 11" (3023) 11' 0" (3353) 8' 10" (2692) 21' 11" (6680) 23' 0" (7010) 20' 10" (6350)
10' 5" (3175) 11' 6" (3505) 9' 4" (2845) 22' 5" (6833) 23' 6" (7163) 21' 4" (6502)
10' 11" (3327) 12' 0" (3658) 9' 10" (2997) 22' 11" (6985) 24' 0" (7315) 21' 10" (6655)
11' 5" (3480) 12' 6" (3810) 10' 4" (3150) 23' 5" (7137) 24' 6" (7468) 22' 4" (6807)
11' 11" (3632) 13' 0" (3962) 10' 10" (3302) 23' 11" (7290) 25' 0" (7620) 22' 10" (6960)
12' 5" (3785) 13' 6" (4115) 11' 4" (3454) 24' 5" (7442) 25' 6" (7772) 23' 4" (7112)
12' 11" (3937) 14' 0" (4267) 11' 10" (3607) 24' 11" (7595) 26' 0" (7925) 23' 10" (7264)
13' 5" (4089) 14' 6" (4420) 12' 4" (3759) 25' 5" (7747) 26' 6" (8077) 24' 4" (7417)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

18"
1"
62 INCREMENTS OF 6"

1"
62
18" 8"
1"
22 1"
22
INSIDE - OUTSIDE

RECOMMENDED 35"
DOWEL 48"
INSIDE - INSIDE PLACEMENT 11"

6"

OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 24"

32
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 12 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R22 8" (203mm) short 45° corner blocks

Diagonal Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside

Dimension C Dimension A Dimension B
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
1' 2‐5/8" (371)(1) 1' 8" (508) (1) 0' 9‐1/4" (235) (1)

1' 8‐5/8" (524)(2) 2' 2" (660) (2) 1' 3‐1/4" (387) (2)

2' 2‐5/8" (676) 2' 8" (813) 1' 9‐1/4" (540)

2' 8‐5/8" (829) 3' 2" (965) 2' 3‐1/4" (692)
3' 2‐5/8" (981) 3' 8" (1118) 2' 9‐1/4" (845)
3' 8‐5/8" (1133) 4' 2" (1270) 3' 3‐1/4" (997)
4' 2‐5/8" (1286) 4' 8" (1422) 3' 9‐1/4" (1149)
4' 8‐5/8" (1438) 5' 2" (1575) 4' 3‐1/4" (1302)
5' 2‐5/8" (1591) 5' 8" (1727) 4' 9‐1/4" (1454)
5' 8‐5/8" (1743) 6' 2" (1880) 5' 3‐1/4" (1607)
6' 2‐5/8" (1895) 6' 8" (2032) 5' 9‐1/4" (1759)
6' 8‐5/8" (2048) 7' 2" (2184) 6' 3‐1/4" (1911)
7' 2‐5/8" (2200) 7' 8" (2337) 6' 9‐1/4" (2064)
7' 8‐5/8" (2353) 8' 2" (2489) 7' 3‐1/4" (2216)
8' 2‐5/8" (2505) 8' 8" (2642) 7' 9‐1/4" (2369)
8' 8‐5/8" (2657) 9' 2" (2794) 8' 3‐1/4" (2521)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

22" 1"
22
IN
C INSIDE - INSIDE
R 10" 6"
EM
EN 8"
TS 16" 1"
22
O
F
6" 16" 5" 45
8" 5"
168
5"

RECOMMENDED
DOWEL
C C PLACEMENT

45
8" 1658"
OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE

33
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 13 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R30 8" (203mm) long 90° corner blocks

Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
2' 3‐1/2" (699)(1) 3' 6" (1067) (1) 1' 1" (330) (1) 18' 3‐1/2" (5575) (1) 19' 6" (5944) (1) 17' 1" (5207) (1)
2' 11‐1/2" (902)(2) 4' 2" (1270) (2) 1' 9" (533) (2) 18' 11‐1/2" (5779) (2) 20' 2" (6147) (2) 17' 9" (5410) (2)
3' 7‐1/2" (1105) 4' 10" (1473) 2' 5" (737) 19' 7‐1/2" (5982) 20' 10" (6350) 18' 5" (5613)
4' 3‐1/2" (1308) 5' 6" (1676) 3' 1" (940) 20' 3‐1/2" (6185) 21' 6" (6553) 19' 1" (5817)
4' 11‐1/2" (1511) 6' 2" (1880) 3' 9" (1143) 20' 11‐1/2" (6388) 22' 2" (6756) 19' 9" (6020)
5' 7‐1/2" (1715) 6' 10" (2083) 4' 5" (1346) 21' 7‐1/2" (6591) 22' 10" (6960) 20' 5" (6223)
6' 3‐1/2" (1918) 7' 6" (2286) 5' 1" (1549) 22' 3‐1/2" (6795) 23' 6" (7163) 21' 1" (6426)
6' 11‐1/2" (2121) 8' 2" (2489) 5' 9" (1753) 22' 11‐1/2" (6998) 24' 2" (7366) 21' 9" (6629)
7' 7‐1/2" (2324) 8' 10" (2692) 6' 5" (1956) 23' 7‐1/2" (7201) 24' 10" (7569) 22' 5" (6833)
8' 3‐1/2" (2527) 9' 6" (2896) 7' 1" (2159) 24' 3‐1/2" (7404) 25' 6" (7772) 23' 1" (7036)
8' 11‐1/2" (2731) 10' 2" (3099) 7' 9" (2362) 24' 11‐1/2" (7607) 26' 2" (7976) 23' 9" (7239)
9' 7‐1/2" (2934) 10' 10" (3302) 8' 5" (2565) 25' 7‐1/2" (7811) 26' 10" (8179) 24' 5" (7442)
10' 3‐1/2" (3137) 11' 6" (3505) 9' 1" (2769) 26' 3‐1/2" (8014) 27' 6" (8382) 25' 1" (7645)
10' 11‐1/2" (3340) 12' 2" (3708) 9' 9" (2972) 26' 11‐1/2" (8217) 28' 2" (8585) 25' 9" (7849)
11' 7‐1/2" (3543) 12' 10" (3912) 10' 5" (3175) 27' 7‐1/2" (8420) 28' 10" (8788) 26' 5" (8052)
12' 3‐1/2" (3747) 13' 6" (4115) 11' 1" (3378) 28' 3‐1/2" (8623) 29' 6" (8992) 27' 1" (8255)
12' 11‐1/2" (3950) 14' 2" (4318) 11' 9" (3581) 28' 11‐1/2" (8827) 30' 2" (9195) 27' 9" (8458)
13' 7‐1/2" (4153) 14' 10" (4521) 12' 5" (3785) 29' 7‐1/2" (9030) 30' 10" (9398) 28' 5" (8661)
14' 3‐1/2" (4356) 15' 6" (4724) 13' 1" (3988) 30' 3‐1/2" (9233) 31' 6" (9601) 29' 1" (8865)
14' 11‐1/2" (4559) 16' 2" (4928) 13' 9" (4191) 30' 11‐1/2" (9436) 32' 2" (9804) 29' 9" (9068)
15' 7‐1/2" (4763) 16' 10" (5131) 14' 5" (4394) 31' 7‐1/2" (9639) 32' 10" (10008) 30' 5" (9271)
16' 3‐1/2" (4966) 17' 6" (5334) 15' 1" (4597) 32' 3‐1/2" (9843) 33' 6" (10211) 31' 1" (9474)
16' 11‐1/2" (5169) 18' 2" (5537) 15' 9" (4801) 32' 11‐1/2" (10046) 34' 2" (10414) 31' 9" (9677)
17' 7‐1/2" (5372) 18' 10" (5740) 16' 5" (5004) 33' 7‐1/2" (10249) 34' 10" (10617) 32' 5" (9881)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

21" 1" 1"

74
74 INCREMENTS OF 8"

21"
8"
1"
34 1"
34
INSIDE - OUTSIDE

1"
302
INSIDE - INSIDE 45" 1"
142

RECOMMENDED
DOWEL 8"
PLACEMENT
OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 29"

34
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 14 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R30 8" (203mm) 45° corner blocks

Diagonal Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside

Dimension C Dimension A Dimension B
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
1' 6" (457)(1) 2' 0" (610)(1) 1' 0" (305)(1)
2' 2" (660) (2)
2' 8" (813) (2)
1' 8" (508)(2)
2' 10" (864) 3' 4" (1016) 2' 4" (711)
3' 6" (1067) 4' 0" (1219) 3' 0" (914)
4' 2" (1270) 4' 8" (1422) 3' 8" (1118)
4' 10" (1473) 5' 4" (1626) 4' 4" (1321)
5' 6" (1676) 6' 0" (1829) 5' 0" (1524)
6' 2" (1880) 6' 8" (2032) 5' 8" (1727)
6' 10" (2083) 7' 4" (2235) 6' 4" (1930)
7' 6" (2286) 8' 0" (2438) 7' 0" (2134)
8' 2" (2489) 8' 8" (2642) 7' 8" (2337)
8' 10" (2692) 9' 4" (2845) 8' 4" (2540)
9' 6" (2896) 10' 0" (3048) 9' 0" (2743)
10' 2" (3099) 10' 8" (3251) 9' 8" (2946)
10' 10" (3302) 11' 4" (3454) 10' 4" (3150)
11' 6" (3505) 12' 0" (3658) 11' 0" (3353)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

36" 1"
34
20" 1"
8" 34
IN
C
R
EM

14" 20"
EN

8"
1"
TS

30" 20" 52
O
F

1"
8"

52
RECOMMENDED
DOWEL PLACEMENT

INSIDE - INSIDE

C C

14" OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 30"

35
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 15 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R22 10" (254mm) short 90° corner blocks

Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
1' 10" (559)(1) 3' 1" (940)(1) 0' 7" (178)(1) 13' 10" (4216)(1) 15' 1" (4597) (1) 12' 7" (3835)(1)
2' 4" (711)(2) 3' 7" (1092)(2) 1' 1" (330)(2) 14' 4" (4369)(2) 15' 7" (4750) (2) 13' 1" (3988)(2)
2' 10" (864) 4' 1" (1245) 1' 7" (483) 14' 10" (4521) 16' 1" (4902) 13' 7" (4140)
3' 4" (1016) 4' 7" (1397) 2' 1" (635) 15' 4" (4674) 16' 7" (5055) 14' 1" (4293)
3' 10" (1168) 5' 1" (1549) 2' 7" (787) 15' 10" (4826) 17' 1" (5207) 14' 7" (4445)
4' 4" (1321) 5' 7" (1702) 3' 1" (940) 16' 4" (4978) 17' 7" (5359) 15' 1" (4597)
4' 10" (1473) 6' 1" (1854) 3' 7" (1092) 16' 10" (5131) 18' 1" (5512) 15' 7" (4750)
5' 4" (1626) 6' 7" (2007) 4' 1" (1245) 17' 4" (5283) 18' 7" (5664) 16' 1" (4902)
5' 10" (1778) 7' 1" (2159) 4' 7" (1397) 17' 10" (5436) 19' 1" (5817) 16' 7" (5055)
6' 4" (1930) 7' 7" (2311) 5' 1" (1549) 18' 4" (5588) 19' 7" (5969) 17' 1" (5207)
6' 10" (2083) 8' 1" (2464) 5' 7" (1702) 18' 10" (5740) 20' 1" (6121) 17' 7" (5359)
7' 4" (2235) 8' 7" (2616) 6' 1" (1854) 19' 4" (5893) 20' 7" (6274) 18' 1" (5512)
7' 10" (2388) 9' 1" (2769) 6' 7" (2007) 19' 10" (6045) 21' 1" (6426) 18' 7" (5664)
8' 4" (2540) 9' 7" (2921) 7' 1" (2159) 20' 4" (6198) 21' 7" (6579) 19' 1" (5817)
8' 10" (2692) 10' 1" (3073) 7' 7" (2311) 20' 10" (6350) 22' 1" (6731) 19' 7" (5969)
9' 4" (2845) 10' 7" (3226) 8' 1" (2464) 21' 4" (6502) 22' 7" (6883) 20' 1" (6121)
9' 10" (2997) 11' 1" (3378) 8' 7" (2616) 21' 10" (6655) 23' 1" (7036) 20' 7" (6274)
10' 4" (3150) 11' 7" (3531) 9' 1" (2769) 22' 4" (6807) 23' 7" (7188) 21' 1" (6426)
10' 10" (3302) 12' 1" (3683) 9' 7" (2921) 22' 10" (6960) 24' 1" (7341) 21' 7" (6579)
11' 4" (3454) 12' 7" (3835) 10' 1" (3073) 23' 4" (7112) 24' 7" (7493) 22' 1" (6731)
11' 10" (3607) 13' 1" (3988) 10' 7" (3226) 23' 10" (7264) 25' 1" (7645) 22' 7" (6883)
12' 4" (3759) 13' 7" (4140) 11' 1" (3378) 24' 4" (7417) 25' 7" (7798) 23' 1" (7036)
12' 10" (3912) 14' 1" (4293) 11' 7" (3531) 24' 10" (7569) 26' 1" (7950) 23' 7" (7188)
13' 4" (4064) 14' 7" (4445) 12' 1" (3683) 25' 4" (7722) 26' 7" (8103) 24' 1" (7341)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

INSIDE - INSIDE 1"

362
1"
242
INCREMENTS
1" 121"
122 2 OF 6"
6"
1"
22 1"
22
1"
242
1"
362
INSIDE - OUTSIDE

1"
32 1"
272
RECOMMENDED 1"
422
DOWEL
PLACEMENT
10"

OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 1"

182

36
 PART 5.1 COURSING AND DOWEL PLACEMENT

Table 16 ‐ Horizontal coursing chart for Amvic R22 12" (305mm) short 90° corner blocks

Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside Inside ‐ Outside Outside ‐ Outside Inside ‐ Inside
[ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)] [ft ‐ in (mm)]
2' 0" (610)(1) 3' 5" (1041)(1) 0' 7" (178)(1) 14' 0" (4267)(1) 15' 5" (4699)(1) 12' 7" (3835)(1)
2' 6" (762)(2) 3' 11" (1194)(2) 1' 1" (330)(2) 14' 6" (4420)(2) 15' 11" (4851)(2) 13' 1" (3988)(2)
3' 0" (914) 4' 5" (1346) 1' 7" (483) 15' 0" (4572) 16' 5" (5004) 13' 7" (4140)
3' 6" (1067) 4' 11" (1499) 2' 1" (635) 15' 6" (4724) 16' 11" (5156) 14' 1" (4293)
4' 0" (1219) 5' 5" (1651) 2' 7" (787) 16' 0" (4877) 17' 5" (5309) 14' 7" (4445)
4' 6" (1372) 5' 11" (1803) 3' 1" (940) 16' 6" (5029) 17' 11" (5461) 15' 1" (4597)
5' 0" (1524) 6' 5" (1956) 3' 7" (1092) 17' 0" (5182) 18' 5" (5613) 15' 7" (4750)
5' 6" (1676) 6' 11" (2108) 4' 1" (1245) 17' 6" (5334) 18' 11" (5766) 16' 1" (4902)
6' 0" (1829) 7' 5" (2261) 4' 7" (1397) 18' 0" (5486) 19' 5" (5918) 16' 7" (5055)
6' 6" (1981) 7' 11" (2413) 5' 1" (1549) 18' 6" (5639) 19' 11" (6071) 17' 1" (5207)
7' 0" (2134) 8' 5" (2565) 5' 7" (1702) 19' 0" (5791) 20' 5" (6223) 17' 7" (5359)
7' 6" (2286) 8' 11" (2718) 6' 1" (1854) 19' 6" (5944) 20' 11" (6375) 18' 1" (5512)
8' 0" (2438) 9' 5" (2870) 6' 7" (2007) 20' 0" (6096) 21' 5" (6528) 18' 7" (5664)
8' 6" (2591) 9' 11" (3023) 7' 1" (2159) 20' 6" (6248) 21' 11" (6680) 19' 1" (5817)
9' 0" (2743) 10' 5" (3175) 7' 7" (2311) 21' 0" (6401) 22' 5" (6833) 19' 7" (5969)
9' 6" (2896) 10' 11" (3327) 8' 1" (2464) 21' 6" (6553) 22' 11" (6985) 20' 1" (6121)
10' 0" (3048) 11' 5" (3480) 8' 7" (2616) 22' 0" (6706) 23' 5" (7137) 20' 7" (6274)
10' 6" (3200) 11' 11" (3632) 9' 1" (2769) 22' 6" (6858) 23' 11" (7290) 21' 1" (6426)
11' 0" (3353) 12' 5" (3785) 9' 7" (2921) 23' 0" (7010) 24' 5" (7442) 21' 7" (6579)
11' 6" (3505) 12' 11" (3937) 10' 1" (3073) 23' 6" (7163) 24' 11" (7595) 22' 1" (6731)
12' 0" (3658) 13' 5" (4089) 10' 7" (3226) 24' 0" (7315) 25' 5" (7747) 22' 7" (6883)
12' 6" (3810) 13' 11" (4242) 11' 1" (3378) 24' 6" (7468) 25' 11" (7899) 23' 1" (7036)
13' 0" (3962) 14' 5" (4394) 11' 7" (3531) 25' 0" (7620) 26' 5" (8052) 23' 7" (7188)
13' 6" (4115) 14' 11" (4547) 12' 1" (3683) 25' 6" (7772) 26' 11" (8204) 24' 1" (7341)
(1) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a stack joint
(2) Minimum dimension required for a short corner with a running bond pattern
(3) Bold dimensions indicate the use of full size Amvic blocks with no cutting required

INSIDE - INSIDE 1"

322
1"
142
1" 81" INCREMENTS
82 2 OF 6"

1"
142 6"
1"
22 1"
22
1"
322
INSIDE - OUTSIDE

RECOMMENDED 1" 211"

32 2
DOWEL
PLACEMENT 1"
382

12"

OUTSIDE - OUTSIDE 1"

202

37
 PART 6 WALL REINFORCEMENT

Building any structure using Amvic ICF requires the installer to have a good knowledge about the fundamentals of
steel reinforcement. This part of the manual will discuss the basics of reinforcing steel requirements for Amvic ICF
walls. Plan the outline of the block and the location of door and window openings on a conventional footing or a slab
that is level, straight and square. Rebar should extend upward at least 24” (610mm) from the footing into the cavity
of the block or as per engineering requirement.

Plan Requirements
For any given project, the following information should be indicated on the drawings.;
1. Separate cross sections of all walls using Amvic ICF. Each cross section should show the type of Amvic ICF
block used (i.e. core size) clearly marked and readily visible to the building official and installer.
2. Each cross section should show the wall heights involved for every floor.
3. Vertical and horizontal reinforcing bar sizes, spacing and grade of steel should be clearly marked for every
story in each wall cross section or in a separate note on other sheets.
4. The placement of reinforcing steel bars especially the vertical ones should be clearly marked (i.e. off center
or towards interior/exterior or centered in the wall).
5. The designer should specify the lap splice type and lengths for every section of the wall where splicing is
anticipated (covered in later part of this section).

The Purpose of Reinforcement in concrete

Reinforced concrete structures such as Amvic ICF walls are composed of primarily two different materials;
• Concrete
• Steel
Plain concrete is a strong material in compression. A plain concrete cube or cylinder under typical compressive
testing will take a relatively large amount of force before it breaks or cracks (compression failure). However plain
concrete is relatively weak in tension (typically can only carry one tenth (1/10) of its compression strength in
tension). Reinforcing steel has excellent strength in both compression and tension loads but is more expensive than
concrete.
Reinforced concrete structures are typically designed by engineers such that concrete is mainly utilized for most of
the compressive forces and reinforcing steel is utilized for all of the tensile forces and in some cases some of the
compressive forces. The design of reinforced concrete structures has been streamlined particularly over the last
century for safety as well as economic feasibility. Reinforced concrete structures have had a tremendous track record
in some of the most complicated structures including dams, bridges and high-rise buildings across the globe.

