News
30 March 2009
World's first purpose designed ICF concrete mix developed
ICF Tech has teamed up with BASF Admixtures and Aggregate Industries to develop the world’s first purpose designed ICF concrete mix. This latest development is part of the company’s strategy to challenge every aspect of ICF construction with a view to creating a superior ICF system.
The ‘Rheo Cell ICF concrete’ (BASF) and U Crete (Bardon Concrete) is a self-compacting air entrained mix which uses a 10 mm aggregate and replaces much of the cement with more environmentally friendly alternatives. The special additives create tiny air bubbles in the matrix to improve the flow and compaction of the concrete whilst improving its insulation properties though more normal mix designs could be employed if lower levels of the code for sustainable homes were being targeted.
Graeme Howorth, ICF Tech director said: “With pressure from the Government to improve the energy efficiency and performance of new homes through Building Regulations and initiatives such as the Code for Sustainable Homes, sustainability cannot be overlooked. The ICF Tech system is an innovative and sustainable construction solution that uses cutting edge technology such as the new concrete from BASF and Aggregate Industries.”
The ICF Tech system has been designed from the outset to use as much recycled material as possible in its construction. All the extrusions are made from recycled PVC; the webs within the forms are made from recycled polypropylene and all waste from site is bagged and returned to a central depot for processing. EPS is 100% recyclable and can be re-used in the plastics industry as a resin or even as an aerator in composts.
