Residential Concrete

residential concrete
d e ta i l i n g a n d s p e c i f i c at i o n g u i d e
residential concrete
d e ta i l i n g a n d s p e c i f i c at i o n g u i d e
preface
This technical manual is published by the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand with funding assistance from the New Zealand Concrete Masonry Association. The construction details contained within this manual have been developed based on extensive research both locally and internationally. They are designed to give examples representative of good practice, rather than a complete range of possible alternatives. The manual is written by Morten Gjerde, Lecturer and CCANZ Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington, School of Architecture. Heartfelt thanks to the following people, without whose assistance this would not have been possible: Research assistance: Rachel Chan Peter Lough Oliver Markham Nancy Bakker Grant Taylor Peer review: Daniel Bagust Philip Blair Ross Cato John Gibbons Derek Lawley Nigel Marshall Andy Wilton Typing: Tricia Hawkins Editing: Grant Thomas Dene Cook
Waterproof with us
Resene X-200 Acrylic Waterproofing Membrane occupies pride of place in the Resene range of waterproofing products. With Resene X-200, most surfaces can be waterproofed and weatherproofed with a two-coat system*. Application costs are therefore similar to any two coats of conventional paint, combined with the benefits of multi coat high build systems. Resene X-200 uniquely combines low viscosity with high build ensuring excellent penetration into cracks and pores, resulting in superb adhesion. Resene X-200 high build properties allow the development of a tough, durable and continuous membrane, while nonasbestos fibre reinforcement increases tensile strength. Resene also manufactures and sells a full range of textured coatings and specialist finishes to give you and your client the finish you desire. From high builds to aggregate textured coatings, we have the range to suit every taste. To find out more and obtain copies of the X-200 Data Sheet (D62) or textured coatings and specialist finishes specifications (21e/i), call 0800 RESENE (737 363), see your nearest Resene ColorShop, or visit the Resene website at www.resene.co.nz
* An additional coat of X-200 may be required on concrete block due to regional variations in standards.
contents
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Concrete Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Insulating Concrete Formwork . . . . . .35 Precast Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Concrete Cast In-Situ . . . . . . . . . . . .77 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
ISBN 0-908956-12-6 TM36 Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand Level 6, 142 Featherston St, Wellington. P O Box 448, Wellington. Tel: (04) 499 8820, Fax: (04) 499 7760. Email: admin@cca.org.nz
Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand 2000 Except where the Copyright Act allows, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form, or transmitted by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand. The information provided in this manual has been prepared with all due care; however the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand accepts no liability arising from its use.
r e s i d e nt i a l co n c r e te d e ta i l i n g a n d s p e c i f i c at i o n g u i d e
Mann House in Auckland by Ian Juriss.
G e n e ra l I n f o r m a t i o n
General Information
introduction
Concrete is well known to many New Zealanders as a building material. Being a country of doers has meant that not only are we familiar with concrete but also many have had personal experience with it. Footpaths, garden walls, garages and sculptures stand as testament to this hands-on experience. In the construction industry, concrete is the most widely used material both here and overseas. Commercial structures from single to multi-storey continue to be built in concrete. Most residential construction is based on the concrete ground floor slab and our infrastructure, from underground pipes to bridges, is largely constructed of the material. The building industry in New Zealand is well resourced to construct in concrete. Raw materials are readily available throughout the country. The techniques for constructing formwork, placing concrete, erecting precast elements and building in masonry are to a very high standard internationally. The design of concrete structures by local engineers lead the world in many areas. The existence of several quality suppliers of precast structural systems and other proprietary elements in the marketplace allow designers and builders competitive pricing, extensive system choice and excellent technical support. For all that, New Zealanders continue to favour timber framing for the construction of their houses. It is not unusual to see a design modelled on the massive homes of the Mediterranean, built using spaced timber studs with a thin cladding of stucco or acrylic plaster on rigid board. Many designers and homeowners in this country prefer to continue to use systems and techniques with which they are familiar. Concrete construction has been widely used for housing throughout Europe and to a lesser extent in the United States. It would be difficult to think of the work by Le Corbusier, Adolf Loos and more recently Herzog and deMuron without conjuring up images of concrete. Market research has been carried out in an effort to identify why concrete is not used more readily in the residential construction sector in New Zealand. These results indicates that there is inadequate information for those wanting to design and build concrete houses. There is also a lack of builders who are comfortable building concrete walls and suspended floors in the domestic context. The processes involved in building in concrete are different to those employed in timber framing and cladding. Builders comfortable with concrete have tended to become established in commercial construction. While the research pointed to an enthusiasm for concrete homes, designers and builders tend to stay with familiar materials and processes. This publication seeks to bridge the knowledge gap for designers and builders of concrete homes. It does not however claim to fulfil all their information needs. It has been structured to give an overview of the principles and highlight the critical issues facing designers and builders. The construction industry has been widely consulted and research has been carried out both locally and internationally. The details have been prepared to present a broad range of construction scenarios. The designer or the builder using this manual may find the need to change relationships or sizes shown to suit their own purposes. The intention has been to present a starting point from which specific details can be developed. The details shown here have been checked for suitability for New Zealand conditions. Provided the detailing principles are adhered to, others should perform equally well.
The raw materials for concrete are readily available.
scope
This document has been prepared as a general guide to the design and construction of the single family house and projects of similar scale in New Zealand. Although this manual does not specifically address fire resistance and sound transmission ratings, the adjacent table demonstrates the values that can be achieved with appropriate detailing. It presents materials and systems that are commonly available in New Zealand. Some, such as timber joinery and concrete itself, have been in use for several generations. Others have recently come into the local market and industry experience with some of these may be limited. On the other hand, building products not available in New Zealand have not been incorporated. To do so would inaccurately present the range of materials available here. The construction, specification and detailing issues are presented in the New Zealand context. We have specific and often unique ways of doing things. The New Zealand environmental conditions are also unique. This book is principally concerned with design and construction issues. While it does touch upon topics such as thermal performance and structural engineering, it is not meant to serve as a guide in these areas. Structural design is still best left to the professionals except in those areas where non-specific design standards are available. Concrete masonry is one such format with NZS 4229 having been revised in 1999. The Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand produces a range of other publications that may be of interest to the designers and builders of concrete homes. Further information is available at www.cca.org.nz.
Panel Thickness 100 mm 120 mm 150 mm 200 mm Fire Rating 90 minutes 120 minutes 180 minutes >240 minutes Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating 44 48 55 58
Recessed timber door & sill Butyl rubber sill flashing
Floor coverings Reinforced conc. slab
Non structural conc. veneer Insulation
Paving level Structural conc. panel
SILL DETAIL
Typical fire and sound transmission ratings that can be achieved with concrete systems when appropriately detailed.
detailing considerations
Objectives
Successful architectural detailing requires attention to many factors. As with most aspects of building, it is often necessary to think laterally to achieve results that are both poetic and satisfy pragmatic goals. First off, it is important to be able to clearly identify the detailing objectives. These may come under headings such as: cost appearance and aesthetics buildability materials usage routine maintenance
All successful design and detailing efforts will consider these factors. The designer may make value judgments through the process, placing the importance of one aspect above another. The critical thing is to be aware of these considerations and to understand the consequences of favouring any one over the other.
Environment
Grigg House by Miles Warren.
quickly see mould and other organic growth develop, even with regular cleaning. If inappropriate materials are used or poor detailing choices are made, the building appearance can deteriorate quickly.
Material properties
It is also important to consider the specific environment that the details are to exist in. It is critical to acknowledge and design for: prevailing winds and wind patterns created by the landscape or other buildings rain and other weather that can be expected UV exposure dust and pollutants that may be in the air and settle on the building corrosive elements in the air such as salt spray moisture, either rising from the ground, or as general humidity
Concrete has a number of special and unique qualities that make it an ideal construction medium, particularly in domestic applications. These include: high durability thermal mass benefits when used appropriately ability to form and shape enclosure of space and structure in one material ability to form integral surface finishes and colour relatively inert and compatible with most other buildings materials excellent acoustic and fire resistant properties
Frank Lloyd Wright was an innovator with concrete.
Specific environments can vary from site to site and even on different faces of the same building. While exposed concrete masonry may be appropriate on the sunny north face of a house, its use on the south side of a damp site could
Along with these qualities are some inherent limitations that the designer should bear in mind:
once cast it is difficult to change not sufficiently waterproof on its own sharp corners or edges can be vulnerable to mechanical damage
Once the decision to use a concrete structure in residential projects is made, the designer and the builder must find ways of optimising the positive attributes while minimising the negative aspects of concrete. The best way of ensuring this is through adequate and considered planning. This Guide is one resource to help with this planning.
Maintenance
Planning for routine maintenance of the building, and in particular of the details, must be borne in mind. All materials and details perform better when they are maintained. Such maintenance may include washing, replacement of seals and sealants and re-application of waterproofing coatings. Decisions made by the builder or designer may place high demands on the homeowner to maintain certain details. Often the homeowner is not consulted or considered at the time, a point that is particularly true of homes built speculatively. Homeowners, where appropriate, should be consulted with over maintenance issues. In all cases, they should be made aware of routine maintenance requirements. The lifetime success of the project will benefit.
Sargent House in Auckland by Ron Sang
An example of exposed aggregate finish. 10
moisture control
Concrete, although used in the construction of water tanks, is not generally considered to be sufficiently waterproof for housing without supplementary waterproofing systems. Not only is concrete water permeable, it also contains excess water from the construction process that must be allowed to escape. This moisture can, if not dealt with, continue to plague the homeowner. As a rule of thumb concrete requires one month per 25 mm of thickness to dry (from each exposed face) assuming dry conditions. This means that under ideal conditions a 100 mm thick concrete wall will require two months drying time if both faces are left exposed for that period. Finishes that are applied to exterior surfaces of concrete which have not dried adequately, may be affected by the tendency of water to escape to the warm side. This could lead to bubbling of the surface finish. The external moisture clauses of the New Zealand Building Code are increasingly being complied with through the use of painted membrane systems. These systems are continuing to develop and there are a number that have proven records in New Zealand conditions. Their use has increased the options for designers but at the same time designers must ensure that sound detailing and building principles are not ignored. If a strategy of reliance on painted membrane systems has been adopted, it is advisable to thoroughly investigate the systems under consideration. Speak to those who have applied the products and have experience of their performance. Also obtain test results and manufacturers guarantees of performance. Internal moisture control is often not considered by designers but is critical to the comfort and enjoyment of the home. The best method of assuring that the concrete home performs well in this regard is to insulate well and to specify appropriate finishes in those rooms where high moisture levels can be anticipated. The enjoyment of a well designed concrete home will be enhanced by the designer considering the environment, material properties and sound detailing principles.
This house will be left unpainted until all construction moisture has escaped.
thermal performance and insultation