Horizontal Reinforcement
Amvic’s polypropylene ICF webs are specifically designed to accommodate and secure the horizontal reinforcing bars
in place practically eliminating the need to tie them. Typically, the first course of horizontal reinforcement is placed
in the notches closer to the EPS panel (i.e. on the tension side of the wall for below grade). The second course of
horizontal reinforcement should be placed in the notch towards the center of the concrete wall. The third course
will be placed in the same position as the first course. The fourth course will be placed in the same position as the
second. This staggered pattern of horizontal reinforcement is necessary to allow for the vertical reinforcement to be
placed from the top and weave in between the horizontal steel bars.

38
 PART 6 WALL REINFORCEMENT

Vertical Reinforcement
Vertical reinforcement is placed after the Amvic ICF wall has been stacked and completely erected. In case of a
multi-story wall, the vertical reinforcement is placed after the erection of each individual storey. As mentioned
above, vertical reinforcement bars are slid into place from the top and weaved into the horizontal reinforcement and
secured into the proper place according to the project requirements.

8" 8"

ALTERNATING
HORIZONTAL
STEEL
REINFORCING
16" BARS
VERTICAL
VERTICAL STEEL
STEEL
REINFORCING
REINFORCING
BARS OFFSET
BARS
TOWARDS
CENTERED IN
INTERIOR
WALL

BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING

EXTERIOR INTERIOR EXTERIOR INTERIOR

Figure 1 – Typical reinforcing steel placement below (left) and above (right) grade

Wall Openings Reinforcement

Almost all walls will have window or door openings or both. Creating a wall opening in a reinforced concrete wall
creates extra stress around that opening especially at the corners. Window and door headers also commonly known
as lintels especially in load bearing walls can be subjected to significant bending moment and shear forces depending
on several factors.

39
 PART 6 WALL REINFORCEMENT

Splicing Reinforcement
Steel reinforcement typically comes in 20 feet (6 meters) lengths. In such cases where steel reinforcement is required
to exceed this length then a splice is required. The main purpose of the splice is to transform the stresses whether
tensile or compression from one steel reinforcing bar or a group of bundled bars to another in a manner to satisfy
the governing local building codes and/or requirements of the structural design.

Types of Lap Splice

For the purpose and scope of this manual only one type of splicing known as lap splicing is discussed. Lap splicing
is typically lapping reinforcing steel over each other over a certain length. The length of the splice is calculated
according to the local building codes or by a structural engineer and is specified as part of the design package.
There are two main types of lap splices;
1. Contact Lap Splice – The lapped reinforcing bars MUST be in contact with each other and secured together.
2. Non-Contact Lap Splice – The reinforcing bars are allowed to be spaced at a distance of one fifth (1/5) of the
lapped length to a maximum of 6” (152mm).

REINFORCING REINFORCING Max. 8d or

STEEL STEEL 6" (152mm)

d
Min. 40d
Min. 40d
d
CONCRETE CONCRETE
Figure 2 – Contact lap splices (left) and non-contact lap splices (right)

Minimum Lap Splice Length = 40 x Reinforcing Steel bar diameter (40d)

Example: Canadian Rebar Sizes Example: US Rebar Sizes
When splicing a 10M reinforcing steel bar which has a When splicing a #5 reinforcing steel bar which has a
diameter of 11.3mm, the minimum lapped splice length diameter of 0.625” the minimum lapped splice length is;
is; 40 x 0.625” = 25”
40 x 11.3 mm = 452 mm

40
 PART 6 WALL REINFORCEMENT

Lapped Splices for Multiple Concrete Pours

When a project has more than one story of Amvic ICF walls, it is necessary for the installer to understand how to
perform vertical reinforcement lap splices between the different pours. There are two options, both of which are
satisfactory from an engineering/structural standpoint.

Option 1
Extend the vertical reinforcement steel bars beyond the top level of the lower story. The length of the extension
should be equal to the required splice length specified by the structural engineer or a minimum length of 40d (where
d = diameter of smaller steel bar being spliced).

EXTEND VERTICAL
STEEL
TYPICAL WOOD
REINFORCING
SUBFLOOR, JOISTS
BARS INTO
WITH HANGERS,
SECOND POUR
LEDGER BOARD
AND LEDGER
BEGINNING Min. 40d CONNECTORS TO
OF SECOND ICF WALL
POUR

END OF
FIRST POUR

HORIZONTAL
VERTICAL REINFORCING
REINFORCING STEEL AS
STEEL AS REQUIRED
REQUIRED

Figure 3 – Vertical lap splice

41
 PART 6 WALL REINFORCEMENT

Option 2
In some situations, it might be more beneficial to use a dowel as a splice due to ease of installation or site conditions.
Cut the vertical reinforcement steel bars for the lower story so that they are flush with the top of that wall. Shortly
after pouring the concrete, wet set additional vertical reinforcing bars also known as dowels into the concrete. These
bars should extend into the freshly poured wall a length equal to the splice length specified by the design engineer
or a minimum length of 40d (where d = diameter of smaller steel bar being spliced). The wet set vertical splice
reinforcing steel bars should ALSO protrude into the upper wall by the same splice length specified by the design
engineer or 40d as a minimum.

HORIZONTAL
REINFORCING
WET SET DOWELS
STEEL AS
IN FRESH
REQUIRED
CONCRETE AFTER
FIRST POUR TYPICAL WOOD
SUBFLOOR, JOISTS
WITH HANGERS,
BEGINNING Min. 40d LEDGER BOARD
OF SECOND AND LEDGER
POUR CONNECTORS TO
ICF WALL
END OF
FIRST Min. 40d
POUR

VERTICAL VERTICAL REINFORCING

REINFORCING STEEL BARS
STEEL AS TERMINATED AT THE
REQUIRED END OF THE FIRST POUR

Figure 4 – Vertical lap splice using a dowel

42
 PART 6 WALL REINFORCEMENT

Designing Reinforcing Steel for Walls

Determining the reinforcing steel schedule whether vertical or horizontal is purely a structural engineering task
which depends on many factors. It is beyond the scope of this technical manual and the intended user to indulge into
principles of reinforced concrete design. However, some tools are available for the residential construction industry
to help professionals understand reinforcing steel design for ICF construction.

Canada
Amvic’s Canadian Design Guide (Part 6.1) and ICF CCMC Code Requirements
report 13043-R contain reinforcing steel tables for below
A. Design of reinforced concrete shall be in accordance
grade and up to two stories of above grade applications
with CSA A23.3.
in residential projects. The report also contains some
lintel tables for wall openings both in metric and B. Reinforcing steel placement shall conform to CSA
A23.1, CSA A23.4 and/or the local building code
imperial units.
having jurisdiction.
There are applicability limits mentioned in the report C. Reinforcing steel bars shall conform to clause 7 of
which must be adhered to. If the particular project at CSA A23.1 AND CSA G30.18.
hand falls outside of these limits, then a local licensed/
D. Minimum Steel Yield Strength shall not be less than
registered engineer should be retained.
300 MPa (40 ksi).

United States
NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) in Code Requirements
association with PCA (Portland Cement Association)
have prepared the “Prescriptive Method for Insulating A. Design of reinforced concrete and placement of
Concrete Forms in Residential Construction” specifically reinforcing steel bars shall be in accordance to ACI
for the ICF industry. 318 or ACI 332 and/or the local building code having
jurisdiction..
The book contains reinforcing steel schedules for below
grade and up to 2 stories above grade applications.
The book also contains a lot of lintel tables for wall B. Reinforcing steel bars shall conform to one of the
openings in different applications. As expected, there following specifications;
are limitations to using the book which must be adhered
a. ASTM A615 – Specifications for Deformed and
in order to use it.
Plain Billet-Steel Bars
For applications that fall outside the scope of the
“Prescriptive Method” a local licensed/registered b. ASTM A706 – Specifications for Low-Alloy Steel
engineer should be retained. Deformed and Plain Bars
PCA (Portland Cement Association) has prepared
c. ASTM A996 – Specifications for Rail-Steel and
another tool targeted at engineers to assist them
Axle Steel Deformed Bars
in the design of ICF walls namely “Structural Design
of Insulating Concrete Form Walls in Residential
Construction”. This publication explains in more detail
the engineering principles involved in design load C. Minimum yield strength of reinforcing steel shall
be Grade 40 (300 MPa) except for seismic design
bearing and non-load bearing ICF walls even for walls
categories D1 & D2 the minimum yield strength of
outside the scope of “The Prescriptive Method”. reinforcing steel shall be Grade 60 (400 MPa).

43
 PART 6 WALL REINFORCEMENT

Steel Reinforcing Bars and Jobsite

Safety
Unguarded protruding steel rebar are
hazardous and can result in serious internal
injuries or death due to impalement from
falling or stumbling. The following measures
should greatly reduce the hazards of
exposed reinforcing steel;
• Guard all protruding ends of steel
rebar with rebar caps or wooden
troughs.
• Bend rebar so exposed ends are no
longer upright.
• When workers are present at any
height above exposed rebar, fall
protection/ prevention is the first line
of defense against impalement.

Figure 5 - Plastic mushroom caps on protruding steel bars

44
 PART 7 WALL OPENINGS

Window and door bucks are an integral part of the ICF construction process. Some contractors build their own bucks
using two-by lumber, while others prefer using a vinyl buck. Experienced ICF installers use a variety of methods
for forming and installing bucks. This section explains the main principles and most common methods of buck
construction and installation. This section should only be used as a guideline.

Note: It is advisable to follow window manufacturers guidelines for rough opening sizes to ensure proper dimensions are
achieved with taking into consideration the buck configuration. It is important to verify with the window manufacturer
that the specified rough opening is the size of the buck and not the size of the actual window.

Note: Most windows in ICF construction should be placed on the solid area of the opening and not directly on top of the
of the EPS panels. This will provide proper support and eliminate potential issues of sagging and movement over time.

Figure 1 – Constructing your window/door bucks

Wood Bucks - Choosing the Lumber

Historically, full dimension pressure treated two-by lumber was used to construct bucks. More recently builders
who still use wood bucks are using untreated wood with a waterproof barrier between the buck and the concrete
surfaces. Untreated wood is available in higher quality, is easier to work with and the waterproof barrier keeps the
buck straighter. In both circumstances, wood bucks will distort and twist to some degree which can cause window,
trim and gypsum board (drywall) installation problems.

45
 PART 7 WALL OPENINGS

Figure 2 – Typical full width wood buck made of pressure treated Figure 3 – Regular wood lumber with waterproofing membrane
lumber

Figure 4 – Typical full width window buck bottom construction Figure 5 – Opening at bottom of full width window buck for pouring
concrete

Wood Bucks - Connecting Wood

Bucks to Concrete
The simplest way to connect wood bucks
to the concrete wall is to drive galvanized
16d (3.5”/89mm) nails through the bucks
after the block is installed, so the nails will
be embedded into the concrete when it
is poured. Alternatively, galvanized deck
screws can be used.
Install the nails or screws every 12”
(305mm) at opposing angles (for example
20-30 degrees from perpendicular), to
prevent movement of the buck once the
concrete has set.

Figure 6 – Installing nails into the buck for attachment to concrete

46
 PART 7 WALL OPENINGS

Wood Bucks - Constructing Wood Bucks with

R22 ICF
When constructing a wood buck for Amvic R22 6”
(152mm) block, use 2”x10” (38mm x 254mm) stock
lumber for the top and sides of the buck since the
thickness of the concrete and one panel is 8.5” (216mm).
The lumber must be trimmed down to 8.5” (216mm) wide
to ensure a proper fit.
This may be done using a table saw. The bottom of the
buck should be constructed using a single pressure treated
(or with membrane) 2x4’ (38mm x 89mm) on the interior.
This leaves an opening at the bottom of the window which
will be used to pour concrete and insert the concrete
vibrator. Additional horizontal and vertical supports are
needed inside and around the buck which are removed
after the concrete consolidation.

Figure 7 – Typical wood buck for 6” (152mm) Amvic R22 ICF

Wood Bucks – Constructing Wood Bucks with

R30 ICF
When constructing a wood buck for Amvic R30 6”
(152mm) block, use 2”x10” (38mm x 254mm) stock
lumber for the top and sides of the buck since the
thickness of the concrete and one panel is 9.25” (235mm).
In this case the lumber does not need to be trimmed and
can be used as is.
The bottom of the buck should be constructed using a
single pressure treated (or with membrane) 2x4’ (38mm
x 89mm) on the interior. This leaves an opening at
the bottom of the window which will be used to pour
concrete and insert the concrete vibrator. Additional
horizontal and vertical supports are needed inside and
around the buck which are removed after the concrete
consolidation.

Figure 8 - Typical wood buck for 6” (152mm) Amvic R30 ICF

47
 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

This part covers the installation process in detail for a typical Amvic ICF project.

Section 8.1 - Mobilization: Materials & Tool Positioning

Once the walls, windows and door openings are laid out, materials and tools should be organized to maximize
efficiency during construction. A typical Amvic ICF project is much easier to construct from inside of the footprint
rather than the outside.
The following are recommended practices;
• Before any installation begins it is preferable to move as much of the block as possible within the perimeter
of the wall layout and stack it if necessary. This will minimize workers movement during the construction
process.
a. If Amvic ICF blocks will be stored for a prolonged time on the jobsite, protect them from dust,
sunlight and extreme weather by storing them in a contained environment.
• Place rebar and all tools and equipment within the perimeter of the wall layout including the bracing system,
bender/cutter, table saws, scaffolding and planks as well as any other equipment that may be needed.
a. Place all materials and tools at least six feet away from the inside wall to provide space for bracing
and alignment equipment.
• For each storey, build door and window bucks before starting to lay block and position them within the wall
layout perimeter close to where they will be installed.

Amvic ICF comes in bundles of different

quantities depending on the type and size
of block ordered. The most convenient
way to move a small number of bundles is
to slide two-by lumber through the forms
then carry them to the desired location.
A greater number of bundles may require
using a forklift. An average person can
easily carry a few separate blocks during
construction.

Figure 1 – Placing Amvic ICF within the perimeter of the wall layout

Figure 2 – Moving ICF bundles by hand Figure 3 – Using forklift to move bundles

48
 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

It is highly advisable to order pre-cut and

bent rebar from the steel supplier. For 90°
corners and Z-shaped rebar, cut and bent
rebar to the correct splice length greatly
improves site efficiency allowing them to
be placed as soon as are delivered to the
site.

Figure 4 – Using pre-cut & bent reinforcing steel will increase efficiency

Section 8.2 - Course Planning: Determining Wall Heights and Number of Courses per Floor
Prior to laying block, determine the exact wall height required for the project. Amvic ICF is manufactured to 16”
(406mm) high with the only exception being the 10” (254mm) and 12” (305mm) blocks which are 24” high (610
mm). If the floor heights are not divisible by 16” (406mm) or 24” (610mm), the two most common practices are the
following:
1) Rip-cut the first or last course of block horizontally. Cutting the first course is recommended since the cut
edge will be glued to the footing/slab and will not affect the interlocking of subsequent courses. If using this
method, make sure to preserve the polypropylene webs which connect the two EPS panels.
a. A table saw is recommended for rip cuts since cutting the webs by hand can be tedious and time
consuming.
2) Use an Amvic ICF height adjuster. These are available in 2”, 3” and 4” heights (51mm, 76mm and 102mm)
and can be placed below the first course or above the last course. Placing the height adjuster above the top
course is recommended.

Figure 5 – Amvic ICF height adjuster Figure 6 – Using a circular saw to horizontally rip cut ICF

For single story structures the walls will be poured in one day from the footing/slab to the top plate. For multi-storey
structures, blocks will typically be stacked and poured one floor at a time. Once a floor is complete, the floor joists
and subfloor will be installed before the next story is stacked and poured.

49
 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.3 - Placing First Course of Block

Once the pre-planning stages are complete, begin placing the first course of block by following the steps outlined
below.
1) Place door bucks in their proper location on the footing/slab. Install a temporary kicker, stacked outside to
hold each safely in place.
a. Some installers will not place door bucks until at least two courses of block have been stacked.
This provides the benefit of establishing an interlocking pattern between the courses before buck
installation. When using this method, bucks are installed by cutting through the blocks to the rough
opening sizes then securing the bucks in place. This method is acceptable but may increase block
waste.
2) If the first course of blocks is not rip-cut, it is
recommended to shave off the nubs on the
interlock from the bottom of the blocks to provide
a flat surface that can be glued to the footing/
slab.
a. Use the same setting on your table saw
when ripping all blocks for the first course
to ensure a consistent height and plumb
corners.
3) Start stacking by first placing the corner forms.
It does not matter how the corner blocks are
laid as long as the direction is reversed on the
subsequent course.
a. Test different placements of the corner
blocks to minimize block wastage.
4) Install straight forms starting from the corners
and working toward the center of the wall or door
buck. If a dowel from the footing/slab is in contact
with a web, bend it to make an offset curve
around the web. This will help to prevent pressure
on the blocks which may result in misaligned
walls.
5) Cut the final block in each wall section to size.
Ideally the cut will be made at a 2” (51mm) Figure 7 – Placing Door Bucks
increment line (centered between two interlocks).
This will allow for proper alignment of the interlocking system. Where possible, slightly adjust wall
dimensions to accommodate this. If it is not possible to adjust wall dimensions, an offset joint (interlock
between two courses do not line up) will be created. The key point here is to keep this offset joint at the
same location when stacking the subsequent courses of block.
a. Offset joints require additional bracing to withstand pressure during the concrete pour.

50
PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Figure 8 – Placing corner block first Figure 9 – Placing straight blocks

Figure 10 – Cutting the final block for a wall section Figure 11 – Fitting the cut block in place

6) Connect blocks in the first two courses together using zip ties (plastic ties). One zip tie per end joint is
generally sufficient. Place zip ties towards either edge (next to the EPS inside face). Tightening the zip ties
at the center will flex the webs and may lead to foam fracturing at that location creating a source of failure
during the concrete pour.

51
PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Figure 12 – Using zip ties to tie the first course of blocks together

7) Install the horizontal reinforcing steel as per engineering or local building code requirements (See Canadian
and US Design Guides).

Figure 13 – Installing horizontal rebar

52
 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.4 - Placing the Second Course of Block

Figure 14 – Second course placement

1) Stacking with the corner blocks first. Every corner block has a short leg and a long leg. Make sure that the
corner block is reversed at the corners on the second course by flipping them upside down so that the long
leg interlocks with the short leg of the first course. This will create a running bond pattern between the two
courses.
2) Stack the straight forms, working towards the center of the wall.
3) Place the cut block on this course at the same location as the first course. This will ensure the offset joint
remains roughly in the same place.
a. It is very important to keep the offset joint at roughly the same location for each wall section
as you stack the courses. This will ensure that there is a straight “stud” for interior and exterior
attachments.
4) Press down firmly on the blocks to ensure a secure connection with the course below.
5) Install horizontal rebar as per engineering or local building code requirements.

