Early coordination can simplify the design and construction of an Amvic™ ICF building. Wall thickness, concrete core size, elevations, reinforcement, openings, floor connections, service penetrations, waterproofing, and finishes should all be addressed before construction documents are finalized.
The information below is intended to support preliminary planning. Structural design, reinforcement, concrete specifications, connections, and project-specific details must comply with applicable building codes and the requirements of the licensed design professional. For product information, specifications, design guides, evaluation reports, and installation resources, visit the technical resources page.
Wall Thickness
Amvic™ ICF is available with several concrete core sizes to accommodate different structural and project requirements. Amvic™ ICF R22 is available with 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch concrete cores. Amvic™ ICF R30 is available with 6-inch and 8-inch concrete cores.
Core selection can depend on wall height, structural loads, below-grade conditions, wind and seismic requirements, and other project-specific factors.
The EPS used in Amvic™ ICF is classified as Type II under ASTM C578 and Type 2 under CAN/ULC-S701.
Resources
- Amvic™ ICF R22 Product Data Sheet
- Amvic™ ICF R30 Product Data Sheet
- Amvic™ ICF Canadian Design Guide
- Amvic™ ICF U.S. Design Guide
Final wall thickness and reinforcement requirements should be determined by the appropriate design professional.
General Layout
When transitioning from conventional construction to Amvic™ ICF, account for the full thickness of the ICF wall during space planning.
Amvic™ ICF R22 uses 2.5-inch EPS panels on each side of the concrete core. Amvic™ ICF R30 uses 3.25-inch EPS panels. These dimensions affect exterior building dimensions, interior floor area, demising walls, openings, and transitions to other wall systems.
Radius Walls
Curved walls can also be constructed with Amvic™ ICF. Review the installation requirements before incorporating radius walls into the project.
Resources
Wall Heights
Wall coursing should be considered when establishing project elevations.
Coordinate Amvic™ ICF courses with footing elevations, finished grade, masonry finishes, floor bearing elevations, floor-to-floor heights, roof bearing elevations, and parapets.
The Amvic™ ICF Installation Manual includes horizontal coursing information and guidance for height adjustments when project dimensions do not correspond to a full form height.
Brick ledges should also be coordinated with finished grade and wall coursing during design. Structural capacity and reinforcement must follow applicable engineering requirements.
Resources
- Amvic™ ICF Installation Manual
- Amvic™ ICF Canadian Design Guide
- Amvic™ ICF U.S. Design Guide
- Amvic™ ICF Product and Brick Ledge Information
Engineering Parameters
Amvic™ ICF forms create reinforced concrete walls, so structural requirements should be established as part of the project design.
The Amvic™ ICF Design Guides provide engineering information for above-grade walls, below-grade walls, reinforcement, lintels, masonry veneer support, and other structural conditions.
For Canadian projects, the Amvic™ ICF Canadian Design Guide references CSA A23.3 for the design of concrete structures. It also references PCA 100-2012, Prescriptive Design of Exterior Concrete Walls for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, for applicable prescriptive wall-design conditions.
Project drawings should identify the applicable Amvic™ ICF core size, wall heights, vertical and horizontal reinforcement, reinforcement position, and required lap splices.
Resources
- Amvic™ ICF Canadian Design Guide
- Amvic™ ICF U.S. Design Guide
- Amvic™ ICF Installation Manual
- Amvic™ ICF Rebar Sizes Reference
Wall Function
Amvic™ ICF combines reinforced concrete with continuous EPS insulation to provide structure, insulation, air and vapor control, sound attenuation, and attachment for finishes within the wall system.
Sound Transmission
Tested Amvic™ ICF wall assemblies provide documented sound attenuation performance of ASTC 47–48, equivalent to STC 50–51, with results based on ASTM testing standards.
Resources
Fire Resistance
Amvic™ ICF has a documented 3-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly tested to ASTM E119 and CAN/ULC-S101, with defined requirements for concrete, gypsum protection, reinforcement, and finishes.
Resources
- Amvic™ ICF Fire Resistance Rating
- ICC-ES ESR-1269 Evaluation Report
- Alleguard QAI Listing
- CCMC 13043-L Evaluation
Vapor Control
The EPS used in Amvic™ ICF has published water vapor permeance data, and the wall system incorporates vapor-control functionality as part of the assembly. Requirements should be evaluated for the applicable jurisdiction, climate, occupancy, and wall condition.
Resources
- Amvic™ ICF R22 Product Data Sheet
- Amvic™ ICF R30 Product Data Sheet
- ICC-ES ESR-1269 Evaluation Report
- CCMC 13043-L Evaluation
Air Barrier Performance
Amvic™ ICF combines continuous EPS panels with a reinforced concrete core to create an airtight wall assembly. Connections at roofs, foundations, windows, doors, penetrations, and adjoining wall systems should be detailed to maintain building-envelope continuity.
Resources
Exterior Finishes
Amvic™ ICF can accommodate exterior finishes such as EIFS, stucco, brick and brick veneer, stone and stone veneer, and several types of siding.
For projects requiring non-combustible construction, review the applicable evaluation reports, fire documentation, and building-code requirements for foam-plastic insulation and exterior wall assemblies.
Resources
- ICC-ES ESR-1269 Evaluation Report
- Amvic™ ICF Fire Resistance Rating
- Alleguard QAI Listing
- Amvic™ ICF Installation Manual
Firewall Construction
Projects incorporating Amvic™ ICF into a firewall should address the required fire-resistance rating, structural stability, continuity of the fire separation, connections, penetrations, and applicable construction requirements.
Resources