Thermal mass within the building envelope can provide significant benefits in terms of both energy efficiency and comfort. Maximising the thermal mass benefits of concrete requires consideration of a number of issues including: site and building location and orientation, insulation placement, glazing placement and orientation, and usage patterns, to mention a few. This manual does not attempt to cover issues which need to be considered in maximising the benefits of thermal mass. Designers wishing to check thermal properties of concrete homes for code compliance should refer to two New Zealand standards: NZS 4214 provides the means of calculating the thermal resistance of building elements, and NZS 4218 defines minimum requirements for the various elements of a house (ie walls, roof, floor).
A contemporary concrete house.
11
C o n c re t e M a s o n r y
Concrete Masonry
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Design Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
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Broderick House by Warren & Mahoney
oncrete masonry or blockwork has a long association with residential construction in New Zealand. As well as offering all the positive attributes of the other forms of concrete it is an easy format to use. The use of concrete masonry has been well supported by the block manufacturers throughout the country. Special profiles are available to suit all the detailing conditions that can be anticipated. The range of products continues to be expanded as blocks with special surface finishes, sizes and thermal characteristics are put to the market. In effect concrete masonry is a type of permanent formwork for concrete. The grout fill working in conjunction with the reinforcing steel provides the structural strength. New research carried out by New Zealand universities has lead to a reduction in the amount of horizontal reinforcing steel and grout fill required. 140 mm wide (15 Series) concrete masonry has also been shown to be structurally appropriate for most residential projects. These changes have been incorporated into the recently released update of NZS 4229:1999, the Standard for non-specific concrete masonry design. Advantages of concrete masonry economy particularly when the construction module is fully exploited does not require special or costly equipment to install modular units are relatively easy to handle and can be delivered to most buildings sites stop and start of construction is easy to incorporate structurally and architecturally range of profiles allowing for most detailing requirements interesting architectural scale and surface textures The qualities and advantages of concrete masonry certainly make it an appealing material to consider for residential construction.
Until the nineteen -seventies New Zealand houses built of blockwork used cavity wall construction techniques. Concrete masonry is more porous than most other forms of concrete. The blocks themselves are permeable, particularly when they are manufactured using the lightweight pumice aggregate typical of the upper half of the North Island. It is however the mortar joints which are the real culprit. As the mortar dries and shrinks, cracks develop against adjoining blocks. Traditional cavity wall construction assumes moisture will be able to penetrate the outer skin, but then drop to the bottom of the cavity and out through weep holes without affecting the inner skin. The outer skin of the wall also serves to conceal the waterproofing membrane on the outer surface of the inner skin. Time pressures and increases in the cost of construction have meant that this effective traditional method of construction has generally been replaced by the single skin masonry wall. As has been discussed earlier in this guide the change has been justified through the development of new materials which effectively seal the external surfaces while also serving as paint or plaster finishes. This is often in conjunction with rigid insulation. NZS 4229: 1999 has adopted the use of acrylic membranes as appropriate waterproofing solutions.
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design issues
Modular setout
Common mortar joint profiles
raked
flush
While other forms of concrete construction allow freedom of shape and size, the modular nature of blockwork directs many design considerations. For reasons of economy and ease of construction, the modular height of units typically 100 mm or 200 mm should be adhered to. This applies to overall heights of walls as well as openings within walls. Sticking to a running module of 200 mm will provide economy, however, the length of units can be easily cut. If the module is seen, the designer may wish to specify the position of the cut units.
Joints
struck
weathered
The mortar joint between blocks has a number of functions. Its primary function is to bond adjoining blocks together. This is a permanent requirement for those blocks that are not to have filled cores. The grout fill will otherwise take over as the bonding mechanism. Another function of the joint is to take up construction or manufacturing tolerances as slight variations in block sizes may occur. Finally the joint contributes significantly to the appearance of the concrete masonry wall. The industry norm of a 10 mm joint is generally considered to be a good proportion when compared to the individual masonry unit. This width can be varied by the designer to suit particular requirements. When blockwork is designed to be left exposed, the colour of the joint is a consideration. It is, however, the profile which offers the designer the greatest number of variations to suit aesthetic or weathering requirements. Profiles of typical joints that can be specified are shown in the illustration to the left. Combining joint profiles, such as alternating flush with struck to suggest a different module, or raked horizontals and flush vertical joints can be effective.
Bonding patterns
vee
concave
The way in which the concrete blocks are laid presents another opportunity to affect the overall appearance of a wall. The traditional bonding pattern for concrete masonry is the ashlar or running bond. Another option is the stacked bond. Beyond these
Running bond
Stacked bond
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it is over to the designers imagination to consider the surface patterns and textures that can be achieved. Mario Botta, a Swiss architect, is renowned for combining blocks of various colour, texture, height and laying position to create wonderful patterns that become an integral part of his architecture. Note that the bracing values for partial filled concrete masonry in NZS 4229 are based on the running bond. Partially filling a stacked bond wall at 800 mm centres will leave every second block unbound which then becomes vulnerable under earthquake loading. It is therefore recommended to fill cells at 400 mm centres or closer when using stack bonded concrete masonry.
Non-structural applications
15 series structural concrete masonry
veneer tie
concrete masonry veneer
insulation in cavity water proofing membrane
Concrete masonry is generally used in a structural capacity, for which it is ideally suited. It can also be used as an external veneer cladding in conjunction with other structural systems. The most common is timber framing but combining structural and veneer masonry with a cavity between will allow the designer to take full advantage of the external appearance, durability and thermal mass benefits.
Method of insulation
Appearance requirements and thermal mass objectives must be considered at the same time as the insulation strategies. The most common method of insulating a concrete masonry wall is to strap and line the internal face, fitting insulation between the strapping. An alternative approach is to fix insulation externally either in the form of rigid polystyrene sheet fixed in place with an external coating or by strapping and cladding with insulation between. Proprietary self-insulating concrete block systems are available in New Zealand. Such systems allow both faces of the concrete masonry. This is achieved through the use of a biscuit of polystyrene fixed in a cavity near the exterior surface of the block. Concrete masonry built using the cavity method allows for effective use of insulation, thermal mass and the blockwork aesthetic. Insulation was often not included in the traditional cavity blockwork which gave these houses the reputation of being cold. While cavity construction allows insulation to be installed in the cavity, the detailing should ensure that the cavity will allow free drainage and that the type of insulation specified is capable of withstanding moisture.
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weep hole 10 series concrete masonry veneer over 15 series structural wall. Cavity should be insulated.
Waterproofing
The considerations for choice of waterproofing system are set out in the General Section. It is most important to consider appropriate and effective waterproofing strategies for concrete masonry due to its porosity. Cracks that develop between the mortar and blocks are also areas of vulnerability that the waterproofing system must be capable of bridging.
horizontal reinforcing steel
vertical reinforcing steel
sealant both faces
Plan view of bond beam at control joint
shrinkage central joint
debonded bar
vertical reinforcing
Shrinkage control joint
bond beam
full height shrinkage control joint
Unpainted and unsealed blockwork is an option in some circumstances such as when using veneer construction or in garages and uninhabited basements. It is important nevertheless to bear in mind the affect water can have on the masonry. Water can bring salts to the surface in the form of efflorescence, leaving an unsightly and unpredictable white pattern on the surface.
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Shrinkage control joints
Shrinkage control joints are necessary to ensure that shrinkage cracking occurs in a controlled manner and allows movement due to thermal changes. NZS 4229 specifies requirements for control joints. These should occur at approximately six metre centres and will affect the appearance of the project when the masonry is to be left exposed or painted. Applied finishes such as stucco plaster should also acknowledge the control joint to avoid consequential cracking. The designer should take charge of the control joint setout and carry out detailing as illustrated on the previous page to avoid any surprises on site.
AS/NZS 4548 Guide to long-life coatings for concrete and masonry NZS 4251:1974 Code of practice for solid plastering NZS 3604:1999 Non specific design Light timber frame buildings
Materials
All materials should be procured from a dependable source. Where appropriate, ensure that quality records are obtained and kept for easy retrieval, should they be required. Concrete blocks should be dry and remain so until they are used. Manufacture must comply with AS/NZS 4455 Excess moisture in any of the materials can reduce structural quality and require the blocks to have to dry longer before surface finishes can be applied. Steel reinforcing should be maintained free of dirt and organic material. Mortar mixing ratio (cement/sand/lime/water) to comply with NZS 4210 To provide a compressive strength of not less than 12.5 MPa.
specification
There are several New Zealand Standards that may be relevant to the written specification. These include the following: NZS 4229:1999 Concrete masonry buildings not requiring specific engineering design NZS 4230:1990 Code of practice for the design of masonry structures NZS 4210:1989 Code of practice for masonry construction: materials and workmanship
Concrete blocks stacked on pallets. 19
20 series
Grout mixing ratio to comply with NZS 4210. To provide a compressive strength of not less that 17.5 MPa. Spread value 450 530 mm Sand chloride levels should not exceed 0.04% by dry weight of sand Water one of the most important yet overlooked components of high quality concrete. Water must be clean and free from excess alkali, salt, silt and organic matter.
Workmanship
Concrete masonry work should ideally be carried out by qualified tradesmen. As a minimum, tradesmen should have experience in the required areas of construction. In some instances, such as detailed structural work, it is desirable to employ a Registered Mason. All concrete masonry work should be carried out under adequate supervision. Grout all cells that 1. contain reinforcing 2. are required to be filled as part of the design requirements Grouting should follow the procedures set out in NZS 4210. Form construction joints in accordance with NZS 4210 between grout pours and between the blockwork and any hardened concrete. The block layer must coordinate his work with the work of other trades. Coordination should take place well in advance of the work being done. The block layer must build in all elements including fixings, bolts, ties and any service requirements as called for, and/or necessary for the completion of the job. Once concrete masonry work is complete all block work must be cleaned.
15 series
10 series
A selection of concrete masonry profiles that are available. Consult with manufacturers to determine the full range.
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construction
Planning the job
One of the most important activities when building in concrete masonry is planning the project. The economy of concrete masonry block work can only be maximised with proper planning. Consider the module. Try to minimise the number of cut units and to maximise the sizes of any units to be cut. Doing so will also serve to keep costs to a minimum. Check with the designer who may have specified the placement of any cut units. Plan the sequence of activities carefully. This is especially important with respect to services that will occur in masonry walls.
Setting out
Reinforcing steel must be set out at foundation levels to fall within the planned location of cells. Normally the concrete masonry requires a vertical steel setout of 800 mm centre to centre spacing. Note that foundation stirrups typically occur at 600 mm centres meaning that only one in every four stirrups can be extended as vertical steel. Setting out of foundations to suit the specific requirements of the design is also critical. These include allowing for any specified overhangs of concrete block or veneer allowing for set downs or insets at door openings. Builders should take extra care when setting out services that will be concealed in masonry walls. This requires full coordination between trades such as plumbers or electricians and the reinforcing steel trade.
Weather conditions
It is necessary to coordinate reinforcing placement with block setout.
Provided the blocks are not too dry the curing of the mortar and grout does not require special care. If strong hot winds or direct sunlight in the middle of the summer are anticipated it would be prudent to ensure the mortar and block surfaces are kept moist for the first three to four days after being placed.
Protection
Builders should take care to protect finished concrete masonry from damage which could arise through the building process. This is particularly important with blockwork and veneer that has been designed to be left exposed. While in most cases it will be impractical to erect full protection for the masonry it should be possible to anticipate work that will create risks to the completed walls. Plywood sheets serve as an excellent form of protection.
Wet weather can cause build up of water in the blocks, as they are relatively porous. Excess water can reduce the strength of grout. This is particularly of concern where water is retained at the bottom of, or between lifts of, grouted cells. Rain onto fresh mortar can erode its surface, affecting the appearance and possibly the structural strength of the mortar joints. Cold conditions will not allow the mortar or grout to set properly. Concrete masonry and grout should not be placed in temperatures less than 4C. Hot weather conditions are generally not a problem for concrete masonry in New Zealand. However, prolonged dry conditions may warrant attention when laying or grouting the masonry. Overly dry blocks will draw moisture out of the grout or mortar too quickly thereby affecting the bond with the blocks. It is therefore recommended that the blocks be wet lightly on those surfaces which will be against the mortar or grout.
Kew House by Melling Morse Architects
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Roofing on building paper on wire netting Timber trusses
Internally insulated wall section

This wall section presents: single wythe 15 series concrete masonry
Fascia Ceiling lining on battens Continuous timber plate on DPC Cast in bolt fixings External waterproofing system
building paper on the inside face of the masonry acting as a second line of defence against moisture penetration strapping and lining on the interior insulation between strapping concrete masonry foundation wall acting as permanent formwork for concrete slab on grade.
Bond beam in accordance with NZS 4229
15 series conc. masonry
WALL TO ROOF
Insulation External waterproofing system acrylic plaster & paint acrylic paint system sand/cement plaster system & paint sealer Bond beam at floor level Continuous boundary joist on DPC Internal linings on timber strapping MDF skirting Particle board flooring
These details separate the thermal mass of the concrete masonry from the interior space. It also allows the concrete masonry to be expressed as an architectural finish externally.
Bolt connection to bond beam per NZS 4229 Joist hanger
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
15 series conc. masonry vertical & horizontal reinforcing per NZS 4229
Internal lining Insulation Building paper continuous Timber strapping
Waterproofing system extend min 50 below floor level
100 x 50 on DPC Reinforced concrete slab
150 MIN
100 MIN
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
15 series conc. masonry foundation wall. Starter bars at required spacing. DPC over 25mm sand blinding Compacted granular hardfill Reinforced concrete footing
WALL TO FLOOR
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C o n c re t e M a s o n r y D e t a i l s
Externally insulated wall section

This wall section presents single wythe 15 series concrete masonry exterior insulation and waterproofing system concrete roof system concrete intermediate floor system reinforced concrete slab with thickened edge perimeter foundation.
Bond beam Acrylic plaster waterproofing system External insulation system
FALL
Extend insulation and waterproofing over butyl with sealant bead Butyl as upstand dressed & sealed into chase in mortar joint Butyl on plywood on insulation on DPC
Concete floor system
This construction allows full advantage to be taken of the thermal mass in the house. The texture/finish of concrete masonry can be expressed internally.
WALL TO ROOF
Suspended ceiling system for services & lighting
Proprietary external insulation system Acrylic plaster system
Proprietary concrete floor system
Bond beam
Suspended ceiling system for services & lighting
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
Internal finishes Proprietary external insulation system Acrylic plaster system Fix skirting & other elements by plug & screw on DPC paint system plaster system none
Reinforced conc. slab

100 MIN 50 MIN
150 MIN
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
Reinforced concrete perimeter edge beam Sand blinding on compacted hardfill DPC
WALL TO FLOOR
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Roofing on building paper on wire netting Timber trusses
Concrete masonry veneer

Concrete masonry veneer has been widely used in New Zealand house construction. The principle of a ventilated cavity can give a greater source of security to the homeowner and designer alike. As with all masonry, it is important to consider the modular height in setting out openings and heights of walls. This example shows the veneer stopping short of the soffit lining as a way of expressing the nature of the masonry on a veneer. This also stops the lining from meeting the masonry off the height module.
Fascia Continuous 10mm gap for ventilation Masonry ties. Material to suit environment
10
Ceiling lining on battens
Ventilated cavity 10 series conc. block veneer
WALL TO ROOF
75 max 40 min
Ventilated cavity Building paper continuous 10 series conc. block veneer Masonry ties in accordance with NZS 4229 Waterproofing on sloped plaster 75mm high weep holes @ 800 centres
50 MIN
100mm insulation Internal lining Bottom plate bolted to foundation Skirting Reinforced conc. slab
Note the requirements in NZS 4229 and NZS 3604 for the base material and protection for masonry ties in certain exposures.
150 MIN
100 MIN
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
Sand blinding on compacted hardfill DPC
WALL TO FLOOR
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Externally insulated wall