Figure 15 – Reversing 45° corner blocks for bay window Figure 16 – Placing the offset joint in approximately same place as
first course

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.5 - Checking for Level

Once the second course has been laid, setup a laser level and place a square of plywood or OSB over each corner
block to check for level. If the wall is more than 1/4 of an inch (6mm) out, then the wall will either need to be pushed
up (using shims) at the low spots or trimmed at the high spots. A good method to trim block at high spots is to slide a
hand saw underneath the blocks (at the desired location) and cut off the desired amount. Use foam cuttings as shims
to level the wall at the vertical joints. Once the walls have been leveled to be within ¼” (6mm), the first course of
block is ready to be secured to the footings/slab.

Figure 17 – Checking for level after second course placement

Figure 18 – Shimming the first course with foam cuttings Figure 19 – Trimming the first course of block with a hand saw

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.6 - Securing First Course to Foundation/Slab

Ensure that all walls are on their layout lines then use low expansion foam adhesive to glue the base of the first
course to the footing/slab. Insert the nose of the foam gun into one of the notches every 6–12 inches (152-305mm)
along the footing and squirt a small amount of foam adhesive under the block along the entire wall. Allow the
adhesive to set for up for 30-60 minutes.

Figure 20 – Using foam adhesive to secure the first course of block to the foundation/slab

If the form interlock on the bottom of the first course was not cut prior to the installation, it is recommended to have a
continuous bead of foam adhesive to secure the first course to the footings/slab and to prevent the cement paste in the
concrete from leaking away. Securing the first course of block to the foundation is an ideal task to do just before a break.

Figure 21 – Gluing an unshaven first course to the footing/slab

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.7 - Placing Third & Subsequent Courses of Block

The installation of subsequent courses of block is the same as the second course of block.
1) Start in the corners, alternating the direction of the corner forms.
2) After setting corners, work towards the centre of the wall.
3) Keep offset joints in the same place as the wall goes up. The remainder of all wall sections should maintain
their web alignment (indicated by the deep grooves (for R22) or triple grooves (for R30) on the outside face
of the EPS panels).
a. Webs will not line up where your offset joints occur.
4) Place horizontal steel reinforcement as required by engineering or local building code.

Section 8.7.1 - Cutting block around door bucks

If the installer has chosen to delay door buck installation
until after the first two courses of block are in place, it must
be done at this point. Cut the blocks and secure the door
bucks in place, remember to leave ¼” (6mm) gap between
the forms and the buck to allow for adjustment before
pouring the concrete.

Figure 22 - Stacking courses around door bucks

Section 8.7.2 - Elevated doorways

For doors on second floor or doors with elevated floors, the
height of the door sill must be carefully calculated before
the floor is in place. It is a good practice to install a pressure
treated 2x4” (38x89mm) or 2x6” (38x140mm) sill into the
block that will be poured in place to provide an attachment
point for the door threshold.

Figure 23 – Installing Door bucks on the second floor

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.7.3 - Cutting Forms around Window Bucks

The window and/or door bucks should already be assembled and ready for installation. The bottoms of window
bucks are usually placed in the 3rd or 4th course of blocks and must be perfectly level. If not, then trim or shim as
required. When cutting the block, leave a ¼” (6mm) gap between the block and the buck to allow for adjustment
after all the courses have been stacked and before concrete is poured.

Figure 24 – Building courses around window bucks

Section 8.7.4 - Reinforcing Steel around wall openings

Install reinforcing steel around the window/doors as blocks are stacked. Wall openings are required to have
minimum shrinkage and crack control steel bars on both sides of the sill (area below window opening). For wall
openings greater than 2’ (610 mm) in length, diagonal reinforcing steel may also be required at the corners. The
headers (area above door/window opening), commonly known as lintels require specially engineered and detailed
reinforcing steel bars (See Canadian and US Design Guides).

Figure 25 – Installing reinforcing steel bars for wall opening header or lintel

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.7.5 - Placing the top course of block

The top course of block in each pour needs special attention since it is not locked at the top. During the concrete
pour the upper sides of the top course tends to flex outward, and if not secured properly may go out of plumb. This
will also cause the interlocking to be misaligned should there be another ICF wall floor above. The following steps are
recommended for each top course;
1) Tie each block to the next using zip ties on the webs ensuring they are pulled snugly together. Do not place
ties in the centre of the webs, to avoid flexing and cut off the ends of the ties.
2) Use a horizontal wailer around the top at the corners of the structure. A2x4” (38x89mm) lumber is ideal.
Install an Amvic ICF screw into every other web on each block to minimize stretching.
3) For long and narrow wall sections, install a wailer on both sides of the block wall and fasten them to each
other. This prevents the course from flexing outwards.
4) If another course of block will be installed above this temporary top course, protect the top interlock of the
block.
a. An ideal protective covering for the R22 block is a 2-1/2” (64mm) metal stud starter track. It is
exactly the right dimension to fit over the EPS foam panel on each side. Alternatively, 4” (102mm)
wide plastic tape can be used.
b. For the R30 block which has wider EPS panels, a 4” (102mm) wide plastic tape can be used.

Figure 26 – Protecting the interlock on a top course

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.7.6 - Installing vertical rebar

The vertical reinforcing steel bars are installed after the top
course of block for each floor has been placed. The steel
bars are inserted from the top of the wall through the weave
created by the alternating horizontal bars which are already
installed. If top course of block will NOT have another floor
of ICF installed over it, the vertical reinforcement steel bars
need to be cut 2” (51mm) short as to ensure there is 2
inches (51mm) of concrete cover above them. If there will
be another ICF wall story above, then refer to Part 6 of this
manual for splicing details and placement. Review site safety
plans and OSHA compliance regulations for protruding steel
bars on the jobsite to protect workers from this hazard.
Figure 27 – Installing vertical rebar
Section 8.8 - Installing Wall Alignment & Bracing
Alignment and bracing systems are required during construction with Amvic ICF and perform the three main
functions listed below.
1) Ensure blocks are straight, plumb and properly aligned along each wall length.
2) Support stacked walls against wind gusts and other lateral loads until the concrete is poured and gains
enough strength.
3) Act as a scaffold for construction workers to stack the block courses.
Code Requirements;
• In the United States scaffolding must meet the safety requirements of OSHA (Occupational Safety and
Health Administration).
• In Canada scaffolding must meet the fall protection and scaffolding regulations of OHSA (Occupational
Health and Safety Act).

Section 8.8.1 - General application

The following rules of thumb generally apply to bracing and alignment systems to be used with Amvic ICF. Amvic
recommends using Plumbwall’s ICF bracing system, but it is compatible with virtually all bracing system types, check
with your local Amvic distributor to ensure that it is appropriate for your use.
• Bracing is typically installed by the
3rd or 4th course of block.
• Bracing in most cases is installed
only on the inside of the wall
structure, maximizing construction
efficiency since this is where all the
labor work occurs.
• Bracing is able to push the wall
outward very well but is limited in
its pulling capability. While generally
bracing is placed only one side, if
there is a wall section that cannot
be plumb any other way, bracing on
both sides can be installed in order
to align the wall properly. Figure 29 – Bracing on the inside of the wall

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Most bracing systems include a scaffold platform upon which scaffolding planks are placed for workers to work from
along with provision for installing a handrail. Scaffold planks and handrails are typically not included with the bracing
system and are provided separately.

Figure 30 –Platform and scaffold planks

Bracing is usually attached either with a “hat bracket” that wraps the strongback or through slotted screw holes in
the brace. It is recommended to use Amvic’s 2” (51mm) ICF screws to secure the strongback to the ICF webs. For
a strongback with slotted screw holes, install the screws near the top of the slot. Over tightening the screw may
result in the block settling or compressing which can misalign a wall, however, this is unlikely with Amvic ICF which
compresses very little. If the first course of ICF blocks is firmly attached to the footing/slab using glue, start the
bracing installation from the second course. Attach the strongback at every course and twice for the top course.

Figure 31 – A hat bracket wrapped around a vertical strong-back and screwed to webs
on both sides

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.8.2 - Spacing for the alignment and bracing system

Depending on the system used and the governing local codes, there are minimum spacing requirements for the
bracing which holds scaffolding. The following are common requirements for location of bracing and typical spacing.
Install one brace within 2’ (610mm) of the corner and the other 3’ (914mm) to allow the platform supports to miss
each other.

Figure 32 – Bracing corners on the inside

Install a brace at the edge of every door and window opening.

Figure 33 – Bracing both sides of wall openings

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Install braces along all the wall segments

at a maximum of 6’ (1.8m) apart.

On walls that end without an adjoining

corner (stub walls), install braces on all
three sides of the stub. On T-walls, install
at least two kicker braces on the outside
of the T (the top). This is due to walls
tending to bulge at T-joints due to the
pressure from the concrete in the leg of
the T. If in doubt, add another brace.

Figure 34 – Bracing every 6’ (1.8m)

Section 8.9 - Preparing Bucks for the Concrete Pour

At this stage, the windows and door bucks need to be checked for any final adjustments to be ready for the concrete
pour. The following steps are recommended;
1) Ensure that window and door bucks are square and plumb, adjust
as required.
2) Once bucks are square and flush, fill the gaps between them and
the forms with adhesive foam. Allow this to set for at least 30
minutes.

Figure 35 – Filling gaps between bucks and forms

with foam adhesive

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PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

3) At each buck, in at least the four corners on each side, install a cleat that screws to the buck and overlaps the
foam to hold the buck flush with the form on both the inside and outside. The cleat can be anything, e.g. a
concrete stake, piece of OSB or plywood, etc.

Figure 36 – Installing cleats around wall openings

4) If already not done so, install both horizontal and vertical braces in all doors and windows bucks. There
should be a cross brace at least every 2’ (610mm). Lintels over 8’ (2.4m) may require additional shoring.

Figure 37 – Bracing wall opening vertically and horizontally

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.10 – Required Additional Bracing

Additional bracing may be required to reinforce areas where the factory edge has been compromised due to cutting
of the block (e.g. stack joint). This bracing generally comes in the form of OSB and dimensional lumber should be
used to connect at least two intact webs (or web and a buck) to reinforce said area.
This added reinforcement is extremely important. Failure to install this bracing will frequently produce a blowout.
The block itself resists blowout as long as the webs are intact and the joint in any course are locked together both
above and below by connecting of the interlocking nubs. Additional cleats or bracing is required for any but not
limited to the following situations:
• Where an internal web has been cut out (to fit around rebar or other obstructions). It is important to mark
the block face at the time of the web cutting in order to be able to later locate it with ease and reinforce the
area as needed.
• Where a stack joint exists. A stack joint is when there is no “running bond” pattern between the Amvic ICF
block courses. Here the joint between the blocks in a single course is repeated exactly in the same place for
above courses to follow.

Figure 38 – Bracing a stack joint on both sides of wall

• Where an offset joint exists. An offset joint is where the interlocking system between the block courses does
not line up. This most likely happens when there has been a cut in the last block in a wall section so that
it fits the required wall dimension. The “running bond” pattern on an offset joint is less than 12” (305mm)
which is the recommended overlap of the interlock.
• Where the edge of the block joins a window or door buck if using wooden bucks.

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PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Figure 39 – Additional bracing when vertical joints are less

than 6in (152mm) apart

Figure 40 - Cleat installation around a door opening using

OSB

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Section 8.11 – Utility Penetrations

Penetrations for utilities must be installed after the full wall height has been stacked and before the concrete has
been poured. Generally all wiring and plumbing is ran inside the walls by cutting channels and imbedding in the EPS
foam (after the concrete is placed). Wiring for external fixtures is normally run through the wall only at the point
where the external fixture will be placed. Penetrations are required for the following;
• Exterior electrical fixtures
• Exterior electrical outlets and/or fixtures such as pump controls, watering systems, etc.
• Entrances or exits for high voltage electrical wiring
• Low voltage wiring (phone, cable TV, satellite dishes, conventional antennas, alarm systems, gate controls,
etc.)
• Dryer vents
• Wall venting chimneys
• Condensate lines or other lines for furnaces and air conditioning
• Water lines
• Water faucets
• Crawl space vents and/or crawl space access doors
• HVAC ducts (when the furnace is in the garage and the ducts run beneath a raised floor)
• Consider installing extra penetrations for potential future needs.
In most cases a piece of ABS or PVC pipe inserted through the wall can be used for a block-out. Cut a hole the same
size as the pipe and insert it all the way through the block. Use adhesive foam around the pipe for tight seal.

Figure 41 – Using PVC pipe for penetration block-outs

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Section 8.12 – Suspended Floor Installations

Floor systems are most commonly suspended from rim joists or ledger boards that are mechanically attached to the
concrete with anchor bolts or with a proprietary tie. The Simpson Strong-Tie™ ICFVL ledger is highly recommended,
as it simplifies the installation and can be used with both wood and steel floor joists. Other methods can also be used
and will be either addressed in Part 9 of this manual or can be found on Amvic’s website in the form of technical
bulletins or construction details.

Section 8.12.1 – Ledger boards Installed with Anchor Bolts

Anchor bolt sizing, spacing and pattern of installation, must be specified by a structural engineer as it is an essential
element of the structural design. The “Prescriptive Method” has some engineering tables for using anchor bolts to
connect wood floor joist to ICF walls.
Installation:
1) Cut 8x8” (203x203mm) pieces of OSB or plywood and drill a hole in the center for the anchor bolt.
2) Install the anchor bolt through the hole using double nuts on either side. Make sure the anchor bolts
used have enough thread to allow double nuts on both sides. With 1/2” (13 mm) OSB, there needs to be
approximately 3-1/4” (83 mm) of thread.

Figure 42 – Cutting square OSB boards for anchor bolt

installation
3) Cut out a 4” (102mm) wide opening between webs, up to the full height of the ledger. Make the top and
bottom cuts with a flare to the inside at 20-30° allowing the concrete to readily fill the cavity and be flush
with the outside face of the EPS.

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PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Figure 43 – Cutting openings in EPS between webs Figure 44 – Making the end cuttings flare out

4) Place the OSB & anchor bolts into the holes and attach with four screws, one in each corner. Drywall screws
work well.

Figure 45 – Installing the OSB with anchor bolts onto the EPS openings
and securing with drywall screws
5) Allow at least 3 days after the pour before tensioning the anchor bolts.

Figure 46 – Allowing the concrete to cure for at least 3 days before

removing the OSB square pieces

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6) Install the ledger by leveling it precisely below the anchor bolts. Using a reference block, do a drop-down
takeoff and drill holes slightly larger than the anchor bolts. Place the ledger. Install the required anchor bolt
washers and nuts.
7) Use standard joist hangers to attach floor joists to the ledger board.

Figure 47 – Installing ledger board with proper nuts and washers

Section 8.12.2 - Simpson Strong-Tie™ ICFVL Ledger Connector System Overview

The Simpson Strong-Tie™ ICFVL connector is the preferred method for attaching a ledger, primarily because it lowers
cost of construction of the floor. The labor time to install an ICFVL hung ledger is up to 30% less than for an anchor
bolt hung ledger.
Simpson’s ledger connector system is easy, quick and versatile to use. The perforations in the embedded leg of
the ICFVL permit the concrete to flow around it, anchoring the ICFVL securely to the concrete. The exposed flange
provides a structural surface for mounting either a wood or a steel ledger. In addition, the available ICFVL-W and
ICFVL-CW provide easy mounting for both two-by lumber and LVL respectively. Steel ledger is easily attached
using four drill-point screws. The system comes in three parts (see Simpson Strong-Tie™ website for more detailed
information).
1) Base plate designated as ICFVL. It comes in 14 gauge (0.068” (1.73mm)) thickness, galvanized steel.
2) Ledger connector designated as ICFVL-W or ICFVL-CW made of 16 gauge (0.054” (1.37mm) thickness,
galvanized steel.
3) Eight (per base plate) ICF-D3.25 screw (for wood only).

Figure 48 – ICFVL base Figure 49 – ICFVL-CW

plate ledger connector

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Section 8.12.3 - Installing Simpson Strong-Tie™ ICFVL Ledger Connector System

1) Once the exact location of the hangers has been planned and marked, press the legs of the ICFVL base plate
into the foam to mark their exact size and orientation.
2) Make two saw cuts in the block and insert the legs of the ICFVL piece into the block.

Figure 50 – Inserting the ICFVL long legs through the EPS and into the concrete

3) Fix it in place either with a foam adhesive or a single screw through the small hole in the center of the ICFVL
plate into a web (the ICFVL base plate would need to be centered with the web).
4) After the concrete has been poured and has cured for 3-4 days place the ledger in the proper place, level it
and temporarily brace it.

Figure 51 – Securing the ledger board in place temporarily

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5) Install the ICFVL-W or ICFVL-CW connector piece around the ledger.

6) Using a drill, install the self-tapping screws through the holes in the ICFVL-W/ICFVL-CW, through the ledger
connector and into the flange of the ICFVL base plate.

Figure 52 – Laminated Veneer Lumber

ledger attached using ICFVL-CW
7) Attach the floor joists to the ledger board using standard top mount floor hangers.

Figure 53 – Attaching floor joists to the ledger board with the Simpson-Tie™ (ICFVL-W with dimensional lumber shown)

Additional technical and engineering information on the ICFVL system can be found at www.strongtie.com

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Section 8.13 – Beam Pocket and Floor Joist Directly Bearing on ICF Wall
Steel beams and solid wood floor joists may be required to bear on the ICF walls according to structural design. A
beam pocket made inside the wall can be created as per the following steps.
1) Establish the beam dimensions and the elevation at which it will be installed. Use a laser level to mark the
elevations on the inside of the EPS panel.
2) On one side of the wall where the beam will bear, cut out an opening from the inside and outside EPS
panels. Make sure that the cut-out pieces are aligned in elevation and are larger than the actual beam size by
about 1/2” (13 mm) all around. This will facilitate placing the beam in place.
3) On the opposite wall where the other end of the beam will be bearing, cut out a piece from the inside EPS
panel only. The opening should again be aligned with the opposite wall and larger than the actual beam size
by 1/2” (13 mm) all around.
4) Block the void between the two openings in one wall completely from inside out using waste EPS or wood.
The opening in the other wall should also be blocked deep enough into the wall cavity to provide the
required bearing length as depicted on the plans.
5) After the concrete is poured and has gained enough strength, break off the blocking EPS or wood to reveal
the beam pocket or voids created in the wall.
6) Maneuver the beam in place and secure. Seal the area between the beam and void pocket as required.

Figure 54 – Cut beam opening through both EPS panels Figure 55 – Block opening voids with scrap foam or wood

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 PART 8 ICF INSTALLATION PROCESS

Figure 56 – Opening should be blocked deep enough to provide Figure 57 – Once the concrete is cured sufficiently, void fill is
required bearing removed, and beam is installed

Figure 58 – Maneuvering wood beam in place to bear on beam pocket

Section 8.14 - Final Adjustments Prior to Pouring of the Concrete

Check corners for plumb. Use bracing and add additional bracing if required to plumb corners. Straighten the walls.
Set a screw at each corner and install a taut string line around the perimeter of the wall. Use an offset block (2x4”
(38x89mm) lumber piece) set at the corners, on the top course of forms behind the string line using another block of
equal size as a guide to set wall to the string line.
Many builders prefer to lean the center of each wall inward (toward the bracing) by 1/4” (6mm) or so at the center
of the wall segment. Then immediately after the pour, the braces are adjusted to push the wall segment perfectly in
line.

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 PART 9 SPECIAL ICF INSTALLATION

This part explains some of the more advanced installation techniques and special floor systems that can be used with
Amvic ICF. The most common special installations are included below, however if the project has any site specific
situation that are not covered by this manual, please contact us for assistance.