Insulation 15 series conc. masonry Cement/sand plaster or acrylic plaster internal finish Fix skirting & other elements by plug & screw on DPC Reinforced conc. slab
100 MIN 50 MIN
This system is designed to allow a traditional external appearance. Almost any external cladding can be chosen. Timber weatherboards are illustrated here. The internal finish should be applied directly to concrete masonry to allow the full advantage of thermal mass.
External cladding fixed over building paper Timber strapping fixed to solid filled cells over DPC
150 MIN
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
Perimeter edge beam Sand blinding on compacted hardfill DPC
WALL TO FLOOR
Foundation crawl space

This construction detail is ideally suited to a sloping site. The use of concrete masonry as a foundation footing can be both economical and time saving, particularly on sloping sites or those with limited access.
External waterproofing and insulation system
Internal finish Timber skirting Particle board flooring
Bond beam Timber stringer on DPC 15 series conc. masonry M16 bolt to comply with NZS 4229 Sisalation or under floor insulation
Openings in wall for ventilation to comply with NZS 3604
20 series reinforced conc. masonry footing on concrete bed
RAISED GROUND FLOOR
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Timber window details

External waterproofing system Interior lining Insulation Building paper 15 series lintel block Timber strapping Sealant over backing rod Architrave Timber frame on packing. Plug and screw to masonry
Timber joinery is still the preference for many homeowners. Modern timber windows are well made and draft free. It is important to build these windows units in to ensure weathertightness. The details illustrated here indicate an appropriate method for doing so.
Timber reveal Glazing in timber window frame
HEAD DETAIL
TImber reveal
Galvanised metal flashing Extend waterproofing over plaster screed to falls and under sill generally
Architrave
Interior lining External waterproofing system Insulation 15 series conc. masonry Timber strapping Building paper
SILL DETAIL
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Aluminium window details

20 series rebated lintel block
Aluminium is the most common material for exterior door and window frames in residential construction. These details demonstrate the use of aluminium window frames in 20 series blockwork using rebated blocks. The rebated block allows a positive step for the frame to fit against. When using an exterior membrane system be sure to extend it under the window frames prior to their installation. DPC should lap onto membrane and over building paper.
Interior lining Building paper Insulation
Timber strapping A Build up waterproofing membrane and form drip Continuous sealant bead
DPC over waterproofing membrane and over building paper
HEAD DETAIL
Timber reveal
Note the requirement by some window manufacturers to fit an angle (note A) in high wind areas to relieve the pressures on the sealant joint.
Timber strapping
Continuous sealant bead A Waterproofing system
Interior lining Building paper Insulation 20 series rebated block. Reinforce per NZS 4229
JAMB DETAIL
Position frame to allow drainage from within Run waterproofing up under reveal Timber strapping DPC over waterproofing membrane and over building paper Interior lining Building paper Insulation 20 series rebated sill block. Waterproofing system Remove projecting sill
Timber reveal
It is quite common to remove the projecting profile from the sill block to achieve a more flush appearance. Note that this may cause staining under windows as dirt that has settled on the sill gets washed down by rain.
SILL DETAIL
27
Timber door details

Acrylic interior plaster system. Neatly finish to timber frame External Insulating Finishing System (EIFS)
DPC
15 series lintel block
Timber packing
The external ridgid insulation system allows the concrete masonry to be left exposed, or receive a thin finish as illustrated here. There may be thermal benefits to the home owner in adopting this strategy. The timber frame is supported on timber packing which is continuous and plastered over. The plaster system should be reinforced across this piece. Sealant is applied between the timber frame and the insulation system as a weather seal.
Timber door head and bead
Sealant Continuous head flashing
Glazed timber door
HEAD DETAIL
Acrylic interior plaster system. Neatly finished to timber frame DPC
External Insulating Finishing System (EIFS) 15 series lintel block on end
Timber packing Timber door jamb Timber bead
Sealant
Glazed timber door
JAMB DETAIL
EIFS beyond Timber door sill
Glazed timber door Rebate slab for timber sill
Timber angle fillet
DPC Conc. slab
Fairface concrete foundation beyond
Form recess at openings
SILL DETAIL
28
Aluminium door details

Sand/cement plaster system
These details show the aluminium door frame set in 15 series blockwork not using the rebated profile. This presents greater flexibility for the designer to position frame in depth of block. It may be preferable to use rebated block profiles in openings as this gives maximum weathering protection. Details show that the thermal mass is fully available to the interior space as the insulation is placed externally.
External Insulating Finishing System (EIFS) 15 series lintel block
Express control joint
DPC Sealant bead. Leave 50mm high gap at bottoms of jambs for water to escape Glazed hinged door in aluminium frame
HEAD DETAIL
Sand/cement plaster system Express control joint External Insulating Finishing System (EIFS) 15 series block
DPC Sealant bead. Leave 50mm high gap at bottoms of jambs for water to escape Glazed hinged door in aluminium frame
JAMB DETAIL
The detail shows that the upstand leg from the sill frame across the threshold has been removed. This prevents it being damaged by being walked over.
EIFS
Aluminium door frame with weather strip on botttom edge Shaped timber threshold Aluminium door sill frame Bring DPC over leading edge of slab Fairface conc. foundation beyond Paving level
Concrete slab Form recess at openings
SILL DETAIL
29
Masonry ties in accordance with NZS 4229
Interior lining
Interior lining Insulation
Insulation Lap building paper over M.S. angle lintel Lap building paper over M.S. angle lintel Weep holes Timber Lintel per NZS 3604 125 x 125 x 8mm Hot dipped galvanised M.S. angle lintel fixed back to framing Sealant Aluminium frame with timber reveal
Weep holes
Timber Lintel per NZS 3604 Architrave Timber window frame
Galvanised metal head flashing.
Veneer window details

HEAD DETAIL
The position of window frames in a DETAIL Timber window frames, on the other HEAD hand, may require framing support in the veneered wall is critical to ensure cavity, as shown. adequate closure of the gap while ensuring adequate fixing for the frame. Units fabricated in the factory, before timber and aluminium may be able to Most aluminium window frames for span across the sill without fixings. residential use are delivered to the site with reveals fixed in the factory. Fixing through the reveal, as shown, will allow the frame to bridge the cavity.
Sealant between aluminium window frame and sill tile Sill tiles on plaster
Galvanised metal sill flashing. Lap over sill tile Timber window sill Timber window frame Architrave Timber framing with insulation between
Building paper
Sill tiles on plaster Masonry ties in accordance with NZS 4229 10 series masonry veneer
Continuous support for timber sill. Fix over building paper Interior lining
Interior lining
10 series masonry veneer
Insulation
SILL DETAIL
SILL DETAIL
30
Roof details
The use of sand/cement plaster allows a smooth uniform texture finish using a material similar in nature to concrete masonry. Care must be taken to: ensure adequate bond of sand/ cement plaster to concrete masonry follow control joints in masonry through sand/cement plaster A suitable paint finish will provide weatherproofing.
Soffit Casement bead Bond beam Metal flashing
Timber purlins/rafters (cantilevered verge) Metal roofing on building paper Solid blocking
Ceiling lining on battens
Internal linings over 50mm timber strapping Sand/cement plaster system (19mm textured surface) Insulation Building paper
ROOF VERGE
FALL
Bond beam Proprietary external insulation system Acrylic plaster system Metal flashing dressed & sealed into chase in mortar joint Metal roofing to falls Furring to falls
Bond beam
Internal linings on ceiling joists/rafters
PARAPET / METAL ROOF

FALL
The use of an internal gutter suits many of the contemporary expressions of architectural design. Dimensions of such a gutter should be to suit the expected rainwater flow, but in no case should it be less than 600 mm for ease of cleaning. Provide secondary overflow capacity to ensure rainwater does not back up inside house.
Bond beam Proprietary external insulation system Acrylic plaster system Gutter overflow. Opening size to match downpipe. Position below gutter freeboard height. Bond beam
Butyl as upstand dressed & sealed into chase in mortar joint Butyl on plywood on 75x40 furring to falls Metal roofing to falls Furring to falls
15 series conc. masonry
Insulation Internal linings on ceiling joists/rafters
PARAPET / METAL ROOF