Section 9.1 - Short Corner Construction

Short corners (notches, bump-outs) are commonly found in residential construction. Depending on the plan
dimensions, Amvic 90° forms can be used or a special corner detail can be constructed from straight blocks.

Section 9.1.1 – Short corners using 90° corner blocks with a stack joint
A short corner can be constructed using at least two (2) 90° corner blocks. Refer to Part 5 for coursing and minimum
corner dimensions using this method. Recommended steps are given below;
• Install the first course so that the short legs on both blocks are adjoining each other as illustrated in Figure 1
below.
• Install second and consecutive courses of corner blocks in the same manner without alternating forms. This
will create a stack joint.
• Ensure stack joint is adequately braced on both sides of forms and at every course.
• Failure to brace a stack joint adequately may lead to a blowout during the concrete pour. Make sure to use
additional bracing if necessary.

BRACE

WIRE TIE

BRACE

Figure 1 – Short corner made of 90° forms with a stack joint

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 PART 9 SPECIAL ICF INSTALLATION

Section 9.1.2 – Short corners using 90° corner blocks with a running bond pattern
This method also involves at least two (2) 90° corner blocks. Refer to Part 5 for coursing and minimum corner
dimensions using this method. The recommended steps are given below;
• Install the first course so that the long leg of one corner block and the short leg from the second block are
adjoining each other as illustrated in Figure 2 below.
• Install second and consecutive courses by alternating the forms to create a running bond pattern. Refer to
Figure 3 below.

RUNNING
BOND IS
FORMED AS
BLOCK
COURSES
ARE STACKED
AND
ALTERNATED

FIRST CONSECUTIVE
COURSE COURSE
Figure 2 – Plan view of two short corners made using 90° forms to create a running bond pattern

Figure 3 – Short corner made of 90° forms with a running bond pattern

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 PART 9 SPECIAL ICF INSTALLATION

Section 9.1.3 – Short corners made of straight Amvic ICF

Corners shorter than the minimum allowed by our 90° blocks can be achieved by using straight Amvic ICF blocks. The
recommended steps are given below;
1. Start with two straight ICF blocks.
2. Cut off 6.5, 8.5, 10.5, 12.5 or 114.5” (165, 216, 267, 318 or 368 mm) depending on the block core size being
used for Amvic R22 blocks.
3. Cut off 9.25 or 11.25 inches (235 or 286 mm) depending on the block core size being used for Amvic R30
blocks.

Figure 4 – Cutting foam from the end of the straight block on one EPS panel

4. Set the forms in place and glue the cut off pieces to fill the ends of the forms thereby creating a 90°
corner.

Figure 5 – Setting the two cut forms into position Figure 6 – Using cut off pieces to close the open ends and create a
corner
5. Construct two 90° wood forms made of 2x10” (38x235mm) lumber and place them on each of the formed
EPS corners.

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PART 9 SPECIAL ICF INSTALLATION

Figure 7 – Using 2x10” (38x235mm) wood forms to support

the formed corner
6. Drill a 1/2” (13 mm) hole through the wood forms and the EPS panels starting about 12” (305 mm) from
footing or slab. Insert a 3/8” (10mm) threaded rod through holes in the wood forms. Use plate washers
and nuts on both sides to hold the rod securely.

Figure 8 – Inserting the threaded rod through the drilled holes Figure 9 – Threaded rod inserted through both wood forms

7. Continue to cut and stack the blocks to the desired wall height. Place the threaded bolts approximately
16” (406mm) on center vertically. When the concrete has been poured and has set for a few hours,
remove the wooden forms and cut the threaded rod so that it is flush with the concrete surface. Use
foam adhesive to fill the holes in the EPS panels.

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 PART 9 SPECIAL ICF INSTALLATION

Section 9.2 - Radius Wall Construction

Amvic manufacturing facilities provide pre-cut radius forms which ensure that
courses fit together easily, and installation goes smoothly with minimal labor
costs. Pre-cut radius forms are tongue and groove cut on the inside EPS panel
and slit cut on the outside EPS panel. Radius forms can also be constructed by
the contractor on site using straight Amvic ICF.

Installing Radius Forms:

1. On the footings/slab, set a template or guide board to match the
desired radius.
2. Apply a bead of spray foam to the bottom of the form along the
tongue and groove cut (for pre-cut forms), bend the form into shape
and install it.
3. After laying the first course, install the horizontal rebar as per engineering
requirements and/or local building codes.
4. Support the outside of the form using bracing or plumbers pipe Figure 10 – Pre-cut Amvic radius blocks.
strapping. Tongue and groove cut on the inside and slit
5. Brace the wall adequately before pouring concrete. cut on the outside

For contractors who opt to cut the ICF on site, refer to Figures 13, 14 and
tables below for information on radius dimensions and cutting blocks.

Figure 12 – Several courses of radius blocks installed Figure 11 – Bending and securing the radius
form into place

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 PART 9 SPECIAL ICF INSTALLATION

Section 9.2.1 Minimum Radii for Amvic ICF

Amvic ICF blocks are available in a wide variety of configurations including pre-cut radius blocks. These blocks
are designed to provide the desired curvature while maintaining proper fit between courses for easy and smooth
installation. The blocks are tongue and groove cut on the inner wythe and slit cut on the outer wythe according to
the needed radius of the wall. Although almost any curve is possible, there is a minimum outside radius requirement
depending on the core size and type of form.
Amvic R22 ICF 4” (102mm) – Minimum outside radius is 42” (1067mm)
• Amvic R22 ICF 6” (152mm) – Minimum outside radius is 46” (1168mm)
• Amvic R22 ICF 8” (203mm) – Minimum outside radius is 48” (1219mm)
• Amvic R22 ICF 10” (254mm) – Minimum outside radius is 50” (1270mm)
• Amvic R22 ICF 12” (305mm) – Minimum outside radius is 52” (1321mm)
• Amvic R30 ICF 6” (152mm) – Minimum outside radius is 48” (1219mm)
• Amvic R30 ICF 8” (203mm) – Minimum outside radius is 50” (1270mm)

OUTSIDE RADIUS SLIT CUTS AT

EPS PANEL 6" (152mm) O.C.

W
INSIDE RADIUS
TONGUE & GROOVE EPS PANEL
CUTS 6" (152mm) O.C.
(CUT WIDTH "W" VARIES
WITH WALL RADIUS)
Figure 13 – Radius wall tongue & groove and slit cut details

OUTSIDE RADIUS
EPS PANEL

INSIDE RADIUS
EPS PANEL
Figure 14 – Radius wall bent to shape

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Tongue and Groove Cut Width “W” Spaced at 6” (152mm) o.c.

Outside Wall 4” (102mm) 6” (152mm) 8” (203mm) 10” (254mm) 12” (305mm)

Radius ICF Core Width ICF Core Width ICF Core Width ICF Core Width ICF Core Width
3.0’ (0.9m) 1.714” (43.5mm) 2.095” (53.2mm)
3.5’ (1.1m) 1.469” (37.3mm) 1.796” (45.6mm) 2.122” (53.9mm)
4.0’ (1.2m) 1.286” (32.7mm) 1.571” (39.9mm) 1.857” (47.2mm) 2.143” (54.4mm)
4.5’ (1.4m) 1.143” (29.0mm) 1.397” (35.5mm) 1.651” (41.9mm) 1.905” (48.4mm) 2.159” (54.8mm)
5.0’ (1.5m) 1.029” (26.1mm) 1.257” (31.9mm) 1.486” (37.7mm) 1.714” (43.5mm) 1.942” (49.3mm)
6.0’ (1.8m) 0.857” (21.8mm) 1.048” (26.6mm) 1.238” (31.4mm) 1.429” (36.3mm) 1.620” (41.1mm)
7.0’ (2.1m) 0.735” (18.7mm) 0.898” (22.8mm) 1.061” (26.9mm) 1.224” (31.1mm) 1.387” (32.2mm)
8.0’ (2.4m) 0.643” (16.3mm) 0.786” (20.0mm) 0.929” (23.6mm) 1.071” (27.2mm) 1.213” (30.8mm)
9.0’ (2.7m) 0.571” (14.5mm) 0.698” (17.7mm) 0.825” (21.0mm) 0.952” (24.2mm) 1.079” (27.4mm)
10’ (3.0m) 0.514” (13.1mm) 0.629” (16.0mm) 0.743” (18.9mm) 0.857” (21.8mm) 0.971” (24.7mm)
12’ (3.6m) 0.429” (10.9mm) 0.524” (13.3mm) 0.619” (15.7mm) 0.714” (18.1mm) 0.809” (20.5mm)
14’ (4.3m) 0.367” (9.3mm) 0.449” (11.4mm) 0.531” (13.5mm) 0.612” (15.4mm) 0.693” (17.6mm)
16’ (4.9m) 0.321” (8.1mm) 0.393” (10.0mm) 0.464” (11.8mm) 0.536” (13.6mm) 0.608” (15.4mm)
18’ (5.5m) 0.286” (7.3mm) 0.349” (8.9mm) 0.413” (10.5mm) 0.476” (12.1mm) 0.539” (13.7mm)
20’ (6.1m) 0.257” (6.5mm) 0.314” (8.0mm) 0.371” (9.4mm) 0.429” (10.9mm) 0.487” (12.4mm)
25’ (7.6m) 0.206” (5.2mm) 0.251” (6.4mm) 0.297” (7.5mm) 0.343” (8.7mm) 0.389” (9.9mm)
30’ (9.1m) 0.171” (4.3mm) 0.210” (5.3mm) 0.248” (6.3mm) 0.286” (7.3mm) 0.324” (8.2mm)
35’ (10.7m) 0.147” (3.7mm) 0.180” (4.6mm) 0.212” (5.4mm) 0.245” (6.2mm) 0.278” (7.1mm)
40’ (12.2m) 0.129” (3.3mm) 0.157” (4.0mm) 0.186” (4.7mm) 0.214” (5.4mm) 0.242” (6.1mm)
45’ (13.7m) 0.114” (2.9mm) 0.140” (3.6mm) 0.165” (4.2mm) 0.190” (4.8mm) 0.215” (5.5mm)
50’ (15.2m) 0.103” (2.5mm) 0.126” (3.0mm) 0.149” (3.6mm) 0.171” (4.1mm) 0.193” (4.9mm)
Table 1 – Cut out opening width “W” for varying radii (imperial and metric) for R22 forms

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Section 9.3 - T-Wall Construction

T-wall connections can be done in a few ways with either factory

purpose molded blocks or they can be constructed on site with straight
blocks. As with any ICF wall, proper bracing and alignment are essential
but T-walls require special attention before concrete placement.
1. T-wall connection must be marked starting with the first course of
block.
2. Use Amvic T-blocks where applicable. Amvic’s T-block come in
pairs, a shorter and longer that stagger and create a running bond
pattern on all three sides (see highlighted T-blocks in purple Figure
17).
3. Install bent horizontal 90° corner rebar with the proper lap
splice length as per Part 6 of this manual or local building code/
engineering requirements.
4. For below grade and main/ground floor walls, additional bracing
MUST be installed on the exterior side of the intersection. Failure
to brace properly may cause a blowout during the concrete pour.
5. For above grade levels where there is no ground surface to anchor
the exterior bracing to, use plumber straps (highlighted in red,
Figure 17) fastened to the first two webs (highlighted in yellow,
Figure 16). Do not tighten the straps yet.
6. Once the wall is formed to desired height, slide a 2x lumber down
the backside of the wall that runs straight through in between
the forms and the plumber straps. Tighten the straps to hold the
lumber in place. Make sure the straps are placed at every course.
Figure 15 – Amvic’s molded 6” R22 short (top)
and long (bottom) T-Block

Plumber strap

Figure 16 – Typical T-wall connection diagram showing Amvic’s molded R22 6” (152mm) blocks

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Section 9.3.1 - Site Constructed T-Wall Connection

In some instances, where T-blocks are not available, a T-wall

connection can be built on site with regular straight blocks. This
methodology is applicable to all of the Amvic ICF block sizes and
styles with minor differences in the actual configuration.
1. Cut the blocks as needed to fit the size and location for the
T-wall connection. The T-wall should be abutting the exterior
wall and not the other way around in order to maintain the
correct level/plumb. Use spray foam adhesive to glue the
blocks together.
2. Do not cut the web at the intersection to allow the horizontal
rebar to slide through it (highlighted in blue).
3. Use two zip ties (highlighted in red) to tie the two closest
webs (highlighted in yellow) to the 36” (900mm) horizontal #5
(15M) rebar (highlighted in purple) at every course.
4. Secure dimensional lumber on each side of the T-wall to
the ICF webs to ensure blocks do not shift during concrete
placement.
5. For below grade and main/ground floor walls, additional
bracing should be installed on the exterior side of the
intersection. Where an exterior brace cannot be installed,
secure a 2x lumber to two icf webs (highlighted in yellow)
using plumber strap at every ICF course.
6. Install bent horizontal 90° corner bars with the proper lap
splice length as per Part 6 of this manual or local building Figure 17 – Section view showing location of #5
code/engineering requirements. (15M) bar and zip ties

36” (900mm) long

#5 (15M) Rebar
Zip ties

Plumber strap

Figure 18 – Typical site constructed T-wall connection usign straight blocks

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Section 9.4 - Brick Ledge Applications

A brick ledge is usually required to support the gravity loads of exterior masonry applications such as brick, natural
stone veneer or any other exterior cladding which cannot be supported by screwing into the Amvic block webs.
Amvic has 3 types of brick ledge forms available (R22 6” (152mm) and 8” (203mm) cores and R30 6” (152mm) only).
These are installed in exactly the same manner as straight blocks and provide the space and structural support
needed for your exterior brick veneer, natural stone or other heavy cladding applications.

BRICK VENEER

MIN. 1" (25mm) AMVIC BRICK

AIR SPACE LEDGE FORM
REINFORCER
FLASHING AS (SEE CANADIAN
PER BUILDING DESIGN GUIDE)
CODE

AMVIC ICF
BRICK LEDGE
FORM

Figure 19 – Brick ledge form used for supporting exterior masonry veneer

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Alternatively, the brick ledge block forms can be used with the ledge support on the interior side of the building to
provide support for flooring systems such as wood joists, steel joists etc.

BRICK LEDGE STEEL

STIRRUPS AS PER
ENGINEERING
REQUIREMENTS METAL DECK WITH
CONCRETE SLAB
VERTICAL AND
AMVIC ICF BRICK
HORIZONTAL
LEDGE BLOCK
REINFORCING AS PER
ENGINEERING
REQUIREMENTS

Figure 20 – Brick ledge form used for supporting interior floor system

Section 9.4.1 – Installing Amvic Brick Ledge Blocks

Amvic brick ledge forms are specially designed so they can be installed as a complete course at the required level just
like straight forms. They feature a notch to place the horizontal stirrup hanger (or Amvic Brick Ledge Reinforcer) on
which the main steel stirrups are attached and anchored.

AMVIC BRICK LEDGE

REINFORCER

MAIN
REINFORCING
STEEL CONTINUOUS
STIRRUPS TYPICAL
AS HORIZONTAL
REQUIRED STIRRUP
HANGERS
(#4/10M)
Figure 21 – Cross section of 8” (203mm) brick ledge form with Amvic Brick Ledge Reinforcer or conventional stirrups

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Figure 22 – Amvic brick ledge form installed as a single course Figure 23 – Completed brick ledge installation for exterior brick
veneer support

Section 9.4.2 – Installing Standard Brick Veneer

Whether Amvic brick ledge forms or the Brick Ledge Extension are used, standard masonry veneer can be installed in
the same manner as regular construction bearing on the ledge support.
Follow building code requirements for typical flashing details with drip edge, and minimum air space size. A variety
of masonry ties can be used, either surface mounted to the webs or embedded into the foam/concrete before the
pour. Horizontal and vertical spacing of the masonry ties to be determined by engineering requirements.

Figure 24 – Laying standard brick veneer on the brick ledge support Figure 25 – Standard brick ties screwed into the Amvic webs

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Section 9.5 – Brick Ledge Reinforcer

The reinforcing needs for a brick ledge form
can be met in one of two ways, Amvic’s
Brick Ledge Reinforcer or traditional steel
stirrups. The Amvic Brick Ledge Reinforcer is
an engineered ICF brick ledge reinforcement
system that is designed to replace
conventional rebar in the Amvic ICF brick
ledge forms.

It is a single pre-assembled, 4’ (1.2m) long

deformed welded wire reinforcement piece
that is placed directly into Amvic’s brick ledge
blocks. The reinforcer is designed for masonry
veneer loads and cannot support other
structural components such as floors or roofs.

A more conventional approach of horizontal

rebar and stirrups can be used for masonry
veneer applications but generally adds
complexity through added construction cost
and engineering requirements. For masonry
veneer Amvic’s brick ledge reinforcer would
be an easier and more economical fit but
heavier load such as floors require traditional
reinforcing with stirrups. Figure 26 – Align Amvic Brick Ledge Reinforcer with notches in the foam and the
clips on the webs.
For such loads, the forms should be reinforced
with a line of horizontal rebar and stirrups
between the horizontal bars in both the ledge
and the wall area of the brick ledge form.
Spacing and size should be designed to the
requirements outlined by a local licensed
structural engineer and/or governing building
code. Proper stirrup size and spacing is
essential for the structural performance of the
brick ledge.

Figure 27 – Place the Reinforcer into the form. No additional tying or securement is
needed.

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Section 9.6 – Brick Ledge Extension

In cases where brick ledge forms are not
available due to supply or block size, the
Brick Ledge Extension can be used to
provide additional bearing at any point
in the wall. It is easily installed and is
compatible with both the Brick Ledge
Reinforcer and conventional reinforcing
steel stirrups.
1. Use regular straight ICF blocks as
normal.
2. As per drawings details, cut out the
EPS between the block webs at the
correct elevation and size.
3. Secure the Brick Ledge Extension to Figure 28 – Cut the EPS foam between the webs as per spacing on the drawings
the ICF webs with two assembled
fasteners per web.
4. Place the Brick Ledge Reinforcer (for
masonry veneer) or reinforcing steel
stirrups (for floor bearing) as per
structural design.
5. Once the first pour is complete,
resume stacking the blocks
normally.

Figure 29 – Install the Brick Ledge Extension by securing it to the ICF webs with Amvic’s
assembled fasteners

Figure 30 – Once the foam extension is attached, place reinforcing into the cavity

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Section 9.7 – Brick Ledge Extension

Corner
Brick ledge forms are not available for all of
Amvic’s ICF product lines. The brick ledge
extension can be used for ICF product lines
that do not have dedicated brick ledge
forms. There are no brick ledge 90 degree
corner blocks and thus would require to be
site fabricated using either straight brick
ledge forms or the brick ledge extension.

Using the brick ledge extension for

the corners is suitable for use with
factory assembled brick ledge forms or
independently. When using brick ledge Figure 31 – Regular corner blocks can be used at the same course as the brick ledge
extension with brick ledge forms, install a forms
regular corner block at the corners.

Cut the sections from the exterior foam

panel to align with the webs and spacing
of the inserts (correct elevation and size).
The bottom cut should be angled at a
minimum of 45° to ensure optimal concrete
placement.

Once the all section have been measured

and cut out, measure and cut the brick
ledge extension to the right size. Secure
brick ledge extension to the corner block
Figure 32 – Cut section from the exterior foam panel to align with the spacing of the
webs by using 2 assembled fasteners at inserts in the brick ledge extension
each insert/web location. Install additional
support if needed.

Once the brick ledge extensions are secured

in place, rebar reinforcement can be placed
as per structural design. Both brick ledge
extension and factory assembled brick
ledge forms are compatible with Amvic’s
reinforcer. The leftover interlock at the web
locations allows to continue stacking regular
corner blocks above.

Figure 33 – Cut the brick ledge extension to size and secure it to the corner block using
the fastening kit

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Section 9.8 - Gable Ends

Gable ends can be formed using one of the
two methods; stepping forms or cutting
forms. If using stepping forms method, the
gable ends are formed by stepping the forms
back as they are stacked to the peak. The
vertical ends of the forms are blocked off and
the concrete is poured. After the pour, the
rest of the wall is framed in.
If using the cutting method, the gable ends
are formed by cutting the forms to the
appropriate slope of the roof. Secure lumber
to each side of the forms so the top of the
lumber is aligned with the top of the forms.
This gives added form support and provides a
furring surface to fasten plywood. Cap off the
top of the forms if necessary.

Figure 34 – Cutting forms to the shape of the gable end pitch

Section 9.9 - Pre-cast Concrete Floor Systems

Hollow Core (HC) slabs are a widely used flooring system, consisting of pre-cast elements in which tubular cores are
hollowed out. The sections are typically 4’ (1.2m) wide and made of high quality concrete. They are reinforced by
pre-stressed strands in the spanning direction only, which results in a very economical production process. This type
of assembly requires structural engineering.
Installing a precast floor system:
1. Terminate the concrete wall at the correct height.
2. Set dowel bars as per slab manufacturer design and engineering.
3. Install the pre-cast slabs after the walls have gained enough strength.
4. Pour the floor topping.

Figure 35 – Maneuvering a precast hollow core slab for placement on Figure 36 – A precast slab panel placed on an ICF wall
an ICF wall

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Section 9.10 - Hambro® Composite Concrete Floors

Hambro composite floor system consists of proprietary open web steel joists. The joists are shaped into a truss with
a special top chord and are supported from wall to wall with a typical spacing of 4-1/4’ (1.3m). Concrete is poured
on plywood sheets that are supported by the Hambro joists and roll bars. When the concrete has gained enough
strength, the plywood sheets are stripped off and are re-used on other floors.
Installing the Hambro floor on Amvic ICF walls;
1. Pour the concrete into the Amvic ICF wall to the correct height.
2. Wet set dowels connecting concrete slab to walls as per engineering requirements.
3. When the concrete has gained adequate strength, install the Hambro flooring system including steel joists,
plywood sheets, roll bars and steel reinforcement as recommended by Hambro technical and/or engineering
manual.
4. Pour the concrete slab.
5. Once the slab has gained enough strength, remove the roll bars and plywood sheets for the next floor.
Refer to www.hambrosystems.com for additional technical/engineering information.

BEARING AS PER
SPECIFICATIONS

HAMBRO COMPOSITE
FLOOR SYSTEM
SECOND
POUR
FIRST
POUR

VERTICAL AND
HORIZONTAL
REINFORCEMENT
AS REQUIRED

Figure 37 – Typical Amvic ICF wall with Hambro® composite floor system

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Section 9.11 - Composite Steel Deck

Composite steel decks are made from plain or galvanized steel sheet formed into ribbed profiles. The ribs are
typically 3” (76mm) deep and 6” (152mm) wide and spaced at 12” (305mm) on center.
The steel deck can be used strictly as a formwork for concrete or it can be fabricated to bond with concrete and act
together to form a composite section. For composite deck, no additional reinforcement is typically used. When non-
composite deck is used, reinforcing steel bars are placed in the slab.
Generally, 2 to 3” (51 to 76mm) of concrete is placed over the ribbed deck to form a total slab thickness of 5 to 6”
(127 to 152mm).
Installing Composite Steel deck with Amvic ICF;
1. Pour concrete into the Amvic ICF walls to the underside of the concrete slab.
2. Wet set dowels to connecting concrete slab to walls as per engineering requirements.
3. When the concrete has gained adequate strength, install the steel decking and reinforcing steel as per
manufacturer’s technical/engineering manual or as specified by a local licensed engineer.
4. Pour concrete for the composite steel deck.

COMPOSITE GALVANIZED STEEL

DECK WITH CONCRETE FILL &
REINFORCING STEEL MESH IN
BOTH DIRECTIONS

SECOND
POUR
FIRST
POUR OWSJ

4" (102mm)
BEARING PLATE
WITH ANCHOR
BOLT

VERTICAL AND
HORIZONTAL
REINFORCEMENT CONTINUOUS STEEL ANGLE
AS REQUIRED

Figure 38 – Typical Amvic ICF wall open web steel joist (OWSJ) installation

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Section 9.12 - Amdeck Floor and Roof System

Amvic’s Amdeck system is an insulated, stay in place concrete form that can be used for virtually any floor or roof
construction. It is compatible with any wall type that would normally be used with typical concrete slab. It is a 3-in-1
system offering structure, insulation and finished attachment. Amdeck is a cost effective, resilient and environmentally
friendly construction system helping revolutionize modern construction and change the way we build. This innovative
modular system uses beam pocket cutouts in the foam to create a one-way concrete slab allowing the designer to
maximize the clear spans. The system has integrated joists that are used to support temporary construction loads and
provide a surface for interior finish attachment. Amdeck can be used in a horizontal or sloped configuration for floors
and roofs with typical finished unsupported clear spans up to 30’ (9.1m). It is perfectly suited for use with ICF walls or
independently with other structural systems. Please refer to Amdeck technical manuals for installation guidelines and
engineering details.

Figure 39 – Section view of Amdeck Pro

Figure 40 – Section view of Amdeck Eco

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Section 9.13 - Standing Seam (Stack Joint)

Amvic is one of the strongest Insulated Concrete
Form in the market today; this is achieved by having
a combination of 6” (152mm) on center webs (for
R22) which support two 1.5 lb/ft3 (24 kg/m3) density
EPS insulation panels.
This design supports 865 lbs (392 kg) of form
capacity strength or the pressure exerted by 4 to 5’
(1.2 to 1.5m) of concrete. Amvic R30 ICF has thicker
foam panels (same density) while switching the
spacing to 8” (203mm) on center and maintaining
similar form capacity strength.
Amvic ICF blocks have a superior interlock called
FormLock™. This interlock has a 1” deep recess with
an alternating 1” nub which repeats itself every 2”.
A strong interlock is paramount to minimal foam
deflection at course seams better overall rigidity of
the wall.
Figure 41 – FormLock™ 1” (25mm) interlock in Amvic ICF
In some instances, where the full blocks do not
fit due to wall length or openings, it is possible
to utilize a standing seam (also known as a stack
joint) where instead of alternating the cut edges
in running bond fashion (offset joint) the joint is
vertical in the same spot in a wall section. This helps
simply the erection process as long as the stack join
is properly reinforced.
As blocks are being stacked, the ideal situation
would be to have the “factory ends” meet one
another for the total length of the wall. This will
keep the interlock and webs lined up properly,
which is how the form was designed to be used in
an ideal scenario. However, buildings have varying
wall lengths and will not always have dimensions
that will fit full length blocks.

Figure 42 – Amvic ICF factory finished ends with interlocking pattern

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In most cases, as the blocks are being stacked from the opposing corners, there will be a section which requires one
of the blocks to be cut. In this situation, there is a need to create a stack or offset joint. At this location, the cut block
will have one factory edge and one cut edge. If the blocks in the following courses are stacked in a way where the
vertical seam is aligned from course to course, this will create a stack join.
Mini ICF: A cut form that has 3” [(76mm) for R22 and 4” (102mm) for R30] of foam from both sides of a web. This
form can be placed anywhere in the wall and webs will align properly with the interlock and the webs allowing
running bond to be maintained.

Figure 43 – Mini ICF block

Mark the standing seam at the first course of forms and each course thereafter with a sad face (or any visual que)
using a marker. This serves as a visual reminder to reinforce the area. Strap a wailer and spray foam adhesive across
the standing seam on “both” sides of the wall prior to placing concrete, as no interlock is functioning at this location.

Notes:
• Have only one standing seam per
wall section.
• Window or door openings are
a good place situate a standing
seam as it will eliminate some
of the extra work required in
(wailing) the standing seam.
• If possible, avoid standing seams
in corners.
• Always assemble “one wall
section at a time”, by laying down
the two opposing corner forms
and work towards the center of
each wall.

Figure 44 – Vertical standing seam

sealed with foam adhesive

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Section 9.14 – Installation of HV Hook

The Amvic ICF Hook is an all-in-one metal wire clip designed to replace conventional nylon cable ties in ICF construction.
The hook is engineered with seven bends to provide it with simultaneous horizontal and vertical locking capacity. It is
able to lock three ICF blocks simultaneously (two horizontal and one vertical) in a single step.
It is easy to install with snap in place installation in all weather conditions (does not become brittle and break in low
temperatures). The HV hook should be ideally placed in the center of the web but if that causes interference with rebar
placement it can be moved to any of the slots.
It is recommended to install one hook every 4’ (1.2m) for the bottom and top two courses as well as the full height
at the corners. It is available in two sizes; HV22 for Amvic’s R22 ICF (6” (152mm) web spacing) and HV30 for R30 ICF
blocks (8” (203mm) web spacing).

Figure 45 - Place the bottom of the hook under the top portion of the lower block’s web

Figure 46 - Bring the top portion of the hook up and over the top of the two webs and snap it in place (pull the lip up to unhook it)

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Section 9.15 – Height Adjusters

When wall heights do not perfectly fit with ICF block heights, a height adjuster can be used. Amvic has created a double
sided 4” (102mm) height adjuster. The height adjuster was designed to be installed between the ICF courses. This helps
improve installation efficiency which is especially beneficial in commercial projects that have multiple floors.
Although the Amvic height adjuster is factory manufactured, it is possible to site fabricate a height adjuster. When
a height adjuster of 4” (102mm) or taller is needed it is recommended to cut the block to the desired size. Cutting
blocks 4” (102mm) or greater offers the benefit of having the web intact connecting the two foam panels. This greatly
improves the strength of the height adjuster, reducing amount of bracing needed as well as installation time and labor.
For site fabricated height adjusters of 8” (203mm) or less, a block will yield two height adjusters and must be used at
the bottom or top of the wall only.

Figure 47 - 4” (102mm) double side factory fabricated height adjuster (available for both R22 and R30)

Figure 48 - Site fabricated height adjusters can be manually cut using a hand saw or a table saw

Figure 49 - Site fabricated height adjusters with the web intact provide additional strength

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Section 9.16 – Site Constructed 45° Corner

Amvic has dedicated 45° blocks which should be
used for 45° corners, but when this is not possible
due to size or other constraints, a 45° corner can be
easily built using straight forms. Start by stacking
blocks from regular 90° corner blocks toward the
45° corner. Once at the corner, measure and cut
(hand saw or hot knife) the straight blocks at 22.5°
as needed, creating a typical miter joint.
It is important to ensure the correct running
bond patterns is maintained in the second and all
subsequent courses of ICF. The site constructed
45° corner should be treated as a stacked/vertical
joint. Spray foam adhesive should be applied to all
cut edges. Two zip ties (highlighted in red) should Figure 51 – Use spray foam and zip ties to help secure site constructed 45°
be used to connect opposing webs at every course corner
(Figure 51).
Apply two horizontal sheathing tape strips across
corner of the foam along with 2 by lumber screwed
to at least two webs and to itself to provide
temporary support during concrete placement, up
to 4’ (1.2m) height (Figure 52). For taller walls (as
well as 10” (252mm) and 12” (305mm) ICF), exterior
bracing must be provided, see Figure 53.
Install bent horizontal 45° corner rebar with the
proper lap splice length as per Part 6 of this manual
or local building code/engineering requirements.
Horizontal and vertical rebar installation as per
rest of the wall. One ICF brace should be installed
within 2’ (610mm) on each side of the corner on the Figure 52 – For shorter walls (<4’ (1.2m)), use horizontal bracing
interior side.

Figure 50 – Use hand saw or hot knife (not shown) to cut blocks Figure 53 – For taller walls (>4’ (1.2m)), exterior bracing is needed
to size

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Section 9.17 – Site Constructed Taper Top

Amvic does have dedicated taper top blocks which should be used when possible and available, but in instances
where taper top blocks are not available, straight blocks can be converted into taper tops with relative ease. Amvic’s
molded taper tops are limited to double sided configurations for all sizes while single sided taper tops are only
available for special order for 10” (254mm) and 12” (305mm) R22 ICF.
The first step in creating a site fabricated taper top is to cut off the upper portion of the interlock using a table saw
or a hot knife. The interlock can be cut at various heights allow the user to match the height of the total ICF wall to
what is needed for the project. The next step is to use a hot knife or a hand saw to trim the inside foam to create
a slope surface. 45° is the minimum angle for the slope, 60° would be better, and if possible, going to half height
of the block is recommend to match the molded taper top as much as possible. The web should remain encased
in foam as shown in the images below, the minimum amount of foam width should be 1.5” (38mm) but not wider
than 2” (51mm). This process can be repeated for the second side to create a double sided taper top if needed.
Reinforcement placement is identical to molded taper top blocks.

a. b. c.

Figure 54 – Typical taper top block (a), typical straight block (b), straight block after interlock removal (c)

d. e. f.

Figure 54 – Half block height cut-out (d), 60° cut-out (e), 45 ° cut-out (f)

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This section of the manual covers the basic fundamentals of concrete. New Amvic ICF installers should review
this information before proceeding to the following section which deals with concrete placement techniques
recommended for Amvic ICF.

Section 10.1 - Concrete Fundamentals

Concrete is a mixture of paste and aggregate. The paste binds the aggregate (sand and gravel or crushed stone) into
a rock-like mass.

Section 10.1.1 - Cement

The cement paste (also known as binder) is composed of cement,
supplementary cementitious materials, water, and purposely
entrained air. Cement paste ordinarily constitutes about 25% to 40%
of the total volume of concrete. The volume of cement is usually
between 7% and 15% and the water between 14% and 21%. Air
content ranges up to about 8% of the volume of the concrete.
There are many different types of cement available but for the
purpose of this manual, we will concentrate on the most common
one which is Portland Cement. In the United States Portland cements
will meet the specifications set forth by ASTM C150. ASTM standards
are the most widely used and referenced specifications for cement
and concrete materials. ASTM C150 covers eight types of Portland Figure 1 – Illustration of typical concrete mix
constituents
cements;
• Type I Normal
• Type IA Normal, air-entraining
• Type II Moderate sulphate resistance
• Type IIA Moderate sulphate resistance, air-entraining
• Type III High early strength
• Type IIIA High early strength, air-entraining
• Type IV Low heat of hydration
• Type V High sulphate resistance

Section 10.1.2 - Aggregates

There are two categories of aggregate (also known as filler) used in concrete;
• Coarse aggregates (gravel/crushed stone) are any particles greater than 0.19” (4.8mm), but generally range
between 3/8” (9.5mm) to 1.5” (38mm) in diameter.
• Fine aggregates (natural sand/crushed stone) are any particles smaller than 3/8” (9.5mm) in diameter.
Selection of aggregates for use in concrete is important since they make up about 60% to 75% of the total volume of
concrete. Aggregates should consist of particles with adequate strength and resistance to exposure conditions and
should not contain materials that will cause a chemical reaction with the paste that may lead to deterioration of the
concrete (e.g. sulfates, chlorides etc.)

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Section 10.2 - Quality of a Concrete Mix

Section 10.2.1 - Water / Cement Ratio (W/C)
The most important factor which determines the quality of a concrete
mixture is of quantity of water used versus the quantity of cement used
(by weight), also known as the water/cement ratio.
Water is a critical ingredient in the cement paste. The water causes
the hardening of concrete through a process called Hydration. This is
a chemical reaction in which the major compounds in cement form
chemical bonds with water molecules and become hydrates or hydration
products causing the paste to harden and bind the concrete ingredients
together.
Too much water reduces concrete strength, while too little will make the Figure 2 –Relationship between W/C ratio and
concrete strength
concrete unworkable. Concrete needs to be workable so that it may be
consolidated and shaped into different forms (i.e. walls, columns, etc.).
Because concrete must be both strong and workable, a careful balance
of the cement to water ratio is required when making concrete.

Section 10.2.2 - Concrete Strength

There are two types of concrete strengths: compressive and flexural. For
most intended structural purposes, the compression strength is what is
important for the designer.
Compressive Strength Test
The cylinder test according to ASTM C39 standard (CSA A23.2-9C test Figure 3 – Testing the concrete cylinder for
method) is the test most commonly used for determining concrete compressive strength (left) and concrete beam for
compressive strength in the USA, Canada and continental Europe. A flexural strength (right)
12” (305mm) high by 6” (152mm) wide cylinder of concrete is cast and
cured for the appropriate time (usually 28 days) and is then compressed
between the two parallel faces. The stress at failure is taken to be the compressive
strength of the concrete. It is generally expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or Mega-
Pascals (MPa) at an age of 28 days.

Section 10.2.3 - Concrete Workability

Workability is the ease of transporting, placing, consolidating, and finishing freshly mixed
concrete. Workability depends on water/cement ratio, admixtures, aggregate (shape
and size distribution) and age (level of hydration). Raising the water content or adding Figure 4 – Concrete mix with
plasticizer will increase the workability. low slump
Slump Test
Workability is usually measured using the slump test according to ASTM-C143 standard
(CSA A23.2-5C test method) using the slump or Abrams cone. This is an inverted cone,
12” (305mm) tall and is open on both ends. The top is 4” (102mm) wide and the bottom
8” (203mm) wide. Fresh concrete is placed in the cone and “rodded” with a steel rod to
compact the concrete. The cone is removed and placed next to the pile of concrete. The
difference between the top of the slump cone and the top of freshly molded concrete is
the slump.
A relatively dry sample will slump very little and be given a slump of 1-2” (25-51mm), while Figure 5 – Concrete mix with
a relatively wet concrete sample may slump as much as 6-7” (152-178mm). high slump

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Section 10.2.4 - Concrete Curing

This is the process by which the environment (temperature & humidity) enclosing the freshly poured concrete is
controlled for a specific period of time to allow the concrete mix to achieve its design strength and durability.
The hydration process during which water and cement react and harden takes places generally over two stages.
The first stage takes place quickly and is sometimes over in a few hours where the concrete mix basically turns into
a solid mass. The second stage is a much slower one during which the hydration process continues and concrete
keeps gaining strength. This can even take up to several years. Without water, this elongated hydration process
would actually stop. Imagine if we were to leave freshly poured concrete into the open air. The humidity within
the concrete mix will drop very quickly until there is not enough to sustain the hydration process causing it to stop
altogether and may prevent the concrete from gaining its required design strength.
A major benefit in using Amvic Insulating Concrete Forms is that they are a stay in place forming system. The EPS
panels enclose the concrete mass creating an optimum environment and preventing the moisture in the concrete
from evaporating for an extended period of time as opposed to conventional forming systems. This means that the
concrete will keep hardening and gaining strength over the long term without the need to use additional expensive
curing methods or agents.

Figure 6 – Illustration showing effect of

curing on concrete strength over time

Section 10.2.5 - Entrained Air (Micro air pockets)

Entrained air consists of microscopic air bubbles introduced in concrete by adding certain admixtures. The
microscopic bubbles provide space within the paste to relieve hydraulic pressure when concrete freezes in cold
weather. Without the bubbles, the paste may crack when it freezes because water expands 9% in volume when it
turns to ice. Entrained air also has the effect of relatively improving the workability of fresh concrete.

Section 10.2.6 - Entrapped Air (Macro air pockets)

Entrapped air consists of large air voids which get trapped in concrete during mixing and placing. Entrapped air
lowers concrete quality and strength and proper concrete consolidation should always be used to eliminate the air
voids as much as possible.