31
Suspended floor details

Insulation 10 series concrete block veneer External waterproofing system acrylic plaster & paint acrylic paint system sand/cement plaster system & paint sealer 25 series bond beam 20 series concrete block Timber floor joist Ceiling on timber strapping Timber plate bolted to bond beam on DPC Internal linings on timber strapping on building paper Blocking Flooring
A hybrid form of construction with concrete masonry ground floor structure and a lightweight structure above. The durability aspects and appearance of concrete masonry is continued with 10 series veneer over the timber framing.
Suspended deck details are critical to get right particularly if they sit above interior spaces. When the concrete block module is seen from outside, it is critical to ensure the full module carries through floor level and that the detailing reflects this.
BLOCK WALL / VENEER JUNCTION
Services details
As with most forms of concrete construction, it is critical to plan for appropriate services reticulation when detailing in concrete masonry. When using masonry veneer construction it is tempting to reticulate services in the cavity but this is specifically prohibited in NZS 4229. When using partial fill concrete masonry, dropping services from ceiling level in an empty cell can make the job much easier, particularly as a retrofit. It is advisable to cast sleeves into the bond beam to allow these services to be reticulated easily. Casting in additional sleeves to anticipate future alterations is also recommended.
32
33
I n s u l a t i n g C o n c re t e Fo r mwo r k
Insulating Concrete Formwork
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Design Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
35
nsulating concrete formwork (ICF) is a proprietary formwork system for concrete that is left in place to become part of the building. ICF systems have been available in New Zealand for the last 10 years and during that time have been increasingly used for both commercial and residential construction. ICF construction has been used for some 30 years in Europe, where concrete residential construction is quite common.
A contemporary house built using insulated concrete formwork.
Block systems are widely available in New Zealand. Plank and panel systems are available internationally but not currently in New Zealand. The forms are typically made of expanded polystyrene, a closed cell polymer. The reinforced concrete core provides all the structural capacity of the wall. The main advantages of these systems are: excellent insulation properties low levels of air infiltration blocks are easy to lay and fill relatively easy to run services concealed in polystyrene layer. This is true of both new construction and refitting work. long life expectancy
37
design issues
Although the principle of ICF construction is similar to that of concrete masonry, there are some important differences for the designer to consider.
Module
The modular height of systems available in New Zealand is typically 300 mm. As with concrete masonry, it will be more economical to work to the modular height for openings and wall heights. Most systems mechanically lock together along top and bottom edges. ICF systems are available in widths of 200, 250 and 300 mm. Unit widths correspond to different concrete thicknesses. The wider blocks offer increased structural capacity, little if any insulating increase and potentially reduce the interior floor space. The greater thickness will give greater reveal depth at openings which is often sought after by designers. ICF blocks are relatively long, in the order of 1000 to 1500 mm with many bridges between the faces. This allows the blocks to be easily cut to length without compromising the structural qualities. With block sizes like these, it is easy to see how these systems can be laid so quickly.
Proprietary systems
This part of the guide has been prepared with information obtained from the suppliers of ICF blocks in New Zealand. As much as possible, it has been the intention of the writers to present this information in a generic manner, thereby not favouring any one supplier. As soon as a particular system is adopted it is advisable that the designer confirm all details with the particular supplier.
Applied finishes
Typical ICF block format. Confirm the dimensions with the selected supplier.
ICF systems comply with NZBC durability requirements, provided the blocks are appropriately finished or clad for protection from the effects of UV radiation and weather. Most ICF suppliers require that claddings or finishes are approved for use with their system. Modified acrylic plaster and paint systems, timber strapping with weatherboards, concrete masonry and stone veneers are examples of external claddings that ICF suppliers have recommended for use. Modified acrylic plasters, plasterboard or fibre cement sheet are typically used as internal linings. ICF suppliers will give guidance to the methods of fixing linings using adhesives and screws.
38
Detailing fixings
One of the most important detailing considerations with ICF systems is that of fixings. This includes fixings for both structural and architectural elements. The formwork units, as they are made of polystyrene, offer limited fixing capacity. To make allowances for timber skirtings to be secured, the fixing of windows into openings and joinery fittings to be positioned, it is necessary to cast in timber fixing blocks. These are typically 150 mm long and are secured into the concrete core by pairs of nails that protrude off the back face. This apparently low technology detail is very effective, provided the necessary planning has allowed them to be in the right places. Structural elements such as concrete flooring systems can be accommodated and are installed after the concrete has been cast to the soffit level. The seating depth can vary between 50 and 75 mm. The method for fixing timber floor framing to ICF walls is to secure a stringer on fixings cast into the concrete core.
specification
It should be the objective of the specification writer to structure the documents in such a way as to encourage competitive pricing. Fortunately there are several suppliers of the forms in most parts of New Zealand. Once a system has been selected it is advisable to confirm all details and other design issues with the selected manufacturer. This includes wall thicknesses, building in details, steel reinforcing requirements and construction requirements. It is desirable to structure the ICF sub-contract on the basis of engineering design and supply. It may also be possible to include the erection of the system in that subcontract. A Producer Statement: Design, or some other evidence of structural capacity should be required by the specification. This will assist the Territorial Authority in approving its use. Manufacturers literature and guarantees should also be required by the specification.
Standards referred to:
Timber inserts facilitate fixing of door frames, skirtings and other joinery items.
NZS 3101: 1995 The design of concrete structures NZS 3104: 1991 Specification for concrete production high grade and special grade NZS 3109: 1997 Concrete construction NZS 3402: 1989 Steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete
Materials
There is at present no New Zealand Standard for the manufacture of ICF units. Accordingly the designer should reserve the right to approve the supplier.
39
ICF Blocks should be made of fire retardant materials. In situations where fire resistance ratings are required. These must be specified as not all ICF blocks provide adequate fire resistance. Concrete infill to achieve a minimum compressive strength of 20 MPa. Maximum aggregate size to be 14 mm. Concrete slump should comply with the ICF manufacturers requirements. A 100 mm slump is typical. Expansive additives must not be used in any circumstances as these can blow out the forms. Steel reinforcing to comply with NZS 3402.
Workmanship
Erection and filling of the system should be carried out either by the ICF supplier or by a firm approved by them. The installation should be carried out by persons with experience in this type of work. All necessary and appropriate equipment and construction techniques to be employed. The blocks are fitted together and propped in place before filling with concrete. Temporary wire ties may be necessary to prevent the blocks floating on the concrete fill. These should be installed every four courses. Allow to build in all fixings and services as detailed and required by various trades. Typically, such fixings are supplied by the relevant trade or by the builder, to ensure they are correct. The ICF trade must coordinate with all other trades. Allow to locate and form construction joints in accordance with NZS 3109. Before placing concrete, ensure all cells are clean and reinforcing is secured in place. Consolidate concrete with a max 25 mm diameter poker vibrator or by rodding. Vibration should ensure that all cells are filled with well compacted concrete. Extent and height of lifts to be in accordance with ICF manufacturers recommendations. Significant construction tolerances for ICF are to be expected given the nature of the material. It is prudent to limit tolerances and to ensure subcontractors are aware of them so they can make appropriate allowances. Recommended limits are as follows: Deviation from plan location Deviation from vertical within a storey Relative displacement between load bearing walls in adjacent stories intended to be in vertical alignment Deviation from line to plan Any length up to 10 metres Any length over 10 metres Deviation from horizontal Any length up to 10 metres Any length over 10 metres
40
Concrete floor systems can be easily accommodated in ICF construction.
20 mm 10 mm per 3 m 5 mm
Diagram showing ICF components.
5 mm 10 mm 5 mm 10 mm
construction
Planning the job
Due to the speed with which ICF systems can be erected, it is important to plan well ahead. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for the height of each lift. ICF blocks are easy to cut, allowing opportunities to deviate from the block module. It is important to consider, from a construction viewpoint, that the ICF walls have no structural capacity until the concrete core is cast. Therefore it is important to provide adequate propping and support for these elements until the concrete has achieved the appropriate structural strength.
Setting out
As with other systems covered in this guide, it is important to set out reinforcing to suit the ICF block width. This must be confirmed prior to casting of foundations.
The ICF forms can be used for internal and external walls.
41
Weather conditions
Due to its insulating qualities, in theory concrete can be placed in colder conditions than it can into other types of formwork. However, this is rarely a factor in New Zealand conditions. The forms themselves can be placed in most weather conditions, although the unfilled forms are susceptible to displacement in high winds. Concrete can be placed in the forms when it is raining provided measures are taken to remove water in the bottom of the forms, which if left will mix with the concrete thereby reducing its strength.
Curing and drying
ICF systems enhance concrete curing by slowing water evaporation. This effect can increase concrete strengths. Obtain, and comply with the ICF and coating manufacturers recommendations for drying times prior to the application of surface finishes.
Protection
ICF is vulnerable to mechanical damage particularly before claddings are applied. Protection, such as plywood sheeting, should be considered in areas of high risk during construction. At exposed corners and edges PVC protection is recommended as part of the cladding system. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause surface deterioration of the polystyrene. If the surface becomes scaly after a period of exposure, this scaliness must be removed prior to the application of surface finishes. The minor deterioration that may occur will have no effect on the structure of the wall. Some reduction of the insulation properties may occur, depending on the depth of deterioration.
It is important to prop ICF units appropriately until concrete has set.
Stone and other veneers can be used to give the house a traditional appearance. 42
I n s u l a t i n g C o n c re t e Fo r mwo r k D e t a i l s
Wall section
These details indicate how the ICF construction system can be combined with various concrete floor systems. The roof details indicate a concrete floor slab system with topping formed to falls. With all parapet conditions it is important to make allowance for overflow in case primary drain becomes blocked. Insulation is shown on top of roof slab to allow thermal mass to help moderate indoor temperatures and to prevent condensation that may develop in certain conditions. Suspended floor detail indicates precast beam and infill system. A suspended ceiling can be included to conceal services and the soffit of the flooring system. With appropriate planning and good workmanship, it is possible to leave these surfaces exposed, thereby saving the cost of the ceiling, enjoying greater floor/ceiling heights and the thermal mass benefits of the concrete. ICF can be used as permanent formwork for foundations.
Reinforce corners of plaster systems
FALL
Fix Butyl into chase cut into wall. fix 90 PVC angle cap to Butyl edge and seal in place. Plaster down onto PVC angle Butyl on Plywood base Insulation over DPM
External plaster finish
Reinforcing mesh Construction joint
Concrete topping to falls
ICF block system Reinforcing
Concrete slab. Prop in place until conc. is cured
Metal frame suspended ceiling
CONCRETE ROOF
Internal finish External plaster finish Reinforcing mesh Rough broomed surface to ensure good key Skirting fixed to intermittent timber block cast into conc. Reinforced conc. topping
Construction joint TImber formwork Conc. beam & timber infill floor system Cut hole in block at each conc. beam
ICF block system
Reinforcing
Metal frame suspended ceiling Internal finish
CONCRETE FLOOR
ICF block system External finish Internal finish Reinforced conc. slab PVC starter strip, forming a drip edge
150 100
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
DPC Sand blinding Compacted granular hardfill
Reinforced concrete footing
WALL / SLAB
43
Roofing Building paper & timber purlin Timber truss Connection plate between top plate and truss Top plate fixed @ 750max ctrs with cast in bolts
Wall section
The details on this page indicate a traditional sloping roof with overhang. Planning is required to cast in appropriate fixings for structural and architectural elements, as ICF will not support or transfer any loads.
Gutter Fascia board
Ceiling battens Insulation DPC
Soffit lining Internal lining Timber stringer, fixed @ 750max ctrs. with cast in bolt ICF block wall
ROOF OVERHANG
Skirting fixed to intermittent timber block cast into conc. Flooring Timber joists
External finish
Malthoid strip between timber and concrete or use H3 treated timber
ICF block system
Joist hanger Continuous slot cut in block wall for stringer
The suspended timber floor must be securely anchored to the wall to transfer vertical and lateral loads. This should also coincide with a horizontal bond beam. As the intermediate floor acts as a diaphragm in this case, only one horizontal bar is required in the bond beam. The timber frame floor/ceiling assembly allows electrical services to be easily reticulated, but acoustic performance is somewhat compromised in comparison with a concrete system. The concrete slab on grade forms a perfect base for the insulated concrete formwork system. It is important to coordinate reinforcing steel starter bars and fixings for skirtings and the like.
TIMBER FLOOR
ICF block system External plaster finish. Extend to ground level
Internal finish Skirting Reinforced concrete slab
PVC channel
100
150
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
DPC Extend insulation down to bottom of foundation Compacted sand blinding Granular hardfill
WALL / SLAB
44

ICF block system
The key to fitting doors and windows into openings in ICF partitions is to plan for, and cast in, appropriate fixings. These fixings must be H3 treated or higher, as they are generally in full contact with concrete. These fixings are intermittent, about 150 mm long at 450 mm centre spacings. The nails on back help anchor the timber to the concrete. These details also make use of aluminium flashings and sealant to ensure a weathertight opening. The flashings must be compatible with the exterior finishing systems and fixed in a manner that will not cause the acrylic plaster system to break down.
External plaster finish.
Intermittent H3 timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast in concrete infill.
Corner strip
Internal finish Form drip edge PVC flashing Sealant bead
Timber reveals Aluminium window section
HEAD DETAIL
Aluminium window section PVC flashing Sealant Corner strip
Timber reveals
Internal finish
Timber packer Intermittent H3 timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast in concrete infill.
External plaster finish. ICF block system
JAMB DETAIL
Timber reveals
Aluminium flashing External plaster finish Timber plate
Corner reinforcing ICF block system
Internal finish Intermittent H3 timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast in concrete infill.
SILL DETAIL
45

ICF block system Modified acrylic plaster. Return at reveal
These details, like those on the facing page, rely on the fixing capacity of cast in timber blocks. The interior finishes here are shown to return in to the window frame as a reveal. This is effective in creating a massive look to the walls. External corners of ICF are vulnerable and must be protected with PVC corners integrated with the plaster system.
Corner strip Corner protection

Form drip edge Sealant & backing rod PVC flashing
Sealant Timber window frame
HEAD DETAIL
Timber window frame

Sealant & backing rod Sealant Modified acrylic plaster finish
Corner protection
Intermittent timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast in concrete infill. Internal finish. Return to reveal
Corner strip
ICF block system
JAMB DETAIL
Timber sill Fit timber sill over flashing & timber packing Sill flashing External finish. Carry under flashing. Timber plate
Continuous H3 timber, shaped to fall
ICF block system
Internal finish
SILL DETAIL
46

It is good practice to step back the concrete slab edge at door openings to avoid an awkward and vulnerable sill outside the door. This requires particular coordination between the concrete placer, ICF contractor and metal door and window supplier. It is also advisable to allow for a threshold that is robust and easy to pass over, this may require the aluminium frame profiles to be modified.
ICF block system Lining
Corner strip
Form drip edge Front sealant after planter Back sealant before planter
Intermittent H3 timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast in concrete infill.
Aluminium door frame with timber reveals
HEAD DETAIL
Aluminium subframe
Front sealant after planter Back sealant before planter
Corner strip
ICF block system External plaster finish Intermittent H3 timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast in concrete.
JAMB DETAIL
Aluminium door frame over sill flashing

Step back concrete slab edge to suit reveal Paving level
Shaped Timber on DPC Reinforced conc. slab
SILL DETAIL
47
Timber door details

Exterior plaster finished ICF block system Interior finish. Return to reveal
Corner strip
Slope to form drip edge Sealant & backing rod PVC flashing. Plug & screw into conc.
Intermittent timber blocking. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber and cast in concrete infill. Sealant Timber door & frame
The timber frame is set in the centre of the massive ICF wall. This massiveness is accentuated by returning the interior and exterior wall finishes into the reveal. Careful coordination of the rebate for the door sill will allow a near seamless transition from inside to out. All timber must be separated from concrete by DPC.
HEAD DETAIL
Timber door & frame Sealant Interior finish. Return to reveal
Sealant & backing rod Aluminium flashing Corner strip
Exterior finished plaster ICF block system
Intermittent timber blocking. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber and cast in concrete infill.
JAMB DETAIL
Timber door & sill. Recess sill into slab. Butyl rubber sill flashing
Flooring Reinforced conc. slab
ICF block system. EPS stripped. Plaster smooth
Paving level
SILL DETAIL
48
Hybrid construction detail

Interior lining
It may be desirable to combine structural systems as this detail indicates. The important coordination exercise here is to ensure that the timber framing is set out to allow the exterior finishes to continue flush from the ICF to the Exterior Insulation Finishing System. Note that the acoustic separation provided by this timber framed floor is minimal. Refer to the manufacturers literature for guidance on details that can improve acoustic performance.
Exterior insulation system
Timber framing
Continuous top plate fixed @ 750max ctrs with cast in bolts
Exterior finish system ICF block system DPC Internal plaster finish
HYBRID CONSTRUCTION DETAIL
High thermal mass detail

Exterior finish system
ICF block system. Interior EPS removed Internal plaster finish Reinforced conc. slab
To overcome the thermal mass being separated from the internal space, it is possible to remove the inner skin of ICF to reveal the concrete cores which can then be plastered smooth to a finish that is tough and durable.
Extend plaster finish to footing

100
150
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
DPC Reinforced concrete footing Sand blinding Granular hardfill
HIGH THERMAL MASS DETAIL
49
Cavity Concrete masonry veneer Waterproofing membrane Veneer ties extending to vertical reinforcing ICF block system Internal finish Skirting & lining on intermittent fixing blocks
Concrete masonry veneer