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Section 10.3 – Concrete Admixtures

Admixtures are materials other than cement, aggregate and water that are added to concrete either before or during
its mixing to alter its properties, such as workability, curing temperature range, set time or color. There are two main
types of admixtures widely available in the market: chemical and mineral.

Type of Chemical Admixture Effect on Concrete Mix

Accelerators (ASTM C494, Type C) Accelerate setting and early-strength development
Air-entraining admixtures Improve durability in environments of freeze-thaw, de-icing chemicals,
sulfate, and alkali reactivity. Improve workability
Alkali-reactivity reducers Reduce alkali-reactivity expansion
Corrosion inhibitors Reduce steel corrosion activity in a chloride environment
Permeability reducers Decrease permeability
Retarders (ASTM C494, Type B) Retard setting time
Super-plasticizers (ASTM C1017, Type Flowing concrete
1 Reduce water-cement ratio
Reduce water demand (minimum 12%)
Water reducer (ASTM C494, Type A) Reduce water demand at least 5%
Workability agents Improve workability

Table 1 - Commonly used chemical admixtures and their uses

Mineral admixtures affect the nature of the hardened concrete through hydraulic or pozzolanic activity. Pozzolans are
cementitious materials and include natural pozzolans (such as the volcanic ash used in Roman concrete), fly ash and
silica fume.

Type of Mineral Admixture Effect on Concrete Mix

Cementitious Hydraulic properties
Partial cement replacement
Pozzolans Pozzolanic activity
Improve workability, plasticity, sulfate resistance
Reduce alkali reactivity, permeability, heat of hydration
Partial cement replacement
Filler
Pozzolanic and cementitious Same as cementitious and pozzolan categories
Nominally inert Improve workability
Filler

Table 2 – Commonly used mineral admixtures

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Section 10.4 – Specifications of Concrete for Amvic ICF

The following table suggests some appropriate concrete mix specifications to be used with Amvic ICF. This table is
only a guideline and the design engineer may choose to deviate from the given values as required.

Specification Values for Different ICF Core Sizes

Description 4” (102mm) 6” (152mm) 8” (203mm) 10” (254mm) 12” (305mm)
Min 28-day compressive 2500 psi 2500 psi 2500 psi 2500 psi 2500 psi
strength F’c1 20 MPa 20 MPa 20 MPa 20 MPa 20 MPa
Recommended Slump2 6” (152mm) 6” (152mm) 5-6” (127- 5-6” (127- 5-6” (127-
152mm) 152mm) 152mm)
Recommended max 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55
water to cement ration
W/C
Max aggregate size 3/8” (9.5mm) ½” (13mm) ¾” (19mm) ¾” (19mm) ¾” (19mm)
Recommended air 3-5% 3-5% 3-5% 3-5% 3-5%
entrained %
Recommended cement Type 10 (Type I) Type 10 (Type I) Type 10 (Type I) Type 10 (Type I) Type 10 (Type I)
type3
1
Values given are minimum values based on USA and Canadian building codes.
2
Slump values given are optimum for workability and hydrostatic pressure on the blocks during concrete pour.
3
Other types may be used with the consent and supervision of the design professional.

Table 3 – Guideline specifications for concrete mix

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Section 10.5 – Concrete Placement

This section of the manual provides a step by step instructions and other important supplementary information to
familiarize contractor with the specifics of placing concrete with Amvic ICF.

Section 10.5.1 - Pre-Pouring Checklist

It is beneficial to have extra copies available of the following list to make sure all present trades are on the same page
for concrete placement.
Checking Walls
□ Check and make sure walls are straight, plumb, square and level. Make necessary adjustments.
□ Check if corners are square and plumb. Make necessary adjustments.
□ Check if top course of forms been secured.
□ If there will be a second pour check if top of forms been covered to avoid concrete jamming the interlocking
system.
□ Check if string lines have been placed around perimeter of wall.
Checking Wall Openings
□ Check if wall openings are at the correct height elevation.
□ Check if window and door openings are located correctly and if the openings are plumb and square. Make
necessary adjustments
□ Check if anchorage for buck material been provided.
Checking Reinforcing Steel
□ Check if reinforcing steel bars size and placement including horizontal and vertical are as per the specified
engineering/local building code requirements.
□ Check if reinforcing steel bars around wall openings are installed.
□ Check if reinforcing steel bars for lintels (window/door headers) are installed and as per the specified
engineering/local building code requirements.
Checking Floor Connections
□ Check if all floor connections have been installed including anchor bolts, Simpson Strong Tie connections etc.
□ Check if beam pockets have been provided (if required for the job).
□ Check if sill plate anchor bolts and tie down straps have been located and clearly marked for wet-setting into
the concrete.
Checking Bracing & Alignment
□ Check if alignment & bracing system is properly installed and planking has been secured.
□ Check if all T-joints braced adequately and properly.
□ Check if all offset and stack joints are braced adequately and properly.
□ For bracing system taller than 6’ (1.8m) off the supporting surface make sure to have a proper handrail
system installed as per OSHA requirements in the USA or OHSA requirements in Canada.

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Checking Wall Penetrations

□ Check if all penetrations (Electric, plumbing, HVAC, dryer vent etc.) have been accommodated and all form
support been installed.
Checking Tool, Equipment and Materials
□ Make sure that you have two working mechanical vibrators on the job site. One will be used to consolidate
the concrete during the pour while the other will act as a standby should the first one break or go out of
order.
□ Make sure the concrete ordered is acceptable for the method of placement and engineering or local building
code requirements.
□ Make sure that you have you coordinated and confirmed the delivery times for both the boom pump and the
concrete.
□ Make sure you have a “blowout kit” prepared and ready.
Checking Jobsite
□ Check that site is cleaned up and there is enough room for trucks, workers, etc.

Section 10.6 – Safety Tips for Handling and Placing Concrete

The following points are some simple suggestions, precautions and safety measures for anyone handling wet
concrete.
Wear Hard Hats
Wear a hard hat for head protection. Working on a construction site presents a variety of items to avoid that can
cause serious head injury. Construction equipment and tools are frequent potential hazards to concrete contractors,
Amvic ICF installers and do-it yourself home builders.
Protect your Skin
Wet fresh concrete is very abrasive to the skin. It can cause skin irritations, chemical burns and prolonged contact
can cause third degree burns. Therefore, the following is recommended;
1. Wear water proof gloves, long sleeve shirt and long pants. If you will stand in fresh concrete, wear rubber
boots high enough to prevent concrete from getting into them.
2. Use waterproof pads to protect your skin, knees, elbows, or hands from contact with fresh concrete during
finishing.
3. Flush eyes and skin that come in contact with fresh concrete immediately with clean water.
4. Rinse clothing saturated from contact with fresh concrete quickly with fresh water.
5. Wear clean, dry, clothing each work day or for your project.
Protect your Eyes
Splattering concrete can enter your eyes during the pour. Wear full cover goggles or safety glasses with side shields

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Section 10.7 – Rate of Pouring Concrete

When fresh concrete is poured into the Amvic ICF blocks, it exerts lateral pressure on the sides of the EPS panels. The
intensity of this pressure depends on several factors including;
1. Rate of concrete pour
2. Unit weight of concrete
3. Type of cement
4. Concrete slump
5. Concrete temperature
6. Height of pour
7. Depth of internal vibration

Amvic ICF blocks have an ultimate forming capacity of 864 lbs/ft2 (41.4 kPa) as tested according to section 6.4.4
of the Canadian CCMC technical guide for modular expanded polystyrene concrete forms. Table below shows the
design lateral pressure for newly placed concrete that should be used for the wall formworks. The pressures are
based on the recommendations and formulas given by ACI 347-04.

Lateral Pressure of Vibrated Concrete 1,2

Pour Rate (ft/hr) Pour Rate (mm/hr) 50°F (10°C) 70°F (21°C)
To 14’ (4.2m) pour height To 14’ (4.2m) pour height
1 305 600 psf 600 psf
2 610 600 psf 600 psf
3 690 690 psf 600 psf
4 1219 870 psf3 660 psf
5 1524 1050 psf3 720 psf
1
Maximum pressure need not exceed w*h, where “w” is the unit weight of concrete (lbs/ft3) and “h” is maximum height of pour in feet.
2
Based on Types I and III cement concrete density of 150 pcf (2400 Kg/m3) and 7” (178mm) maximum slump, without additives and a vibration depth of 4’
(1.2m) or less.
3
Lateral Pressure exceeds Amvic ICF forming capacity.

Table 4 – Concrete pressures for walls internally vibrated

Amvic’s recommended pour rate is between 3-4 ft/hr (915-1200 mm/hr). However, it is evident from the table above
that concrete pour rates of up to 5 ft/hr (1.5 m/hr) are possible in warm temperatures (70°F (21°C)).

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Section 10.8 – Methods & Equipment for Pouring Concrete

Concrete can be placed in several ways depending on the application and job site conditions available. The following
table summarizes the most common methods suitable for placing concrete in Amvic ICF.

Placement Method Type of work best suited for Adantages Special Notes
Concrete Boom Pump Used to convey concrete Different boom reaches For maximum efficiency,
directly from discharge point available. Delivers concrete in schedule concrete trucks
like concrete truck mixer into continuous stream. Pump can appropriately to provide
Amvic ICF wall. move concrete vertically and continuous supply of concrete
horizontally. Pump mounted to the pump with minimal
on truck has high mobility idle times. Employ 3” (76mm),
and very versatile to many 2.5” (64mm) or 2” (51mm)
pouring situations reducers and flexible hose at
end of pipeline to reduce rate
of concrete pour.
Crane & Bucket Used mainly for conveying Provides clean discharge Make sure bucket has a
concrete above ground level and there are many bucket handle to control the rate of
directly from discharge point capacities available. Cranes concrete discharge. Select
into Amvic ICF wall. may be used to convey other fitting at bottom of bucket to
materials such reinforcing suit placement in ICF walls
steel
Chutes on Truck Mixers For conveying concrete to Very economic and easy to Slopes should range between
a lower level, usually below maneuver. No power required 1:2 and 1:3. Chute should
ground level directly from since gravity does most of be adequately supported in
discharge point into Amvic ICF work. all positions. End discharge
wall. arrangements required to
prevent segregation.
Belt Conveyors For conveying concrete Belt conveyors have End discharge arrangements
horizontally or to a higher or adjustable reach, traveling needed to prevent
lower level. May be used to diverter and variable speed segregation. In extreme
discharge concrete directly for forward and reverse. weather conditions, long
into Amvic ICF wall but Can place large volumes of reaches of belt may need
usually positioned between concrete for limited access cover to protect concrete
main discharge and second situations
discharge point.
Table 5 – Most common method for concrete placement used with Amvic ICF

Figure 7 – Using boom pump to pour concrete in Amvic ICF

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Section 10.8.1 - Placing Concrete with a Boom Pump

Using a boom pump to place concrete into Amvic ICF forms is by far the most preferred and efficient method. It
is highly recommended to use a double “S” bend or double 90° fitting at the discharge point of the pump line.
This will help reduce the flow rate of concrete to the desired levels. A flexible hose of appropriate length is always
recommended for controlling flow rates and safety concerns.
Many ICF contractors will also use 3” (76mm), 2.5” (64mm) or 2” (51mm) reducer fittings with a flexible hose.
Although the reducers may make it more convenient to pour the concrete into the Amvic ICF forms, they can also
have the effect of increasing the pressure and flow rate at which the concrete is discharged. It is up to the contractor
to decide which fittings are the most appropriate for a given project so long as they stay within the recommended
rates and do not damage the forms.
Discuss your pour thoroughly with your pump operator when placing the order. Make sure the concrete ready-mix
company has the pump line fittings required like “S” bend connection, reducers and flexible hose.

Section 10.8.2 - Crew Size

On pour day a total crew of 4 is generally a minimum to work with plus the pump operator. There is a need for three
on the scaffold; one person on the hose, and two people on the vibrator. On the ground one person at least will be
filling and blocking window bucks, thumping the wall, cleaning slops, untangling the electric cords of the vibrator,
etc. A crew of 5-6 is generally better and is recommended.

Section 10.9 - Pouring the Concrete

Important Notes:
• Remember, concrete should always be poured at a steady rate and in lifts between 3’ to 4’ (0.9 to 1.2m)
maximum at a time. Using the recommended pour rate, a typical 9’ (2.7 m) high wall should be poured
within a span of 3 hours.
• If using a boom pump, it is important to have the operator dump the “pump prime” (sludge that initially
comes out of the hose) outside of the forms or back into the pump.

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Section 10.9.1 Pouring Concrete in 90° Corners

It is advisable to start pouring concrete at a corner and then work your way around the wall perimeter in a circular
manner. However, corners require special attention during the pour. Because of their geometry, corner blocks are
always subjected to more lateral pressure due to concrete placement than the straight blocks. The key issue is to
equalize the concrete pressure on both sides of corner blocks as much as possible. The following precautions should
be followed;
1. Start by pouring concrete at approximately a distance of 2-3’ (0.6-0.9m) away from the corner center.
2. As you fill up the walls to the required lift height, make sure to pour concrete at approximately the same rate
on both sides of the corner block by moving the pump hose or discharge point in a back and forth rhythm.
3. DO NOT allow concrete to accumulate on one side of a corner block at any time. This may cause a blowout
during the concrete pour.
4. You should not pour concrete for a subsequent lift in and around the same corner block until at least an hour
has passed.
5. Ensure proper concrete consolidation.

Figure 8 – Pouring concrete for 90° corner

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Section 10.9.2 - Pouring Concrete around Windows/ Doors & Straight Sections
1. Typically, contractors will start by bringing the boom hose down and filling the bottom of the window bucks
first. Each window bottom should be consolidated using a concrete vibrator and then screeded off.
a. Depending on the slump, it is advisable to nail or screw an OSB cap over the opening(s) in the
bottom of the window buck, to prevent the concrete from bulging up or overflowing when you pour
down the sides from above in the next passes.
2. Window and door bucks should not be fully filled on one side at one time. Fill both sides of the opening
using a back-and-forth rhythm and avoid spilling concrete into the window and door headers (also known as
lintels) in doing so.
a. With a 2-3” (51 -76 mm) reducer on the pump hose, it is frequently possible to hold back the flow of
concrete briefly by placing one’s rubber gloved hand over the end of the nozzle and quickly swinging
the hose to the other side of the window or door.
3. Pour concrete normally into straight sections up to the required lift height.
4. As the walls are filled to a lintel, ensure a continuous pour along its entire length without creating any cold
joints. Proper and adequate concrete consolidation in lintels is of paramount concern.
5. Stop short of pouring concrete into a second corner by approximately 2-3’ (0.6-0.9m). Follow the
recommendations given above for concrete placement in corner blocks.

Figure 9 – Pouring concrete at window Figure 10 – Using internal vibrator to

sills consolidate concrete

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Section 10.10 – Quality Control

Section 10.10.1 – Slump
It is recommended to perform a field slump test
from the first batch of concrete that arrives on the
jobsite. If the slump is too low or too high, then
you can immediately inform the concrete supplier
to adjust the concrete mix appropriately for the
subsequent batches. This will also give a good feel
for what the consistency of a proper concrete mix
should be like with Amvic ICF.
If a special inspection is required by the local
building code officials, then an engineer will be on
the jobsite and this test in most cases becomes a
requirement and not an option.

Figure 11 – Performing the slump test in the field

Section 10.10.2 – Compressive Strength

It is recommended to randomly retain fresh concrete into proper size
cylinders. The cylinders will then be later tested by a certified concrete
laboratory for compressive strength at 28 days to ensure that concrete
used on a specific jobsite meets the specified compressive strength by the
local licensed engineer/building code requirements.
If a special inspection is required by the local building code officials,
then an engineer will be present on the jobsite. Taking random samples
of concrete to be later tested for compressive strength becomes a
requirement and not an option.

Figure 12 – Taking random samples of concrete

Section 10.11 – Concrete Consolidation for compressive strength testing at 28 days

Section 10.11.1 - What is Consolidation

Consolidation is the process of compacting freshly poured concrete. Concrete MUST be consolidated to;
1. Eliminate stone pockets, honey-comb, and entrapped air
2. Mold concrete within the forms and around embedded items
3. Ensure reinforcing steel is properly embedded and bonded to the concrete paste

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Section 10.11.2 – Methods of Consolidation

The concrete industry has accepted two types of concrete consolidation, internal and external. Internal consolidation
can be further divided into two types;
1. Mechanically using proper size immersion type concrete vibrator (also known as poker or spud vibrators).
This is the most preferred method for adequate consolidation.
2. Manually using steel rods and “rodding” the concrete. This not a practical method for use with Amvic ICF and
does not provide adequate consolidation of the concrete.
Amvic highly recommends using a proper size concrete vibrator for adequate concrete consolidation. Using hand
rodding to consolidate concrete in Amvic ICF walls should be AVOIDED.
External Consolidation
This method involves attaching a mechanical vibrating device to the outside of the Amvic ICF forms. Although this
method may be acceptable, experience has shown it is not as effective as internal mechanical vibration. External
vibration methods such as manually tapping on the outside of the forms are NOT ACCEPTED as an adequate means
of consolidating concrete in Amvic ICF and must be AVOIDED.

Section 10.12 - Using Concrete Vibrators

Section 10.12.1 - Recommended Specifications
Vibrators consist of a vibrating head connected to a driving
motor by a flexible shaft. Inside the head, an unbalanced
weight connected to the shaft rotates at high speed, causing
the head to revolve in a circular orbit.
The motor can be powered by electricity or gasoline. The
vibrating head is usually cylindrical with a diameter ranging
from ¾-7” (19-178mm). The dimensions of the vibrator head
as well as its frequency and amplitude in conjunction with
the workability of the mixture affect the performance of a
vibrator.

Figure 13 – Immersion type concrete vibrator with gasoline

engine

Specification 4 and 6” (102 and 152mm) ICF 8, 10 & 12” (203, 254 and 305mm) ICF
Maximum vibrator head diameter 1” (25mm) 1.25” (32mm)
Frequency (vibrations per minute) 10,000 vpm 9,000 vpm
Minimum Radius of Action 4” (102mm) 6” (152mm)
Insertion on center spacing 6” (152mm) 9” (229mm)
Centrifugal Force 220 lbs (100 Kg) 500 lbs (227 Kg)
Compaction rate 2-4 yds /hr
3
2-5 yds3/hr
(1.5-3 m3/hr) (1.5-3.8 m3/hr)

Table 6 – Recommended immersion type concrete vibrator specifications for use with Amvic ICF

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Section 10.12.2 – Guidelines for Concrete Consolidation

Recommended Practices;
• Consolidation MUST be done immediately after fresh concrete is poured and before it sets.
• Completely immerse vibrator head in concrete during consolidation.
• Insert vibrator vertically and let it sink as quickly as possible under its own weight to the desired depth.
• Hold the vibrator 5 to 15 seconds then slowly lift up, approximately 3”/sec (76mm/sec) staying behind the
trapped air’s upward movement.
• Move vibrator and re-insert at a distance 1.5 times the radius of action as shown in diagram below.

Figure 14 – Vibrator head placement Figure 15 – Radius of action of concrete Figure 16 – Insert vibrator head at 1.5 times radius of
vibrator action
• Allow vibrator to penetrate 6” (152mm) into the previous layer to ensure proper bond and eliminate cold
joints.
• Pour concrete into the walls in lifts of 3-4’ (0.9-1.2m) high per hour. For proper consolidation, each of the lifts
should be poured in layers of the same thickness as the vibrator head length minus depth of penetration into
previous layer, typically 6” (152mm).
• Stop vibration when the surface becomes shiny and there are no more breaking air bubbles.
• Ensure the vibrator flexible shaft has enough length to match the wall height being poured.
• Make sure there are enough workers for placing and consolidating concrete during the pour. A two-man
crew should be handling the concrete vibrator and follow immediately after the person working the pump
hose as each layer is poured.

Practices to Avoid;
• Do not use vibrator to move concrete laterally. This causes segregation.
• The vibrator head should not touch the sides of the ICF forms. It should only be in contact with concrete.
• Do not immerse the vibrator head down the same path more than once.
• Do not run the vibrator in air for more than 15 seconds. This will cause overheating.
• Avoid sticking the vibrator head into the top of a concrete heap. To flatten a concrete heap, insert the head
around the perimeter. Do this carefully to avoid segregation.

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Section 10.13 – Finishing the Concrete Pour

If a second floor will be constructed, stop filling the top course of block at least 2” (51mm) below the block top.
Vibrate it thoroughly but leave it rough so that the next pour will have a good mechanical bonding surface. An
excellent bond will develop by leaving the concrete unfinished.
If this is the final course of block that will be poured, then the concrete should be troweled down smoothly,
(recommend the use of a laser level at this point) and anchor bolts should be put into the wet concrete after
finishing. We recommend wet setting the anchor bolts into the screeded top of the wall and install the mudsill after
the concrete has set. Mudsills or top plates can either be installed to be full width and extend all of the way to the
surface of the blocks or it can be recessed within the block cavity so that the EPS foam extends unbroken to the
rafters.
It gets very busy at the end of the pour, the anchor bolts locations be marked on the sides of the block before the
pour, and the anchor bolts be distributed onto the scaffolding near where they will be placed.

Section 10.13.1 - After the Pour: Recheck Wall Straightness and Adjust
After pouring is complete, immediately check the corners again for plumb and the wall for straightness. You have a
short window in which the bracing system can push and move the wall. If realignment is required adjust the bracing
to do so. It is good to have 3 to 4 spare braces ready in the event you need to quickly install an additional adjustable
brace to push the wall in an area that you didn’t expect.

Section 10.14 - Preparing a Blowout Kit

Before the pour, make up a kit to respond to blowouts that has the following:
• A few pieces of OSB or plywood, 24x24” (610x610 mm) or so.
• A container of drywall screws
• A fully charged electric driver drill
• A portable ladder sufficient to reach whatever height is involved on the side of the wall away from the
scaffolding.

Before all pours, brief everyone on the crew on procedures to handle a blowout. If a blowout occurs, the ground man
should:
1. Waive off the pump and vibrator
2. If the foam has only bulged and not separated from the webs, install a piece of form support at the same
location. You can use an extra bracing for that purpose.
3. If foam has broken out, remove it and clean out concrete, reinsert the broken piece of foam so that it is flush
with the wall
4. Install one or more pieces of OSB with multiple screws into intact webs or bucks on either side of the failure
location
5. Go back to work as normal, a very minor event if you are prepared

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As with any below grade structure, it requires protection from moisture ingress and in some areas also needing
protection from termites as well. ICF construction is used throughout North America in various climates and soil
conditions and can easily be adapted to meet the local needs of a given area. It is always a good practice to enlist an
experienced designer and builder to make sure the correct system is used with ICF for below grade protection which
will be both long-lasting and cost effective.

Section 11.1 – Moisture

Currently all building codes in the US and Canada require walls below grade to have damp proofing or waterproofing
protection. In areas where only damp proofing is required, it is still highly recommended to install waterproofing on
the ICF below grade. This provides the best performance and longevity.

Section 11.1.1 - Damp Proofing vs. Waterproofing

Damp proofing serves as moisture control material which resists the passage of water when there is no hydrostatic
pressure. When applied properly, damp proofing can keep below grade structures in a dry condition as long as there
is no hydrostatic pressure due to water table.
Waterproofing on the other hand is meant to stop the water from infiltrating the foundation walls even with
hydrostatic pressure. In most applications, waterproofing is more expensive than damp proofing, however the
investment is well worth it considering the potential repair costs involved, if a basement wall starts to leak water
inside the structure.

Section 11.1.2 – Damp Proofing and Waterproofing According to Building Codes

Damp proofing is required for foundations walls enclosed within soils where hydrostatic pressure does NOT occur. If
however it is determined (by a soil investigation report) that hydrostatic pressure conditions exist then the enclosed
foundation walls shall be waterproofed. When walls are waterproofed, no damp proofing is required.

Section 11.1.3 - Foundation Drainage System

Proper drainage of the subsoil is required for all walls
which retain soil and enclose habitable space. The drain
shall be placed around the perimeter of the foundation
wall at or below the footing or slab (for slab on grade)
level. The drains can be made of drainage tiles, gravel
or crushed stone drains, perforated pipe or other
approved systems. The drains shall discharge water by
gravity or mechanical means into an approved drainage
system. Figure below illustrates a typical French drain
system also known as weeping tile which has been
used successfully for residential construction in North
America.

Figure 1 – Typical weeping tile system

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Section 11.1.4 – Maintaining a Dry Basement

The following recommendations help ensure that the new ICF basement stay dry and warm.
1. Make the extra investment and insist on full waterproofing for your foundation or basement walls. For best
performance, terminate the waterproofing membrane 2-3” (51-76mm) above grade.
2. Build up the ground around your house so that water flows AWAY from the basement walls. Also examine
sidewalks, patios, decks, and driveways. These can settle over time and cause water to drain back towards
the foundation walls.
3. Extend downspouts so that water flows away from the house and does not pool next to the basement walls
or windows. If the downspouts are connected to the home’s sewer system, disconnect them.
4. Clean debris from gutters regularly. If they overflow even when clean, replace them with larger size gutters
and downspouts.

Figure 2 – Recommendations for dry basement

Section 11.1.5 – Damp Proofing & Waterproofing Applications for Amvic ICF
There are three types of membranes that can be applied to Amvic ICF including liquid applied membranes, peel &
stick membranes and dimpled membranes. Each of the above-mentioned types have advantages and disadvantages
and the choice to choose one of the other is left up to the designer/client. However, factors to consider before
making a choice are:
• Local availability – Check with your local Amvic distributor to inquire about the availability of applicable
products to Amvic ICF in your area.
• Product Technical Information – Ensure that your product of choice has the proper technical information
with regards to specifications, installation instructions and meets the local building code requirements.
• Manufacturer’s warranty – The product manufacturer should have a product warranty against production
deficiencies. Some manufacturers offer up to 30 years of warranty on their products.
• Installer’s Warranty – The contractor installing the product should offer an installation warranty to guarantee
that product is installed properly and will perform up to the requirements for a given period of time.
• Installer’s reference – It is recommended to ask your installer about his experience using the specific product
of choice.
• Price – Higher performance products will almost always cost more than less performance ones. Carefully
weigh the benefits against the costs before deciding on which product to use.
Regardless of which type and brand of application to be used, always follow the manufacturer’s installation
procedures for ICF application.

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Section 11.1.6 - Liquid Applied Damp Proofing/Waterproofing systems

Liquid applied membranes usually come in pails of 5 US gallons (18.93L) each. Depending on which product is being
used, the membrane can be applied using a trowel, brush, roller or spray. To protect the liquid applied membrane
from sharp/heavy gravel in the backfill soil, Amvic recommends installing protective boards or drainage membrane.
The protective boards/membrane will be applied over the liquid applied membrane and have the added benefits
of additional moisture protection and provide air gap for water to be carried by gravity to the weeping tile/drain.
For ICF installations, liquid applied damp proofing/waterproofing membranes MUST be water based and free of any
solvents.

Figure 3 – Spraying liquid applied membrane on Amvic ICF

Compatible liquid applied waterproofing membrane products for Amvic ICF include:
• Henry Company, BLUE SEAL™ ICF and Concrete Construction - www.ca.henry.com
• Henry Company, Aqua-Bloc 720-33 - www.ca.henry.com
• Henry Company, Aqua-Bloc 720-38 - www.ca.henry.com
• Carlisle, CCW BARRICOAT - www.carlisleccw.com
• EPRO, e.spray - www.eproinc.com
• Advanced Coatings, Rub-R-Wall - www.advancedcoatings.on.ca

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Section 11.1.7 – Self-adhered Damp Proofing/Waterproofing systems

Self-adhered membranes adhere directly to the EPS on Amvic ICF. One side of the membrane has a thin film of glue
which is protected by a paper sheet. Once the paper sheet is peeled off, the membrane can be adhered in place
as per the specific installation guide of the manufacturer. In most cases the manufacturer will also recommend a
specially formulated primer to be applied to the face of the EPS before applying the membranes which will help
improve their adhesion (might be required for cold weather applications). As with any membrane or primer on ICF, if
a primer is used it MUST be water based and free of any solvents.

Figure 4 – Self-adhered waterproofing membrane installed and ready to be

backfilled
Recommended self-adhering waterproofing membrane products for Amvic ICF:
• SOPREMA, COLPHENE ICF - www.soprema.ca
• Henry Company, Blueskin® WP 200 - www.ca.henry.com
• Carlisle, MiraDRI 860/861 - www.carlisleccw.com
• Polyguard, 650 Membrane - www.polyguardproducts.com

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Section 11.1.8 – Dimpled Membrane Damp Proofing/Waterproofing Systems

Dimpled membranes are wrapped around the foundation walls with the dimple side facing the EPS on the Amvic
ICF creating an air gap between the backfill soil and the walls. This air gap prevents the build up of direct hydrostatic
pressure over the walls and thus moisture in the soil cannot penetrate through to the inside of the basement. When
installed properly, dimpled membranes are very effective in maintaining a dry below grade environment.

Figure 5 – Installed dimpled membrane on Amvic ICF foundation

Dimpled membranes products for Amvic ICF:

• Armtec, Platon Foundation Wrap - www.armtec.com
• Dörken, DELTA®-MS - www.dorken.com
• DMX Plastics, AG Foundation Wrap - www.dmxmembranes.com

Section 11.1.9 – Parging

Most building codes in North America require the exterior finish siding to start at a distance not less than 6-8 inches
(152-203mm) above grade level. The exposed EPS area between the grade and the exterior siding finish must be
covered. Aside from skirting the transition area with cement board, a parge coat (cementitious coat) can be used to
cover the EPS to protect it from weathering effects.
Before applying the parge coat, the EPS must be clean of any dirt or debris and dry to ensure proper adhesion. Using
Durock’s B-2000 base coat with reinforcing fiber mesh or equivalent provides a durable finished surface. The parging
coat should overlap the damp-proofing/waterproofing membrane by 2” (51mm).
Steps for applying parge coat:
1. Using a trowel, spread a skim coat of the parging material on the EPS.
2. Embed the reinforcing mesh into the skim coat while still wet. Allow to cure.
3. Apply a second coat of parging and allow to cure.
4. The finished surface may be left as is or painted as required for architectural purposes.

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Section 11.2 – Termite

Termites are a type of subterranean insects which feed on dead plant material (e.g. wood). They can be found in
some parts of North America forcing local municipalities to require preventive measures to be incorporated into the
building envelope design, including ICF. There are three main types of termites currently found in North America:
1. Dampwood termites
2. Drywood termites
3. Subterranean termites
Dampwood Termites
These are prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and coastal British Columbia and primarily attack decaying wood.
Eliminating the moisture source leading to the decay will normally control their spread.
Drywood Termites
This type does not require a significant moisture source. They can fly directly into buildings and start colonies in dry
wood. They are found in southern part of North America such as Hawaii and Mexico. Use of treated wood is usually
more effective against this type.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites most commonly live in the soil to avoid temperature extremes as well as obtaining moisture
essential to their existence. They can attack any dry wood or other source of cellulose within a foraging distance of
their colony such as untreated fence posts, utility poles, cardboard, paper, fiberboard which are close to the ground.
Where a wood source is not in contact with the soil, workers will build earthen ‘shelter tubes’ over concrete
foundation walls or in cracks in the concrete through which they can travel to and from the food source and soil
moisture.
Besides gaining entry via wood touching or close to the ground, termites can enter through cracks in concrete
foundations and slabs, and through spaces around utility pipes cut through concrete foundations.
Subterranean termites are the most important type since they cause the most damage to building structures. Within
this group the Formosan subterranean termite is the most aggressive and destructive in nature. Formosan termites
are typically smaller in size than other species but can consume more wood faster because of their shear numbers.

Figure 6 – Most common species of termites found in North America Figure 7 – Termite risk map of Canada (excluding territories) and US

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Section 11.2.1 – Termites and ICF construction

The EPS foam and concrete which make up the Amvic ICF do not constitute a food source for any of the three
types of termites found in North America. However subterranean termites can burrow through the EPS foam to
reach areas of the building structure where there is a food source such as roof wood trusses, wood floor joists and
hardwood flooring.
When ICF walls are used below grade in areas of very heavy termite infestations, it becomes more difficult to track
their existence since termites can start burrowing through the EPS foam starting from below grade and upwards to
the roof without being discovered.

Section 11.2.2 - Code Issues and EPS Foam Below Grade

The subterranean termites’ ability to burrow through below grade EPS foam undiscovered led several national and
local building codes in North America to ban the use of EPS foam below grade in areas considered to be very heavily
infested. However, the building codes have made exceptions and suggested measures which if used, which makes
the use of EPS foam acceptable.

Section 11.2.3 - International Residential Code 2003, Termite Control and EPS Protection [R320.1]
Subterranean termite control.
In areas favorable to termite damage as per table R301.2(1) methods of protection shall be any of the following:
• Chemical soil treatment
• Pressure treated wood in accordance with AWPA standards
• Naturally termite resistant wood
• Physical barriers such as metal or plastic termite shields
• Any combination of above
[R320.4] Foam Plastic Protection.
In areas where the probability of termite infestation is ‘very heavy’ as per figure R301.2(6), EPS foam shall not be
installed on the exterior face or under interior or
exterior foundation walls or slab foundations located
below grade. There should be a minimum clearance of
at least 6” (152mm) between foam plastics installed
above grade and exposed earth.
Exceptions in the code:
• Building structural members of walls,
floors, ceilings and roofs are entirely of
noncombustible materials or pressure treated
wood.
• In addition to requirements of R320.1 an
approved method of protecting the foam
plastic and structure from subterranean
termite damage is provided.
• On the interior side of basement walls.
Figure 8 – Illustration R301.2(6) as per IRC 2003 showing probability of
termite infestation

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Section 11.2.4 – National Building Code of Canada 2005, Termite Control and EPS Protection
[NBC 2005 – 9.12.1.1 (2)]
In localities where termite infestation is known to be a problem, all stumps, roots and other wood debris shall be
removed from the soil to a depth of not less than 300mm in unexcavated areas under a building.
[NBC 2005 – 9.3.2.9 (1)]
In localities where termites are known to occur,
a) clearance between structural wood elements and finished ground level directly below them shall be not less
than 450mm all sides of the supporting elements shall be visible to permit inspection, or
b) structural wood elements, supported by elements in contact with the ground or exposed over bare soil, shall
be pressure treated with a chemical that is toxic to termites.

[NBC 2005 – 9.3.2.9 (2)]

In localities where termites are known to occur, and foundations are insulated or finished in a manner that could
conceal termite infestation,
a) a metal or plastic barrier shall be installed through the insulation and any other separation of finish materials
above finished ground level to control the passage of termites behind or through the insulation, separation
or finish materials, and
b) all sides of the finished supporting assembly shall be visible to permit inspection.

Section 11.2.5 - Termite Protection and Control

There are several methods for protecting below grade and above grade structures including EPS foam from termites.
The following are the most common methods currently being used in the market and are categorized according to
their specific application techniques.

Section 11.2.6 - Physical Barriers

Waterproofing and Termite Barrier System.
Polyguard TERM® Foundation Barrier membrane is specifically designed for ICF foundation walls and can be used for
foundation waterproofing as well as termite protection.
Compliance of Polyguard TERM® Foundation Barrier membrane with building codes issues pertaining to
waterproofing and termite protection is covered under the International Code Council ICC-ES ESR-3622 Evaluation
Report which can be located here: https://www.icc-es.org/wp-content/uploads/report-directory/ESR-3632.pdf
For more information on Polyguard’s TERM® Barrier System, please visit: http://www.polyguardproducts.com/
term/structures/icf-structures/

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Chemical Treatment of Soil

Adding chemicals (termiticide) to the soil surrounding the building structure has been a traditional and primary
method of termite control. Subsequent follow up treatment at regular periodic intervals is required to continuously
keep any termite population near the structure in check. Certain city by-laws have been known to ban this method in
areas where the water-table level is very high and there is an environmental danger of the chemical agents seeping
through.
Metal Termite Shield
Metal termite shields are physical barriers to termites which prevent them from building invisible tunnels. When
installed properly, the metal termite shields will force subterranean termites to build tunnels on the outside of the
shields which are easily detected.
Metal shields are installed on top of concrete walls and are fabricated of sheet metal which is unrolled and attached
over the foundation walls. The edges are then bent at a 45° angle. Metal shields must be very tightly constructed,
and all joints must be completely sealed. Joints may be sealed by soldering, or with a tar-like bituminous compound.

Figure 9 – Metal termite shield using copper metal on top of Figure 10 – Detail of metal shield at inside corner
foundation wall
Particle Sized Barrier
A physical barrier consisting of particle-sized rocks, such as crushed basalt, silica sand, natural sand, granite, glass
shards, limestone, quartz and coral sand, can be used to prevent termite entry. There are three basic requirements
that must exist for a particle sized barrier to be effective:
1. Granules size must be small enough so that when compacted together, the space between them is too small
for the termites to squeeze through.
2. Granules must be big and heavy enough so that the termites can’t pick them up and move them using their
mandibles.
3. Granules must be too hard for the termites to chew.
The current studies conducted by entomologists reveal that particle sizes between 1.4-2.8mm (0.055-0.11”) are
impenetrable to subterranean termites. Particle-sized barriers are used under slabs, around foundations, and around
plumbing to create a physical barrier against termites.
An example of a successful particle sized barrier is the Basaltic Termite Barrier (BTB) made of crushed and/or sieved
basalt which was invented in Hawaii and is currently being used extensively throughout the US for new commercial
and residential construction.

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Termimesh
Termimesh is a marine grade 316 stainless steel wire mesh which protects the foundation walls and slab on grade
of a structure from termite penetration. The aperture grille of the mesh is too small for the termites to penetrate
and too hard for them to chew. Termimesh will not kill or eliminate termites. It will physically prevent termites from
penetrating a building structure.
Termimesh can be installed during construction on the exterior of foundation walls, under the slab on grade,
and around service pipes penetrating the structure. For the system to be effective, proper installation is critical.
Termimesh can only be installed by licensed professionals who have been trained by the company to specifically
install Termimesh.
Compliance of Termimesh with building code requirements for termite protection is covered by the ICC-ES Evaluation
Report ESR-1860: https://icc-es.org/report-listing/esr-1860/
For more information on this product and its availability please refer to following website: http://www.
termistopusa.com/

Section 11.2.7 – Suppression

Termite Baits
Termite bait systems were developed based on the social behavior of insects to groom and feed each other to
transfer chemical toxicants to a termite colony and eventually eliminating it.
Wood or some other type of cellulose is used in termite baits, to attract foraging termite workers. The cellulose is
impregnated with a slow-acting toxicant that cannot be detected by the termites. The toxicant must be slow acting
because termites tend to avoid sites where sick and dead termites accumulate. Termite workers feed on the treated
material and carry it back to other colony members, where it slowly poisons the termites and eventually reduces or
eliminates the entire colony.
Typically, in-ground stations are inserted in the soil next to the structure and in the vicinity of known or suspected
sites of termite activity. Initially the stations contain untreated wood to serve as a monitoring device. Once termites
locate and start feeding on it, the wood is replaced with the slow acting chemical toxicant. In addition, aboveground
stations may be installed inside or on the structure in the vicinity of damaged wood and shelter tubes.