It is possible to combine the excellent durability and appearance of concrete masonry with the insulating qualities of ICF. Waterproofing of the ICF outer face (in the cavity) is usually by a painted on system such as bituminous paint. The veneer (10 series) must be secured to the structure by way of ties that are embedded in the concrete cores. This will require special attention to coordination of ties with anticipated joints.
DPC Sand blinding Granular hardfill
Weep holes @ 800 crs
Reinforced conc. slab
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
Strip outer face of ICF
FOUNDATION
Cavity Concrete masonry veneer Veneer ties 2 coats waterproofing membrane
ICF Block system Lining Timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast in concrete infill.
MS angle Fibre cement sheet Aluminium flashing Aluminium Window section with Timber Reveals
HEAD
Aluminium window joinery Timber reveals Tile sloping sill on 9mm fibre cement board on shaped timber
Timber plate Timber block
2 coats waterproofing membrane ICF block system Concrete masonry veneer Veneer ties extending to vertical reinforcing Internal fininsh
SILL
50
Roof details
Flashing
Roofing Building paper Timber rafter
Providing adequate and appropriate fixings for additional structural or architectural elements is critical. All three of these details show typical fixings that must be allowed for.
Fascia Insulation Soffit DPC Ceiling batten Top plate embedded in ICF block. 12mm Galv. bolt cast in Conc.
ICF block system Internal finish
OVERHANGING VERGE
Slope top of blocks in towards gutter.
External finish
Apply sealant in chase then insert flashing. Flashing
Roofing on purlins ICF block system
Steel reinforcing Ceiling batten Rafter fixed to block with galv. bolt.
PARAPET
DPC Slope top of blocks in towards gutter. Fix Butynol into chase in block, fix 90 PVC angle cap to Butynol edge and seal in place. Finish Plaster down onto PVC angle Fix Butynol on Plywood base to form gutter as shown
Ensure adequate provision is made for overflow should the primary system block up. Internal gutters should be wide to allow ease of service and deep enough to accommodate the expected runoff.
External finish
Purlins on edge
Joist hanger ICF block system Reinforcing Plywood base fixed to timber framing Stringer fixed to block with galv. bolt.
PARAPET
51
FALL
Terrace details
Raised terraces over living space are now very popular. Detailing of terraces presents a number of challenges in
Fix waterproofing membrane into chase cut into wall. Fix 90 PVC angle cap to Membrane edge and seal in place. Plaster down onto PVC angle
allowing ease of transition inside vs. outside preventing water ingress at door openings preventing water ingress at walls, especially at construction joint between slab and upstand
External finish
Timber decking Waterproofing membrane on Conc. roof
Construction joint
Construction joint ICF block system Reinforcing
Precast concrete slab Insulating plasterboard lining Linings
Timber Decking
Aluminium Door section
Waterproofing Membrane carried up under door joinery.
A step in raised concrete floor levels requires a special coordination effort to ensure continuity of structure and support of the concrete flooring systems.
Reinforced Conc. topping
Precast concrete slab Insulation ICF block system Reinforcing Linings
52
Services
ICF present the easiest way of reticulating services of any concrete structural system. Services up to 40 mm, depending on the thickness of the polystyrene face, can be accommodated by cutting away a chase. Generally these services must be securely fixed to the concrete core by way of lamps and tappets. The chases must then be covered over by the finishing process. Plasterboard is generally able to span across the gaps but care must be taken to not place a sheet joint on the chase. Plaster systems will require a bandage. The supplier should be contacted for details. Services can also pass through the walls but positions and sizes must be approved by the manufacturer.
53
P re c a s t C o n c re t e
Precast Concrete
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
55
he development of concrete precasting techniques in this country has allowed reinforced concrete to compete favourably with other forms of construction. Curiously it has not made a serious entry into the residential construction market until the past 10 years. This later period has coincided with the development of proprietary self insulating precast systems. Details of such systems are presented in this section but there is also plenty of scope for applied insulation systems.
Concrete precast methods were pioneered in the US early in the 20th century. The New Zealand industry is well developed and generally acknowledged as a world leader. There are good supplies of the raw materials and technology in most parts of the country. Precasting, whether done in factory conditions or on site, offers the opportunity to control the quality to a high standard. Advantages of precast concrete construction systems include the following: quality control the quality is better able to be controlled by casting multiple units in the same mould, by casting walls flat rather than standing upright and through the ability to better control environmental conditions. lower costs for the reasons noted above. finishing options inherent in solid concrete construction interesting shape and texture possibilities speed of construction with off site production the panels and other precast elements can be made while the site is being prepared. It is possible to set up a house in two days with an experienced crew.
The Pascal House in Auckland by Cook, Hitchcock & Sargisson. 57
Precast flooring systems are ideal for use in a concrete home. A number of different flooring systems are currently available in New Zealand. These proprietary systems have been developed for commercial buildings, but are also suitable for the span and loading demands that can be anticipated in residential construction. Suppliers generally offer design services which can be incorporated into the overall structural design philosophy. These flooring systems can be categorised as follows: flat slab hollow core slab rib and infill steel tray permanent formwork
The systems all offer excellent stiffness, durability, acoustic and thermal performance, they can be planned to include penetrations and openings and are cost competitive with timber flooring systems. They are also not prone to annoying squeaks that can occur with timber floor systems.
Precast concrete systems include floor units in addition to walls.
design
As with in-situ concrete (refer to In-situ section), there are choices to be made with respect to the following:
Surface Texture
There are many opportunities with precast concrete to create interesting surface textures. Finishing techniques for the formed (underside) face are described in the surface finishes section. The screeded face (topface) generally becomes the second side or back. Texture options include: exposed aggregate acid etched ground and polished board formed
Colour
Concrete used in precast work can be coloured. This can be achieved with colour throughout the mix, or alternatively, it is possible to place coloured concrete on the exposed face with standard concrete behind.
Panel or unit format
Combining surface finishes can help break down the scale of a building.
The size and layout of individual panels is essentially limitless. However, there are some practical limitations. Typical parameters that may dictate panel size are: the area available for casting (when casting on site). This may be an area of a floor slab or a separate temporary casting slab. efficient repetitive use of special moulds site access capacity of lifting equipment or transport the positioning of panel joints relative to openings.
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there are also aesthetic considerations to be made. Panel size will dictate joint set out and affect scale, texture and surface articulation of the house design. The designer must also take into account panel thickness. There are structural aspects to consider for both transport and permanent positions. The designer may be particularly interested in panel thickness when considering opening reveal depths and thermal mass benefits. Commonly panel thickness varies between 100 mm and 150 mm.
Jointing Details
Sandwich construction allows concrete panel to be left exposed inside and out.
The width and depth of joints between panels, as well as the profile of the panel edges, must be considered by the designer. Examples of weatherproofing details are shown to the left, the most commonly used detail in the face-sealed joint. Other considerations include how connections are made between panels, to the floor, and to any other structural or non-structural elements. These deliberations will most certainly include the structural designer for the project. Options include expressing plates and bolts, countersinking and plastering over welded plates or to conceal entirely by using pressure grouted tubes.
Edge details
Typical panel jointing details.
Individual panel edges, especially when exposed to view, are a design opportunity. These considerations are best made in the context of the joint design but should also look at corners, openings, top edges and junctions to other materials. Panel edges are vulnerable, especially during placement of panels. It is very difficult to successfully cast a crisp 90 corner on any concrete panel, it is therefore advisable to chamfer the corners.
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Insulation and weatherproofing
Although more waterproof than other forms of concrete, such as masonry, precast concrete is still permeable to water and requires waterproofing. Waterproofing can be achieved by application of acrylic paint systems, which can be applied direct or as part of a plaster finish system. Veneer cladding systems can also provide the required waterproofing. Insulation can be placed on the exterior, interior or between skins of concrete. This latter strategy has given rise to a number of specialist panel systems which allow all the positive aspects of concrete to be realised without compromise. These systems make use of a polystyrene sheet, between an outer skin or veneer of concrete, and an inner skin which typically acts as the structure. The two faces are held together by thermally non-conductive ties which are cast into each wythe.
specification
Sandwich construction detail.
Designers have a choice to make between proprietary sandwich construction and the traditional forms of precast. If the choice is to use a proprietary system, the specification should be generic to allow a range of proprietory systems to be evaluated. A proprietary system supplier may be required to provide Producer Statements, guarantees and construction recommendations. It may be prudent to require the contractor or precaster to produce sample panels for evaluation of such aspects as surface finishes. Work should not be allowed to proceed without the designers approval of these samples. The Standards which apply to precast concrete construction are as follows: NZS 3101:1995 Concrete Structures Standard The design of concrete structures NZS 3104:1991 Specification for concrete production High grade and special grade NZS 3109:1997 Concrete construction NZS 3112 Methods of test for concrete NZS 3113:1979 Specification for chemical admixtures for concrete NZS 3114:1987 Specification for concrete surface finishes NZS 3402:1989 Steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete NZS 3121:1986 Specifications for water and aggregate for concrete NZS 3421:1975 Specification for hard drawn mild steel wire for concrete reinforcement
Joining plate can be left exposed as a design feature. 60
NZS 3422:1975 Specification for welded fabric of drawn steel wire for concrete reinforcement
Materials
Comprehensive lifting systems are available.
All materials should be procured from a dependable source. Where appropriate, the builder must ensure that quality records are kept for all precast concrete work. These records must be easily retrievable should they be required. Formwork Formwork requirements are detailed in NZS 3109. Reinforcing steel To comply with NZS 3402, NZS 3422. Concrete Readymix concrete to the specified compressive strength and to the requirements of NZS 3104. Special aggregates For special finishes specify the aggregate type, colour, size, range and depth of exposure. All aggregate to comply with NZS 3121. Lifting inserts Proprietary lifting devices are preferable. It is important to match the lifting inserts with the apparatus that will be used for lifting and the processes that will be adopted for casting and lifting. Steel connection plates It is recommended to galvanise any mild steel fixings that will be exposed to weather.
Workmanship
Tolerances for precast panels (measured as defined in NZS 3109) shall be:
Panel dimension (metres) Up to 3 Width (mm) Height (mm) Planeness (mm) Squareness (mm) Edge straightness (mm) Thickness (mm) +0, -5 5 5 5 5 10 36 +0, -10 10 5 15 7 10 Over 6 +0, -12 10 5 15 10 10
Construct formwork in the configuration necessary to produce the required set out and detail of panels. Pay particular care to edge details. The construction and casting of panels should be carried out by tradesmen experienced in precast concrete construction. Place and cure concrete to produce the specified finishes and tolerances. Curing should be carried out for at least 7 days. Surface finishes shall be as specified by the designer and as defined in NZS 3114. Allow to cast in all items required for fixings or services. This requires coordination between the trades before the panels are designed and cast. The installation should be carried out by contractors experienced in precast construction. All necessary components such as gaskets, sealants and flashings should be supplied and fitted. Rigging and lifting must be done using the lifting points specified. Take care not to knock or drag panels along the ground. Panels must be secured in place before any temporary supports are removed. At all times during the construction process, but especially the lifting of panels, the health and safety of all workers and the public must be ensured.
Ensure existing surfaces all comply with the tolerance requirements.
Panel erection underway.
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Concrete panel will be set over the reinforcing steel.
construction
Planning the sequence of activities, especially if the panels are to be cast on site, can save substantial time and frustration. Good planning will allow the panels to be cast earlier and will allow work to carry on around the panels once they are cast. With on-site casting planning the site is critical. The location to be used for casting must be of appropriate size and in a location that can continue to be accessed as the panels are erected. Access must be available for materials and for the crane. The sequence of casting panels must be logical if they are to be cast one on top of the other, last on is first off. Normally panels are erected sequentially from one corner.
Setting out
If the panels are to sit on the ground floor slab, it is critical to confirm constructed dimensions of the slab, prior to constructing the panels. It is also critical to coordinate and check positions of starter bars and grout tubes.
Weather conditions
The wall panels must not be cast in rain or cold conditions below 4C. Particularly in hot, windy weather it is important to prevent excessive surface evaporation which can lead to plastic cracking. A common method of providing protection is to use anti-evaporative spray. Precast panels are particularly prone to this potential problem, due to their large surface area. Once the panels are cast and ready for erection, the construction process need not be affected by the weather.
Panel erection & finishing
Preparation for the second concrete skin in sandwich type wall panel.
After factory produced panels are cast and adequately cured, they must be transported to site. Suppliers of these panels have delivery and erection systems in place which should be of benefit to the builder. The tilt-up panel erection process begins with the separation of panels. The performance of the bond breaker during this operation is critical. The bond breaker must: permit clean complete separation of panels not discolour the panel surface minimise suction at time of separation be compatible with the curing components that may be used.
Note that release agents used to facilitate the stripping of formwork in in-situ construction are not suitable as bond breakers. The crane is critical to the erection process. It must be rated to achieve the panel lift at the maximum anticipated working radius. The lifting capacity of a crane reduces considerably with larger working radii. The crane must be able to access the site
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and be adequately supported in each position it will be set. The rigging, lifting point and support design for movement of panels is critical. The strategies must be discussed and agreed between the appropriate parties. The builders concern will be access for fixing operations and ease of panel handling, the engineer will be concerned that the support points are structurally appropriate and the designer will want to make sure the lifting inserts can be hidden from view after the panels are in place. One of three strategies can be adopted: Top edge lifted panels will hang vertical but this is not economical for units over 3-4 metres in height. Face supported panels will hang slightly off vertical, however, they can easily be plumbed with adjustable props once in position. Face lift points may require plastering or alternatively they can be deliberately featured. The use of lifting points on the face and top edge is sometimes used but requires a crane with two separate ropes. The crane must move the panels smoothly into position, avoiding shock loading which can induce cracking in the unit. Panels must be supported entirely by the crane until they have been secured into final position and propped. It is important to select propping positions that will not interfere with other construction activities.
Surface finishes
Planning for crane access is important.
While the design and specification of surface finishes falls within the scope of the designer, it is the builder or precaster who must ensure the specified finish is achieved. The surface finish treatment must be coordinated with the lifting and casting strategy. The most common face to treat with an integral finish is the face cast down. As lifting points will be on the back face, this allows the bottom face to be completely monolithic. The table indicates common methods for achieving surface textures.
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The exposed aggregate finish warrants special consideration. Chemical retarders are often used to allow the surface to be etched. The cement matrix can then be removed with a water blaster once the panel has been lifted. The use of chemically impregnated paper can simplify this process but also gives the designer additional scope for achieving patterns in the surface. Architects Herzog and de Muron have experimented with retarder impregnated paper to achieve stunning concrete effects. Sandblasting is also an option but has largely fallen out of favour with the introduction of the processes described earlier.
Types of Finish Face-up (single casting) Face-down (single or stack casting)
Rebates, grooves and patterns
Plain, smooth surfaces
Hammer form into top surface (Position and depth difficult to control) Finish panel with bull float and trowel (Common paving technique) Water washed (Special aggregates and patterns difficult to control) Broomed, Combed, Imprinted, Rolled
Fix form to base slab (Position and depth easy to maintain) Finish off floor or casting pad (Reproduces all imperfections of that surface) Sand embedment (Special aggregates and patterns easy to achieve, independent of concrete mix) Timberforms, Formliners Timber forms, Profiled steel sheeting, Polythene over stones, Formliners
Exposed Aggregate
Fine Textures Coarse Textures Cutaway of door opening in a precast sandwich type wall.
A three level project planned using off site precast concrete panels.
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P re c a s t C o n c re t e D e t a i l s
External insulation on tilt panel

The details illustrated here are of the exterior envelope consisting of a concrete slab on grade, site precast wall panels and timber framed intermediate floor and roof. External weatherproofing and insulation is provided by one of many rigid polystyrene systems with acrylic plaster/paint. In this case the panels, designed to be seen from the inside should be cast with this face down. Lifting inserts will be covered by rigid insulation. If skirting is required, allowance should be made to cast-in fixing blocks. Vertical panel joints will be seen internally and should be detailed accordingly. The panel to slab connection is made after the panels are erected. This is very efficient structurally and economically but requires special consideration if the floor slab is to be exposed.
Roofing on building paper on wire netting
100mm insulation
Plywood ceiling panels Rigid insulation panels External waterproofing system Roof beams @ 1200 cts Timber plate on DPC with cast-in anchor
WALL TO ROOF
Structural conc. panel
Skirting on cast-in fixings Flooring External waterproofing system Bolt connection
Rigid insulation panels Joist hanger Continuous stringer on DPC Seal concrete. Exposed finish
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
Rigid insulation panels Waterproofing system extend min. 50mm below floor level
100 MIN 50 MIN
Reinforced conc. slab Insitu concrete between slab & wall panels
150 MIN
PAVED
UNPAVED
Site precast panel. (Tilt slab) Sand blinding on compacted hardfill Reinforced concrete footing Extend DPC under footing
WALL TO FLOOR
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Continuous aluminium angle screw fixed over butyl & sealant
18mm construction ply screw & adhesive fixed on DPC Butyl roofing membrane extend up & over parapet
Sandwich panel construction

These details indicate the use of polystyrene insulation between concrete panels in wall section. Also shown is a horizontal joint detail, which must be carefully considered in the elevation design. Concrete flooring system can be designed to lock into supporting walls, as shown, or supported on a surface mounted steel angle, as shown on the following page. Grouted duct connections allow shorter panels than the detail shown previously, and for the floor slab to be cast in one operation. This makes it easier to achieve a uniform finish, which can be an advantage if it is intended to leave the slab exposed.
Non structural conc. veneer
Timber plate on DPC secured by bolt 18mm Plywood
Insulation Insulation between framing Joist hanger Ceiling lining Structural conc. panel
WALL TO ROOF
Structural conc. panel Non structural conc. veneer Preformed duct structural joint Skirting fixed to cast-in timber fixing blocks Sealant joint with weep holes @ 900 ctrs
50 MIN
Insitu conc. topping
Insulation
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Concrete flooring units Structural conc. panel
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
Insulation
Structural conc. panel Preformed duct filled with expansive grout
Sealant joint with weep holes @ 900 ctrs
Skirting fixed to cast-in timber fixing blocks
150 MIN
100 MIN
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
Sand blinding Compacted hardfill Reinforced conc. slab on grade
WALL TO FLOOR
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Sandwich panel construction

This wall section indicates precast panels (site or factory) which extend from floor slab to parapet in one section. This eliminates the need for a horizontal joint between panels which is often not architecturally desirable. Veneer panel is shown to thicken near the top, at the expense of the structural panel thickness. This allows veneer to cantilever as parapet. Insulation thickness is maintained.
Concrete parapet
Continuous aluminium flat screw fixed over butyl
Butyl membrane on 18mm construction ply
Vapour barrier
Rigid insulation
External waterproofing system
Concrete flooring units
Rigid insulation Non structural conc. veneer Structural concrete panel
Suspended plasterboard ceiling system
Internal finishes options plasterboard paint system only acrylic plaster system unfinished Structural concrete panel
WALL TO ROOF
Non structural conc. veneer
Skirting fixed to spaced timber blocks
Steel reinforcing connector cast-in
Rigid insulation
Concrete flooring units
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
Structural conc. panel Non structural conc. veneer Rigid insulation Panels set on packing. Apply sealant with weepholes @ 900 crs Skirting adhesive fixed Mortar Reinforced concrete slab Floor covering
150 MIN
UNPAVED LEVEL
DPC
WALL TO FLOOR
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Jointing details
Fibre composite/ non metalic connector Hole to expel grout (when cavity full)
Rigid insulation
The architectural expression of joints between panels requires consideration. Design decisions include; how the edges are shaped, the width of joints, integration with other details, and proportions that result from their set out. The structural fixings can be expressed as steel plates or hidden from view. Flexible silicon based sealants are typically used to weatherproof the joints. It is important that these sealants are checked and maintained periodically.
Grouted duct Hole to feed grout Backing rod & sealant 10mm - 20mm joint 6mm arris all edges Backing rod & sealant Weep holes @ 900 crs
Donut seal Structural panel Threaded connector Steel reinforcing
HORIZONTAL JOINT
Non structural conc. veneer Rigid insulation 10mm - 20mm joint 6mm arris all edges Backing rod & sealant Weep holes @ 900 crs Non structural conc. veneer Rigid insulation
Structural conc. panel Bolted plate connection countersunk to maintain flush surface. Oversize hole in plate to allow for potential movement.
CORNER JOINT
Structural conc. panel Structural conc. panel
10mm - 20mm joint 6mm arris all edges Backing rod & sealant Weep holes @ 900 crs
Bolted plate connection countersunk to maintain flush surface. Oversize hole in plate to allow for potential movement.
Non structural conc. veneer Structural conc. panel
VERTICAL JOINT
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Miscellaneous details
It is important to limit heat conduction through cold bridges by insulating adequately. This detail shows rigid insulation fixed to the back face of the concrete parapet to limit this transfer. Plywood is fixed over this as a substrate for the butyl rubber roofing membrane. An aluminium extrusion is used to secure the end of the butyl and provide a crisp edge to the parapet.
Continuous aluminium angle screw fix over butyl membrane
18mm construction ply capping to falls screw fix to parapet Butyl roofing membrane on 18mm construction ply on rigid insulation
Conc. topping to falls
Precast conc. flooring units Continuous steel angle support bracket
WALL TO ROOF
The open web steel framing members allow a spacious ceiling, reminiscent of warehouse structures. This can add architectural interest and allow long spans, but sound transmission can be a problem.
Timber flooring Rigid insulation
Open web floor framing members
Continuous steel angle support bracket
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
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Steel joinery details

Rigid insulation fixed on site over conc. panel Mild steel fixing plate cast into concrete reveal
Acrylic plaster system
Mild steel fixing blocks welded to plates PVC head flashing screw fixed to concrete panel Mild steel window frame
Steel door and window sections are regaining popularity with designers in many circumstances. Steel frames are narrower than aluminium or timber therefore presenting a finer line in the elevation design. These details indicate the window frame screw fixed to steel fixing blocks which have been welded to steel plates cast into the opening reveal. Inside, the window reveal is left as natural concrete, placing high requirements on the standard of finish in this area.
HEAD DETAIL
PVC angle flashing screw fixed to concrete panel
Mild steel window frame Mild steel fixing blocks welded to plates
Rigid insulation fixed on site over conc. panel
Mild steel fixing plate cast into concrete reveal
Acrylic plaster system
JAMB DETAIL
Folded GMS flashing painted to match frame
Mild steel window frame Mild steel fixing blocks welded to plates Mild steel fixing plate cast into concrete reveal
Sloping sill tile adhesive fixed. Cut around frame fixings
Rigid insulation fixed on site over conc. panel Acrylic plaster & waterproofing system
SILL DETAIL
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Timber joinery can be an attractive design option in an exposed concrete wall. The colour, texture and substance of exposed timber is a positive choice in this detail. It is critical to plan for adequate fixings for the frame, and to separate the timber frame from the concrete by DPC.
Rigid insulation fixed on site over conc. panel Acrylic plaster system Backing rod & sealant 10mm arris Precast conc. panel
PVC head flashing
Timber architrave. Scribe cut.
Timber sash & sill
Counter sunk & plugged fixing
HEAD DETAIL
Sealant
Timber frame on packing
Flashing Rigid insulation fixed on site over conc. panel Acrylic plaster system Precast conc. panel
JAMB DETAIL
Counter sunk & plugged fixing Timber sash & sill Sealant Sloping sill
Timber architrave
Flashing under sill
SILL DETAIL
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External waterproofing system Insulation Interior lining Building paper Reinforced concrete wall Timber strapping
A step in the concrete reveal is formed and maintained by the casting in of a PVC angle. The window frame is fitted against the angle with a space allowed for sealant. The exterior face of the concrete is shown to be sealed. The sealer should be applied to the concrete around the window opening before installation of the frames. A second line of defence is the building paper. Timber reveals give a more traditional appearance inside. The insulation in this example separates the thermal mass from the internal space.
Form drip PVC angle cast-in as flashing raglet. Fill with sealant over flashing
Timber reveal
HEAD DETAIL
Timber reveal
Timber strapping PVC angle cast-in as flashing raglet. Fill with sealant over flashing Interior lining
Building paper External waterproofing Insulation
JAMB DETAIL
Position framing to allow drainage from within Flashing Tiled sill Timber strapping
External waterproofing system
Interior lining Insulation Building paper
SILL DETAIL
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These details demonstrate the use of intermittent cast-in fixing blocks around the entire opening, a practice quite common in ICF detailing. Blocks are about 150 mm long and placed at approximately 450 mm centres. The step for the door frame, allows a more positive weathering detail. It is achieved by stopping the external installation short of the concrete edge. Internally the concrete can be left exposed and the edges are shown to be arrised. Sealant here is used architecturally to conceal the packing space between the concrete and the timber reveal. This detail requires close tolerances which can be achieved with precast concrete.
Timber reveal
Rigid insulation fixed on site over conc. panel Acrylic plaster & waterproofing system PVC head flashing
Sealant over packing space
HEAD DETAIL
PVC flashing
Sealant over packing space Intermittent timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast in concrete infill. Structural conc. panel
Rigid insulation fixed on site over conc. panel Acrylic plaster & waterproofing system
JAMB DETAIL
Aluminium door frame with timber reveals Shaped timber on DPC Reinforced conc. slab
Reinforced Acrylic plaster system over slab edge
Paving level
SILL DETAIL
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Timber door details