Figure 11 – Inserting a termite trap containing wood as bait

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Termite baits are used for controlling termite infestations rather than being a barrier to prevent termites from
penetrating a structure. There are several commercial termite bait systems available on the market including:
• Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System
www.sentricon.com
• BASF Trelona® Advance Termite Bait System
www.basf.com
• Ensystex EXTERRA Termite Baiting System
www.ensystex.com
• FMC FirstLine® Termite Defense System

Trap Treat Release (TTR)

TTR is similar to termite baits in that it uses their social behavior to spread slow acting chemical toxicants into a
termite colony. With TTR, termite traps are placed in suitable locations near the structure. The traps are checked
regularly for termite presence. Once termites hit a trap, it is removed, and the termites are extracted for treatment.
A slow acting chemical toxicant is applied externally to termite bodies as a coating. After treatment the termites are
released back to their colonies. Coated termites carry effectively larger loads of toxicant than do bait-fed termites.
These topically treated termites act as a delivery system, spreading the toxicant throughout the colony. Cleaning and
grooming by other members of the colony, resulting in the ingestion of the pesticide by the grooming individuals.
After ingestion, the pesticide is further distributed by mutual feeding behaviors. Because of its more efficient delivery
system, TTR has better results in the laboratory and field conditions than bait systems. TTR was developed by Dr. T.
G. Myles at the University of Toronto and was licensed by the University of Toronto Innovations Foundation to FMC
Corporation.
Site Management
The following are measures to be taken during construction to reduce the probability of termite infestation in a
building structure. These measures are meant to be used IN ADDITION to the other termite prevention and control
methods discussed above and should not be used nor considered as standalone solutions.
• Building sites should be cleared of stumps, roots or other woody material that remains beneath or adjacent
to the building.
• All stakes, forms and building debris should be removed from beneath and adjacent to buildings. Do not
backfill over such debris.
• The site should be well drained so that moisture is not retained under, or adjacent to, a building.
Downspouts should carry water away from the building.
• No wood (stair supports, posts or other wood) should project through concrete floors or foundations.
• Foundations should be of concrete or masonry, and soil debris should be kept clear of wood resting on them.
Make sure foundation wall is high enough to allow sufficient top soil placement and still leave at least 6-8”
(152-203mm) of clearance between the bottom of siding or stucco and the ground.
• Slabs, concrete floors and foundation joints should be sealed against moisture, and regularly inspected for
cracks which should be immediately sealed.
• In areas determined to be very heavily infested with termites, it is recommended to remove an 8” (203mm)
strip of EPS above the grade line to expose the concrete. Any termite shelter tubes will be clearly visible and
the required treatment measures can be adopted.

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Recommendations for Termite Prevention and Control

1. Wood or cellulose is the main food source for termites. Reducing or eliminating wood structural elements in
a building structure, greatly enhances its durability against termite infestation. If wood cannot be eliminated,
use treated wood or naturally resistant wood to termites.
2. Consider using more than one line of defense from the three different categories of termite control and
prevention methods discussed above (Physical Barriers, Suppression and Site Management).
3. Always retain the services of licensed/professional Pest Control Operators (PCOs) to implement commercial
termite control and prevention methods especially chemical treatment of soils, metal termite shields,
termite baits and TTR.
4. Monitor the structure on a regular basis and inspect for any signs of termite infestation or damage. This
should be performed professional PCOs. Take remediation action when termites are discovered

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Section 12.1 - ICF Wall Penetrations

For wall penetrations there are two methods of doing them with ICF construction. The first method is to pour the
concrete as one normally would and then cut out the openings where needed after the concrete consolidated. This
method eliminates the need to preplan before the pour and save a little bit of labor in the beginning but becomes
quite an expensive and time consuming after. Generally, this method should only be used if there was an issue or
change to the design and there is an absolute need for penetration to be at that given location.
The second method is to block out the penetrations before the pour. This adds a little bit of time during the final
stages of the ICF blocks erection but saves on concrete coring later on. Blocking out for service penetrations is
typically carried out by cutting a hole through the ICF forms and inserting a PVC pipe all the way through. The PVC
pipe serves as a sleeve for subsequent installation of wiring, hose bibs, cables and other service utilities required for
the structure. Foam adhesive can be used to seal the gaps between the PVC pipe and the Amvic ICF EPS panels.
All penetration sleeves should be installed at an angle pointing downward towards the exterior of the building. This
is to ensure that if any water accumulates or is trapped in, will be drained to the outside. Sleeves should be sealed
with a weather tight caulk or foam after all wiring have been installed.

Section 12.1.1 – Electrical Installation

Electrical Panel
The electrical panel is generally mounted on the interior side of the ICF wall. It is good practice to mount a piece of
plywood/OSB to the wall (directly on ICF or on top of the gypsum board) to provide for a good and flexible mounting
of the panel, accessories and wiring. For some localities, it might be a requirement to mount the panel on piece of
plywood/OSB.

Figure 1 - Electrical panel installed on Amivc ICF

Electrical Wiring
Wiring is installed in Amvic ICF walls after the concrete is poured by cutting channels in the EPS panels in which the
Romex wires are embedded. The most efficient way of cutting the channels is by using a chainsaw (hot knife can be
used as well albeit slower) with a depth stop installed. It is recommended to cut 2” (51mm) deep to reduce the risk
of nail/screws hitting the wiring during or after gypsum board installation. To maintain the continuity of the thermal
envelope, it is recommended to backfill the channels with spray foam.

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The Romex wires stay embedded in the EPS panels by friction. If the channels were not fully covered with spray
foam, use spray foam adhesive to spot glue the wires to the EPS roughly every 24” (610mm) in a similar manner as
staples are used with wiring and conventional framing. Use protective nail plates over the wiring in places where it
could be hit by drywall screws.

Figure 2 – Cutting a channel in the EPS panel using an electric

chainsaw
It is recommended to run the majority of the horizontal span of wiring in the joist space and bring the wiring down
vertically where the receptacle or light switch are. This reduces the amount of foam cutting needed, increases
installation speed and reduces the potential of nail penetrating the wiring (since there is less wiring in the foam).

Figure 3 – Embedding Romex into the EPS panels

If horizontal wiring is still needed, it is recommended to create the horizontal channels in the seam between two
horizontal courses. Since the ICF webs are only 15” (381mm) while the blocks are 16” (410mm) in height, when they
are stacked, there is a 1” (25mm) between the webs allowing for easy cutting. If an electrical fixture must be at a
given location, cutting through the webs is also acceptable but can take a little more effort if cut with something
other than a chainsaw.

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Section 12.1.2 – Conduits

Conduit is installed in Amvic ICF walls in the same manner as wiring by cutting a channel in the EPS after the walls
are poured in which the conduit is embedded. If the conduits are to be embedded in the concrete cavity, then it is
installed prior to the concrete pour including the electrical boxes and sweeps to which the conduit will be attached.

Section 12.1.3 – Electrical Boxes

Electrical boxes are installed in Amvic ICF after the concrete is poured by cutting out a recess in the EPS panel using
a hot knife adjusted for the right depth. The EPS panels on the Amvic R22 ICF are 2.5” (63.5mm) thick and 3.25”
(83mm) for the R30 forms. Standard depth electrical boxes can be used with the thicker R30 panels while a shallow
electrical box is needed for the R22 blocks.
If electrical boxes of more than 2.5 inches (63.5mm) depth are required, then installation should be carried out
before the concrete is poured as follows:
1. Cut a foam plug in the EPS panel and push it back into the wall cavity. This will create a deeper void within
which the electrical box will be installed.
2. Use foam adhesive to glue the foam plug in place. This will prevent the plug from moving during the concrete
pour.
3. After the concrete is poured, break out the foam plug embedded in the concrete wall and install the
electrical box in place.

Electrical boxes are held in the ICF wall by:

1. Friction with the EPS foam
2. Foam adhesive
3. Using boxes with flanges on the front and screwing through the flanges into the polypropylene webs. For
metal boxes with flanges, use concrete screws and drill through the concrete.

Figure 4 - Electric box with flange attached to the webs

DO NOT drill additional holes than what is provided in plastic electric boxes. This will void the UL/ULC rating.

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Section 12.2 - Plumbing

Plumbing is installed in the same manner as conduit and wiring, by cutting channels in the EPS foam after the
concrete pour and embedding the pipes. Foam adhesive is used to secure the pipes in place as well as fill in the gap.
Plumbing and electrical wiring can share the same channels. It is more common to run the plumbing in the partition
wall to ease of access and reduced labor.

Figure 5 – Vent pipe embedded in the EPS foam

If brackets for fixtures are required, concrete screws can be used to secure the brackets to the concrete.
Larger diameter plumbing pipes e.g. 3” (76 mm) or larger vents can be installed by furring out the ICF wall to
accommodate them or chases made of wood or metal in which the pipes are hidden and easily accessed for
maintenance.
It is not recommended to place plumbing pipes in the concrete cavity of ICF walls because it creates a weak spot. If
it is essential to run the pipes in the concrete cavity for architectural aesthetics, a local licensed/registered engineer
should design and/or approve such a detail.

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Section 13.1 – Interior Finishes

Currently all building code models in the North America require foam plastics to be separated from the interior living
spaces, any habitable spaces and some crawl spaces by a thermal barrier (fire protection) that will remain in place
for 15 minutes based on specific testing criteria.
The most common type of interior finish material that will meet the thermal barrier requirements as stipulated by
the building codes is a ½” (13mm) gypsum board also known as drywall. Drywall is to be attached using typical #6/#8
drywall screws with either fine or coarse thread.
The Amvic ICF polypropylene webs provide a horizontal and vertical furring strip to which the gypsum boards can
be directly attached. The spacing and size of the screws should follow the local building code requirements. Gypsum
boards can be installed vertically or horizontally with no particular advantage of one way over the other. For the
purpose of meeting the building code requirements regarding gypsum board installation, Amvic has conducted the
following tests which are available upon request:
• Drywall type “S” fine thread and type “W” coarse thread screw pullout and shear in accordance with ICBOES
AC 116 in conjunction with ASTM D1761.
• Room fire test standard for in accordance with UBC-1997 standard 26-3 for protection of interior foam
plastics using ½” (13mm) gypsum board.
• Fire test in accordance with CAN/ULC S101-04 and ASTM E119-00a “Standard test methods for fire tests of
building construction and materials using ½” (13mm) gypsum board.

Section 13.1.1 – Mounting Cabinets or Shelving

As with any construction project, the final goal is to create a comfortable and habitable space for the occupants. In
order to achieve that there needs to be a provision to hang various items from the ICF walls such as upper cabinetry,
shelving and blinds or curtains.

Cabinetry
The webs in the ICF blocks serve is the nailing/fastening members in a similar way as studs. Unlike studs, the webs do
not form a continuous vertical solid surface and there could be situation where fastening screw might miss the webs.
There are several ways which this can be circumvented.
The first method involved some planning before the concrete is placed. Roughly where the upper cabinets would be
installed, two horizontal strips would need to be removed from the foam panel and replaced with two-by lumber.
The lumber would include some anchoring to the concrete (similar fashion to a door/window jamb) and once the
concrete is cured, it provides for an excellent anchoring point.
The second method can be used once the concrete is already cured and requires some sheathing boards such as OSB
or plywood. The sheathing board is installed roughly in the area where the upper cabinets will be and fastened to the
ICF webs. The sheathing board is fastened with screws roughly every 16” (410mm) and provides a solid surface to
mount the cabinets.
Shelving
Depending on the type of shelving and what is to be stored on them, they can be installed in a similar fashion to the
kitchen cabinets. Since only a strip of sheathing is required for shelf installation, it is beneficial to choose the same
thickness sheathing as the gypsum board which will allow it to be sanded and painted to uniform. For smaller areas
such as closets it might be easier to install OSB sheathing on the entire height of a wall or two and then cover it
with gypsum board. This will provide easy mounting at any height and location while maintain a smooth and clean
finished surface.

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Blinds/Curtains
For curtain rods or blind installation above windows a similar methodology can be used as for the shelving. A strip of
plywood of similar thickness as the gypsum board can be installed above the window overshooting by however much
might be needed. This piece is fastened to the ICF webs and will provide a sturdy mounting surface. It can be sanded
and finished to look indistinguishable from the gypsum once painted. Alternatively, drywall anchors can be used to
mount the curtain rods or blinds.

Section 13.2 Exterior Finishes

Amvic ICF is compatible with a wide range of exterior
cladding types, ranging from stucco, EIFS, siding and
masonry veneer. Each cladding system type can either
be directly applied to the surface of the ICF blocks or
require additional foresight during the design stage
such as including a brick ledge form for masonry veneer
cladding.

Section 13.2.1 – Stucco

Stucco is a material that consists of a binder, aggregates
and water. It is applied wet to a surface and hardens
to a dense solid. It serves as first layer of protection
to the wall and comes in many finishes and colors. In
North American construction it is primarily known to
have been applied over a substrate such as sheathing,
concrete or masonry. Various manufacturers have
created different products with various names.
Stucco installation can be as simple as preparing
the surface, applying base coat with fiber mesh (for
reinforcement) and a finish coat, but one should
always follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Transition areas such openings, jambs, sills, headers,
etc. should be carefully detailed and sealed to prevent
unwanted ingress of moisture and air. It also important
to check with the local building code to see if there is a
requirement to use a weather resistive barrier (under
the base coat), a metal lath or other requirements
related to stucco application.

Figure 1 – Typical stucco application over ICF

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Section 13.2.2 - Traditional vs. Acrylic

For stucco finish there are two primary types, traditional and acrylic. Traditional stucco is generally made from
Portland cement, sand, lime and water and essentially looks and feels like cement. It comes in a variety of finishes
and color. Acrylic stucco is made from acrylic resins or polymers that somewhat resembles glue or paint.
Acrylic stucco does have sand in it as well which gives it textured surfacing. Acrylic stucco shines in the vast color
selection it offers while traditional stucco has slightly better variety of textures. Traditional stucco is cheaper than
acrylic stucco. Since acrylic stucco is also considered water resistant (it repels water), it can be used for one coat,
three coat and EIFS applications whereas traditional stucco is permeable and is able to absorb water but also dry out.
Traditional stucco can be also be used for one and three coat applications but is not used for EIFS.

Section 13.2.3 – EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System)

EIFS is a multi-component exterior finish system for walls.
The system has traditionally been installed over wood
frame substrates with appropriate sheathing. Some EIFS
manufacturers have changed the name of their products
to distinguish it for ICF application e.g. Dryvit® EIFS
products for ICF name has changed to TAFS (Textured
Acrylic Finishing System). EIFS wall cladding, like stucco,
has many textures and colors that can be applied to the
finish acrylic coat to produce the desired architectural
effect. A typical EIFS cladding system consists of:
1. Weather resistive barrier
2. Foam insulation layer with built-in drainage Figure 2 – ICF building with stucco
3. Fiber mesh reinforcing layer embedded in the
base coat
4. Textured finish coat

Figure 3 – EIFS over ICF

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The EPS foam that makes up the Amvic ICF panels is a suitable substrate for applying EIFS cladding directly without
the need for an additional foam board. This foamless EIFS configuration can sometimes be called DEFS (Direct
Applied Exterior Finish System in the case of DuROCK) and is essentially a proprietary acrylic stucco system.
For ICF applications, stucco-based systems can be applied in various ways. One of the easier ways is to install the
base coat with reinforcing mesh (can be metal or fiber) and then the finish coat. Although not necessarily needed, a
liquid applied weather resistive barrier might be required or even a step further, a fully drained system (EIFS). In such
cases consult the manufacturer.
• When applying EIFS cladding, always follow the manufacturer installation instructions and inspection
guidelines for proper installation.
• Check manufacturer details for sealing window and doors to ensure moisture seepage control.
• Check local building code having jurisdiction and ensure compliance with any requirements regarding EIFS
applications.

Section 13.2.4 – Masonry Veneer

Masonry or brick veneer can be applied to Amvic ICF wall in the same manner as regular wood frame or steel stud
construction. A ledge support is required to carry the masonry veneer gravity loads. This can be achieved either with
a brick ledge form or installing a steel angle and anchoring it back to the concrete core.
The masonry veneer ties can be screwed directly to the Amvic polypropylene webs using approved fine thread or
coarse thread screws or if using a different proprietary tie, it can be inserted in the foam before the concrete pull. For
ties that are inserted into the foam, the back end of the tie gets embedded in the concrete providing improved pull
out strength.
The horizontal and vertical spacing of the masonry veneer ties shall comply with engineering and/or local building
requirements. Amvic has retained a consulting engineering firm for an engineering analysis on masonry veneer ties
under different wind and seismic load conditions. A copy of the report is available upon request and can also be
downloaded from our website.

Figure 4 – Brick veneer construction with Amvic ICF Figure 5 – Stone with ICF retaining wall

Follow the standard building code requirements for:

• Weep holes
• Flashing with dripping edge
• Proper material specifications for anchored masonry veneer ties

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Section 13.2.5 – Siding

Amvic ICF can also be finished with exterior siding planks such as wood, vinyl and fiber cement. For wood and fiber
cement siding products, it is highly recommended for wood or metal strapping to be installed on the Amvic EPS
surface by screwing directly to the ICF propylene webs. Wood or fiber cement siding can then be installed over the
strapping using approved nails or screws.
Vinyl siding products in most cases can be installed by directly screwing into the Amvic ICF propylene webs with no
furring straps. Check local building code requirements for use of weather resistive barrier before installing sidings
over Amvic ICF. Always follow installation instructions given by the siding manufacturer for ICF applications.

Figure 6 – ICF house with siding and stucco finishes on the exterior

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 INSTALLATION MANUAL ICF

Amvic ICF is a high quality, innovative construction system designed for both residential and
commercial applications. Competitive pricing, extensive product distribution and excellent
technical support are combined to provide our clients with a simplified approach to a
superior finished product. If any questions or concerns are not completely addressed in this
manual, please contact us and our staff will be happy to answer any question. At Amvic, we
pride ourselves in offering our customers an exceptional level of customer service.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this document is provided as a guideline only, without any warranty
of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties
of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom of infringement.

This document is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in this
document represents the current views of Amvic Corporation on the issues discussed as of
the date of this publication. These opinions, as expressed, should not be interpreted to be
a commitment on the part of Amvic Corporation The user assumes the entire risk as to the
accuracy and the use of this document.

This manual provides a basic guide for the installation of Amvic ICF and is intended to
supplement, rather than replace, the basic construction knowledge of a construction
professional. All installations of Amvic ICF must be in accordance with all applicable building
codes and/or under the guidance of a licensed professional engineer. In all cases, applicable
building code regulations take precedence over this manual.

Technical Support

Please contact us for any inquiries pertaining to information included in this manual, or if you
require any other technical assistance.

Phone 1 (877) 470-9991 (toll free)

Email [email protected]

The Amvic website is updated regularly with the most current news, including testing
reports, technical bulletins and evaluation reports. This document is available both in print
and as a downloadable file from www.amvicsystem.com
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