Non structural conc. veneer Insulation Intermittent timber fixing block
These timber door frames are shown to mask the exposed edge of polystyrene sheeting. Fixing for the frame is by plug and screw into the concrete. Architrave profile has been scribe cut to follow concrete.
Head flashing 6mm arris to all exposed edges
HEAD DETAIL
Timber frame
Sealant Flashing
Timber architrave
JAMB DETAIL
Intermittent timber fixing block
Recessed timber door & sill Butyl rubber sill flashing
Floor coverings Reinforced conc. slab
Paving level Structural conc. panel
SILL DETAIL
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Services installation
Internal gutter
Electrical and other cable services can be easily accommodated by all precast concrete systems with adequate planning. These details indicated conduits cast into the concrete panels from ceiling to skirting level. In this example, the actual service point is located in a deep skirting.
Services flush box cast into wall
WALL TO ROOF
PVC or metal conduit cast into wall Window section
Skirting Externally insulated concrete wall
Services face plate mounted to skirting
Reinforced concrete slab
WALL TO FLOOR
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C o n c re t e C a s t I n - S i t u
Concrete Cast In-Situ
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Design Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
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n-situ concrete is the traditional form of concrete construction. Until the early part of the 20th century it was the main method used. While in-situ concrete above ground level is used less in New Zealand with the advent of precast systems, it still widely used in many other countries.
Systems are being developed and used in both Europe and the U.S. to allow cast in place concrete to be cost and time efficient. In developing parts of the world, in-situ concrete, which relies on higher labour input than other forms of concrete construction, is still dominant. In New Zealand it is often not cost effective to design traditional load bearing cast-in-situ concrete structures in the face of competition from precast and modular systems. There are however some situations where in-situ is the ideal structural material, such as building sites that have difficult access. Cast in-situ concrete has become a material that designers exploit for its structural qualities above all else. The chance to cast monolithic building elements walls, columns, beams, suspended floors and roofs which are beautifully detailed appeals to many designers both in New Zealand and offshore. The work of Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Carlo Scarpa and more recently Tadao Ando in Japan is familiar to many. The perception of their work is very closely linked to their ability to exploit the qualities of in-situ concrete. Briefly, they are: limitless flexibility of size and shape with no modular restrictions. Current developments in the U.S. are toward entire buildings being poured monolithically. a wide variety of surface textures and colours can be achieved. it can be cast as a sandwich incorporating an integral polystyrene sheet insulation. a robust material which does not require much maintenance it is a universally available material.
A house designed by the renowed architect Enrique Norten in Mexico City. 79
design issues
Most of the design issues begin and end with the formwork possibilities. The major cost of any cast concrete is that of the formwork. The relative cost of this element is reduced significantly when the formwork is able to be re-used. However repetitive uses on the same project suggests the need for construction joints. Construction joints occur between different placements of concrete. The detail and set out of these joints should be practical and coordinated with the overall design of the project. These joints can be unsightly if not properly planned and constructed. The colour of the concrete can vary slightly from one batch to the next. In large wall or soffit areas it may be desirable to introduce many joints in a pattern, some as construction, others as dummy joints to mask the impact. In addition to construction joints, it may be necessary to provide control joints to allow for shrinkage and thermal movements in walls. These joints should be shown on the drawings. As a general rule, for domestic construction, control joints should be placed at 6 metre centres. Work closely with the builder to understand his strategies for use of formwork on the particular job; and with the structural engineer, who can advise specific requirements for shrinkage control joints. The desire for a particular surface finish or look may have drawn the designer to cast in-situ concrete. There are many textures and combinations thereof that have been explored to date. No doubt there are an equal number that have not. Some possibilities are: board formed surfaces, achieved by constructing the formwork of roughsawn timber planks. The boards can be arranged in a pattern which will be mirrored in the final product. exposed aggregate this is more difficult with in-situ concrete than with precast, but it can be done by washing the surface with acid. The use of a retarding agent combined with waterblasting is an effective method of achieving an exposed aggregate finish. fairface surface finish with a pattern of holes created by the removal of formwork ties. This finish has been made popular recently by Japanese architects and is achieved through careful consideration of the formwork and casting processes. coloured concrete. Oxides and pigments can be used to tint the concrete to a wide variety of colours. In-situ concrete is only as good as the formwork, which must cope with dynamic loading during the placement and consolidation phases of work. Shuttering can bulge, settle and lean, all of which have the potential to induce small variations in the structure. In addition, the concrete will shrink as it dries. Detailing must therefore consider these and allow adequate tolerances.
The effective construction of formwork is the key to in-situ concrete walls
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Edge details should take into account the difficulty of filling all corners of the formwork with concrete. Concrete may not find its way into corners, leaving them vulnerable to being damaged during removal of the formwork. It is recommended practice to soften these edges with a chamfer or bullnose or, at minimum, a bead of sealant in the corner of the form smoothed out with a finger. As discussed earlier, load bearing walls are not the only form insitu concrete may take. The designer can consider a column and beam structure with infill or hung curtain wall or claddings. Such systems can also be used in combination with walls. Such a concrete structure would have the advantages of allowing large internal and perimeter spans which will give opportunities for expansive open walls spaces and access to sun and views. The use of cast in-situ floor and roof planes can give the benefits of concrete systems such as acoustic and thermal performance. The concrete can be left exposed from below due to its monolithic form.
Formwork for a suspended concrete floor.
specification
The written specification for in-situ can follow the form of specifications for commercial work with a greater emphasis placed on workmanship issues.
Standards
NZS 3104 Concrete production high grade and special grade NZS 3109 Concrete construction NZS 3114 Concrete surface finishes NZS 3402 Steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete NZS 3422 Welded fabric of drawn steel wire for concrete reinforcement NZS 3604 Light timber frame buildings not requiring specific design NZS 3101 Concrete structures standard NZS 3610 Formwork for concrete
Board formed concrete texture.
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Formwork construction to achieve a board formed texture.
Insulation and waterproofing
As with all concrete wall systems, in-situ concrete must be waterproofed and insulated to meet NZBC requirements. Most often waterproofing is achieved by the use of acrylic paint and/or plaster systems. Insulation may be placed on either interior or exterior faces or may be cast within the wall.
Materials
Reinforcing Bars Bars are to be to the requirements of NZS 3402 Spacers and Chairs
One strategy for the formation of a construction joint.
Precast concrete or purpose made moulded PVC to approval. Concrete spacer blocks to only be used where the concrete surface is not exposed in the finished work. Ready Mixed Concrete High or Special grade to NZS3104. Maximum aggregate size 19 mm. Concrete strength as specified by the engineer.
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Construction joint and rebates set out to a pattern. Note the use of plastic waterstop.
Concrete shall not be allowed to free fall more than 2 metres in any oneplacement operation. This is an important consideration where the construction details call for the height of the wall to be cast in one operation. Curing of concrete to occur for the first seven days after placement. This is generally done by keeping exposed surfaces moist during that time. If any curing compounds are to be used they must first be approved by the designer and checked that they will not adversely affect the application of finishes.
construction
Formwork
Workmanship
Require that all formwork and reinforcing be inspected and approved prior to the concrete being placed. Allow to build in all bolts and fixings as required by other trades and as shown in the drawings. This is an important consideration particularly for the main contractor who is responsible for facilitating the coordination between trades. Minimum concrete cover shall comply with table 5.5 of NZS3101 but shall in no circumstances be less than 40 mm. Where concrete is cast against ground the minimum cover shall be 75 mm, or 50 mm if using a damp proof membrane between the ground and the concrete. Pumping and placement of concrete is to be in accordance with NZS 3109. Coordinate with the supplier of the concrete to ensure appropriate specification of the concrete mix.
Planning the efficient and effective use of formwork is critical to the success of in-situ concrete. The nature of the formwork will depend on the designers objectives. It is important to consult with the designer regularly throughout the process to ensure the formwork is appropriate. Equally, the designer must consider, at an early stage, the way in which the formwork will be made. Poor communication between the designer and builder can result in diminished quality or cost escalation. The formwork must be constructed to accommodate the plastic of concrete which has a mass of approximately 2400 kg/m3. The general requirements are set out in NZS 3109.
Setting out
The exposed soffit of an in-situ concrete floor above.
While it is critical to get things right with in-situ concrete, it is not a construction method of high technology. It is important to coordinate all services, rebates, penetrations and surface finish requirements before concrete is placed in the forms.
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Weather conditions
Concrete should not be cast in wet or cold conditions. NZS 3109 provides guidance on precautions that should be taken for hot or cold weather concreting. Interestingly, in places like Canada and Scandinavia, concrete is placed in cold conditions throughout the winter. This often requires extensive heating of formwork which is not justifiable in our relatively mild climate.
Moisture
Only a small proportion of the water in concrete is required for adequate hydration of the cement to occur. The excess water must not be allowed to escape too quickly as it is required for the curing process. This is especially important in the first 7 days. Conversely, after casting is completed it is desirable for water to escape quickly to allow timely application of finishes. Concrete dries at a rate of about 25 mm per exposed surface per month, depending on the time of year. This implies that a 100 mm concrete wall will take around 2 months before moisture sensitive finishes can be applied. Construction programmes must allow for adequate natural drying to occur. Forced drying, through heating, is not recommended due to the unevenness in drying. Often it is just the surface which is dry. Contractors are advised to check moisture levels with appropriate measuring equipment and to coordinate with the manufacturers of applied finishes.
An early house built in Wellington combining in-situ walls with precast concrete roof elements.
84
C o n c re t e C a s t I n - S i t u D e t a i l s
Sandwich construction details

These details of the external envelope indicate how proprietary polymer ties and polystyrene insulation board can be used in an in-situ application. This form of construction is best known in its precast context. The formwork must be set up to allow the insulation to remain in place while the concrete is placed in both faces. This is best done by balancing the pour to both faces up the height of the wall. At suspended floor level the wall is cast full height eliminating the need for a construction joint. In this case the chosen concrete floor system is supported on a steel angle bolted to the finished wall. At ground floor level the in-situ wall is connected to the slab and foundation by starter bars. The outside veneer face has weep holes formed to allow any water that enters above to trickle down the face of the insulation and escape without affecting the internal space.
Butyl into chase cast in concrete wall
Butyl on plywood Insulation laid to a fall
Reinforced outer wythe
Proprietry Insulation system cast into concrete Composite Connector
Hollow precast unit landed on structural wall
Reinforced Concrete wall
WALL TO ROOF
Proprietry Insulation system cast into concrete
Hollow core flooring units & conc. topping
Composite Connector
Reinforced Concrete wall Proprietry suspended ceiling
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
Proprietry Insulation system cast into concrete Composite Connector
Weep hole formed at base of wall
Wall keyed into slab Reinforced Concrete slab
150 MIN
100 MIN
Paved G.L.
Unpaved G.L.
Sand blinding on compacted hardfill Concrete footing starter bars at required spacing
DPC
WALL TO FLOOR
85
Dress butyl roofing into groove & seal
Upstand beam Butyl on plywood on insulation laid to falls
In-situ floor and roof plane detail

One of the great advantages of in-situ concrete is the ability to create soffits that can be left exposed for reasons of aesthetics, cost and thermal mass. These details indicate at upper level how such a roof can be supported on cast in-situ or precast concrete columns. This will allow expansive areas of glass to be used. At the lower level the in-situ wall is left exposed externally and insulated inside. Corbels and wall thickenings transfer the structural loads from above. The external walls are cast before the ground floor slab, enabling a controlled environment which may suit some finishes.
Form drip Concrete column Commercial glazing section 80mm. Bed on sealant
WALL TO ROOF
Frame on sill section. Bed on sealant Construction joint
Cast in-situ floor. Exposed soffit
Clear sealer on in-situ formed wall Corbel @ columns
Plasterboard lining on strapping & building paper & insulation between.
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
Plasterboard lining on strapping & building paper with insulation between. Clear sealer on in-situ formed wall Ground & polished concrete floor slab on DPC
Starter bars at required spacing
Sand blinding on compacted hardfill Reinforced concrete footing
WALL TO FLOOR
86
External wall details

In-situ comcrete allows the designer to incorporate profiles and features which may not be possible with other forms of constrcution. An integral gutter, or any other profile, is able to provide architectural relief while serving a practical purpose. At suspended floor level there may be a need to incorporate construction joints as part of the overall wall pattern. It is important to specify the appropriate joint profile and make allowances for barriers to water ingress. At foundation level, openings may be necessary for a variety of reasons, in this case to ventilate the crawl space.
Flashing Waterproofing membrane on cast in-situ gutter
Timber rafters
Insulation above suspended ceiling Stringer bolted to conc. wall. Countersink bolt head Internal Linings. Waterproofing
Cast Insitu Concrete Wall. Exposed.
WALL TO ROOF
Cast Insitu Concrete Wall. Exposed. Insulation. Internal Linings. Joint detailed to express rather than hide the joint Building Paper. Continuous. Timber strapping on DPC. Reinforced concrete slab
Construction joint Construction joint
Precast flooring unit PVC waterstop cast into lower part
INTERMEDIATE FLOOR
Insulation. Reinforcing as required Internal Linings. Building Paper. Continuous. Timber floor on floor joists
Stringer bolted to wall Vent openings Conc. dish channel
Insulation foil faced
Cast in-situ concrete wall
Starter bars at required spacing.
Reinforced concrete footing
WALL TO FLOOR
87
FALL
Spaced timber decking Butyl rubber membrane on plywood on furring to falls Rigid insulation between furring strips
Roof parapet details

This roof is used as a trafficable deck with top laid insulation. The concrete soffit is left exposed internally, supported on columns rather than walls. The veneer wall in this example is internal, stopping short of the roof structure to avoid being loaded structurally.
Cast in-situ reinforced concrete upstand wall
Overflow pipe
Drip edge Commercial glazing section 75mm
Cast in-situ conc. slab Conc. column
GLASS WALL TO ROOF

FALL
Butyl rubber membrane on 18mm ply on furring to falls Rigid insulation
Dress butyl into raglet and seal
Conc. topping Hollow core conc. slab
Structural concrete wall
MS angle to support roof slab Detail joint edges in sympathy with other edge details Composite connector Suspended ceiling and insulation Cast in-situ wall sandwich construction
WALL TO ROOF
Detail joint edges in sympathy with other edge details
Construction joint
Conc. veneer panel
EXTERIOR
10mm gap. Backing rod & sealant Composite connector
INTERIOR
Concrete structural panel
This plan view of the vertical joint in a sandwich type wall suggests the edges are formed in sympathy with other joint details. Weathersealing is by sealant over backing rod, a minimum 10 mm gap is necessary.
CONSTRUCTION JOINT
88

These walls are insulated and lined internally, giving a more traditional appearance. At the head, a rebate is cast in by a removable insert in the formwork. This delicate operation allows the head flashing to be seated securely. At sill level, the concrete slab edge should be set back to allow the threshold to overhang.
Reinforced conc. cast in-situ Internal lining
Head flashing
Intermittent H3 timber blocks. Fix galv. nails skew nailed to timber & cast-in concrete infill.
Timber reveal
HEAD DETAIL
Timber reveal Aluminium subframe 2 beads of sealant
Continuous timber packer Timber strapping
JAMB DETAIL
Aluminium door frame with timber reveals Shaped timber sill on DPC Reinforced conc. slab
Step back concrete slab edge to suit reveal
SILL DETAIL
89
Timber door details

External insulation fixed to concrete External waterproofing system Reinforced concrete cast in-situ exposed finish Timber H3 fixing block cast-in
These externally insulated walls have a pronounced chamfer on the internal reveal edge. The frame, positioned in the centre of the finished wall, is fixed to cast in fixing blocks at head and jambs. Note the architrave, which is scribe cut to the reveal. Weatherseal at the jambs is sealant, which will require periodic maintenance.
Flashing
Timber architrave
Timber window frame and sash
HEAD DETAIL
Sealant & backing rod Corner protection
Timber architrave
Timber H3 fixing block cast-in External insulation fixed to concrete External waterproofing system
JAMB DETAIL
Timber door & sill. Recess sill into slab. Butyl rubber sill flashing
Flooring Reinforced conc. slab
External insulation fixed to concrete Paving level
SILL DETAIL
90

This set of details indicate the use of domestic joinery profiles in a concrete wall which is strapped and lined internally. The insulation is placed between the strapping. The window frame is shown fitting flush to the outside. While sealants provide adequate weathering at the jambs, at the head a flashing is shown fitted into a formed rebate. Note that it is advisable to have the window supplier measure the opening after the formwork has been stripped. This detail has not incorporated timber fixing blocks for the frame. Therefore, it will be necessary to install the frame by screw fixing into plastic plugs fitted into drilled holes in the concrete. It is important to wait until the concrete has gained adequate strength before drilling.
External waterproofing Reinforced concrete wall cast in-situ Form drip Timber strapping PVC angle cast-in as flashing raglet. Fill with sealant over flashing Glazing in aluminium window frame Insulation Interior lining Building paper
Timber reveal
HEAD DETAIL
Glazing in aluminium window frame
Timber reveal
PVC angle cast-in as flashing raglet. Fill with sealant over flashing Timber strapping Interior lining
External waterproofing
Building paper Insulation
JAMB DETAIL
Position framing to allow drainage from within Flashing External waterproofing/ plaster/tiled
Timber reveal
Timber strapping
Interior lining Reinforced concrete cast in-situ Insulation Building paper
SILL DETAIL
91

External insulation fixed to concrete External waterproofing system Cast-in H3 timber fixing block Flashing Reinforced concrete cast in-situ exposed finish
Sealant & backing rod
The timber window frame is fitted into a wall with external rigid insulation and applied acrylic plaster as the weatherproofing. Flashing details are incorporated using the proprietary flashings that can be ordered with most External Insulating Finishing Systems. Note the use of fixing blocks cast into the opening allows the frame to be installed in a manner using standard nail fixings. The frame is set to the depth of the wall and is held away from the concrete visually by a 5 10 mm negative joint. The joint lacks the crispness that may be possible with lightweight linings, but it is important to respect the nature of the concrete materials and allow the chamfer as shown here.
Timber window frame and sash
HEAD DETAIL
Sealant & backing rod Corner protection Cast-in H3 timber fixing block Sealant & backing rod
Reinforced concrete cast in-situ exposed finish
JAMB DETAIL
Timber internal sill
Timber sill and sash Timber packer Galvanized metal sill flashing External insulation fixed to concrete External waterproofing system Reinforced concrete cast in-situ exposed finish
SILL DETAIL
92
Steel door and window details

Steel windows are regaining popularity in the residential construction market. Fixing of the window frames to the structure is by way of lugs welded onto the frame before delivery to the site. These lugs are screw fixed to intermittent timber fixing blocks, the positions of which must be coordinated with lug positions. Frames are fitted against a PVC angle held in the formwork by the fixing blocks. The angle will stabilise the concrete edge and provide suitable backing for sealant.
External waterproofing Reinforced concrete wall cast in-situ Form drip
Rigid insulation
Cast-in H3 timber fixing blocks
Continuous sealant bead in PVC angle Glazed hinged door in steel frame
Continuous timber fixing block
Timber reveal
HEAD DETAIL
Glazed hinged door in steel frame
Timber reveal
Sealant in cast-in PVC angle
Continuous timber fixing block Cast-in H3 timber fixing blocks Rigid insulation
JAMB DETAIL
Steel door sill & frame Timber threshold Flooring
Silicon sealant
Sloped paving
SILL DETAIL
93
Services
Internal gutter
It is possible to cast-in allowance for services in concrete walls. It is important to coordinate this provision with the structural engineer and the relevant subtrades. Electrical services generally drop from the ceiling in the space to be served which demands a long conduit drop. An alternative would be to extend the service from the level below. Be sure to allow sweeps in the conduit both at the top and bottom to allow the cables to be drawn easier.
WALL TO ROOF
PVC or metal conduit cast into wall Window section
It may be prudent to allow spare capacity or spare dropper points for future alterations.
Skirting Externally insulated cast in-situ concrete wall
Services face plate mounted to skirting
WALL TO FLOOR
94
References
Websites
ConcreteNetwork.com (1999). ConcreteNetwork.com [Online]. Available: http://www.concretenetwork.com [2000, June 30] Gates & Sons, Inc. (1997). Concrete gates forming systems: concrete forms [Online].Available: http://www.gatesconcreteforms.com [2000, July 7] Insulating Concrete Form Association. Insulating Concrete Form Association [Online]. Available: http://www.forms.org [2000, July 7] Portland Cement Association. Insulating concrete forms: a better way to build a better home [Online]. Available: http://www.concretehomes.com/sys-icf.htm [2000, July 7] Precise Forms, Inc. Precise forms [Online]. Available: http://www.preciseforms.com [2000, July 7] Formasera AB. Formasera AB [Online]. Available: http://www.formasera.se [2000, July 7].
Books
Concrete: the natural alternative for home building. (1993). Skokie, [Ill]: Portland Cement Association. Dore E. (1983). Suspended concrete ground floors for houses. Wexam Springs, [U.K.]: Cement and Concrete Association. Full brick/block house construction. (1980). Australia: Cement and Concrete Association of Australia. Futagawa, Y. (Ed.). (1991). Tadao Ando: details. Tokyo: A.D.A Edita Tokyo Co. Ltd. Gage, M. (1970). Guide to exposed concrete finishes. London: The Architectural Press. Gjerde, M., & Ingham, J. (1999). Masonry buildings not requiring specific engineering design: part 4.2. Wellington: Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand. Guide to suspended concrete floors for houses. (1991, May). (T40). North Sydney: Cement and Concrete Association Australia. Kosmatka, S.H. (1991). Finishing concrete slabs with color and texture. Skokie, [Ill]: Portland Cement Association. Masonry villas: detail guide. (3rd ed.). Newmarket: Firth Industries. Panarese, W.C., Kosmatka, S.H., & Randall Jr, F.A. (1991). Concrete masonry handbook: for Architects, Engineers, Builders. Skokie, [Ill]: Portland Cement Association. Prescriptive method for insulating concrete forms in residential construction. (1998). Skokie, [Ill]: Portland Cement Association. Pringle, T. (1998). Good exterior coating practice. Wellington: BRANZ Publications. Reinforced concrete slab floors for houses a selection guide. (1990). Australia: Cement and Concrete Association of Australia; Steel Reinforcement Institute of Australia. Residential concrete. (2nd ed.). (1994). Washington: Home Builders Press. Roller, J.J. (1996). Design criteria for insulating concrete form wall systems. Skokie, [Ill]: Portland Cement Association. Roper, P. (1987). A practical guide to: blockwork. London: International Thompson Publishing. Thermal insulation roofs. (1983, April). (IB023). Porirua: New Zealand Concrete Research Association. Thermal insulation for: insitu/precast concrete walls. (1983, April). (IB022). Porirua: New Zealand Concrete Research Association. Thermal insulation: avoiding risks a guide to good building construction. (1989). Watford, [U.K.]: Building Research Establishment.
Ambrose, J. (1997). Simplified design of concrete structures ( 7th ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Brand, R. (1990). Architectural details for insulated buildings. USA: Van Nostrad Reinhold. BRANZ house insulation guide. (1995). Wellington, [N.Z.]: BRANZ Publications. Bulleyment, A. (1998). Good concrete floors and basements practice. Wellington: BRANZ Publications. Burry, M., & Preston, J. (Eds.). (1999). Construction primer: student edition 1999. Wellington: Victoria University of Wellington. Cement masons guide. (1987). (PA122.04H). Skokie, [Ill]: Portland Cement Association. Childe, H. L. (1969). Everymans guide to concrete work. London: George Godwin Ltd. Chisholm, D. (1996). Tilt-up technical manual. Wellington: Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand. Concrete 93 : New Zealand Concrete Society, technical conference and AGM, Waipuna Lodge, Mt Wellington, Auckland, Friday 8 to Sunday 10, October 1993. (1993). Wellington: The Concrete Society. Concrete detail design. (1986). London: The Architectural Press. Concrete in housing. (1983). Wexam Springs, [U.K.]: Cement and Concrete Association. Concrete masonry in housing seminar. (1974). Wellington: Concrete Publications Ltd.
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Thornton, G. (1996). Cast in concrete: concrete construction in New Zealand 1850 1939. Hong Kong: South China Printing Company Ltd. Tilt-up housing construction in Victoria. (1990). Melbourne: Cement and Concrete Association of Australia ; Steel Reinforcement Institute of Australia. Tovey, A.K., & Roberts, J.J. (1990). Efficient masonry housebuilding: detailing approach. Wexham Springs: British Cement Association. Tovey, A.K., & Roberts, J.J. (1990). Efficient masonry housebuilding: detailing approach. (48.054). Wexham Springs, Slough: B.C.A. Unifloor: composite steel/concrete floors for dwellings on sloping sites. (1995). Australia: Cement and Concrete Association of Australia. Vanderwerf, P. (et al.). (1997). Insulating concrete forms for residential design and construction. New York: McGraw-Hill. Vanderwerf, P.A., & Munsell, W.K. (1996). Insulating concrete forms: construction manual: successful methods and techniques. U.S.A.: Portland Cement Association. Waddell, J. (1974). Precast concrete: handling and erection. Detroit [U.S.A.]: American Concrete Institute. Waddell, J., & Dobrowolski, J. (3rd ed.) (1993). Concrete construction handbook. . U.S.A.: McGraw-Hill Inc. Wynn, A.E., & Manning, G.P. (1974). Design and construction of formwork for concrete structures. London: Cement and Concrete Association.
Articles
Insulated precast housing. (1998, August/September). New Zealand Concrete Construction, 42 (4): 10-11. Lewis, W.R. (1998, August/September). Concrete for New Zealand housing. New Zealand Concrete Construction, 42 (4): 6-9. Mills, M. (1991, March/April). External wall insulation: cladding for refurbishment. The International Journal of Construction Maintenance and Repair, 5 (2): 11-15. Munsell, W.K. (1995, January). Stay-in-place wall forms revolutionize home construction. Aberdeens Concrete Construction, 40 (1): 12-19. Pratley, J. (1993, May). Tilt-up techniques: tilt-up takes on the housing market. Australian Concrete Construction, 6 (2): 8 10. Priest, J. (1998, August/September). Masonry homes. New Zealand Concrete Construction, 42 (4): 21-22. Real houses for real people. (1999, December). New Zealand Concrete Construction, 43 (4): 10-16. Residence in the desert. (1994, February/March). New Zealand Concrete Construction, 38 (1): 31-32. Sharman, W. (1993, October/November). Good practice the key to durability. Build, pp.33, 34. The Congreve house. (1995, August/September). New Zealand Concrete Construction, 39 (4): 30-31. Tovey, A. (1998, Spring). Visionary aims and traditional construction. Concrete Quarterly, pp.12-13. Vanderwerf, P.A. (1996, December). Tips for placing concrete into insulating wall forms. Aberdeens Concrete Construction, 41 (12): 925-930. Vanderwerf, P.A., & White, J.G.A. (1998, October). Choosing an insulating concrete form system. Aberdeens Concrete Construction, 43 (10): 845-851.
A concrete opportunity. (1992, June/July). New Zealand Concrete Construction, pp.26-28. Adrienne R. (1996, December/January). Solid solutions. New Zealand Home and Building, 1: 104-107. Ardres, R.P., & Fisher, T. (1995, August). How to build concrete homes using foam forms. Aberdeens Concrete Construction, 40 (8): 659-667. Barnard, D., & Chisholm, D. (1992, July/August). Swing to concrete housing, cladding. Architecture New Zealand, pp. 70 72,74. Burry, M. (1995, September). New technologies. Architecture New Zealand, pp.98-104. Chisholm, D. (1993, August/September). Residential concrete gets competitive. New Zealand Concrete Construction, pp.5-6, 8-10. Concrete blocks making them work. (1991, December). Build, pp.7-8. Examples of the use of concrete in residential design. (1991, May). New Zealand Concrete Construction, 35: 8-13.
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residential concrete

Mann House in Auckland by Ian Juriss.

The raw materials for concrete are readily available.

Recessed timber door & sill Butyl rubber sill flashing

Floor coverings Reinforced conc. slab

Non structural conc. veneer Insulation

Paving level Structural conc. panel

Grigg House by Miles Warren.

Sargent House in Auckland by Ron Sang

An example of exposed aggregate finish. 10

thermal performance and insultation

A contemporary concrete house.

Broderick House by Warren & Mahoney

15 series structural concrete masonry

concrete masonry veneer

insulation in cavity water proofing membrane

horizontal reinforcing steel

vertical reinforcing steel

sealant both faces

Plan view of bond beam at control joint

shrinkage central joint

Shrinkage control joint

full height shrinkage control joint

Shrinkage control joints

Concrete blocks stacked on pallets. 19

It is necessary to coordinate reinforcing placement with block setout.

Kew House by Melling Morse Architects

Roofing on building paper on wire netting Timber trusses

Internally insulated wall section

Bond beam in accordance with NZS 4229

15 series conc. masonry

Bolt connection to bond beam per NZS 4229 Joist hanger

Internal lining Insulation Building paper continuous Timber strapping

Waterproofing system extend min 50 below floor level

100 x 50 on DPC Reinforced concrete slab

Externally insulated wall section

Concete floor system

Suspended ceiling system for services & lighting

Proprietary external insulation system Acrylic plaster system

Proprietary concrete floor system

Suspended ceiling system for services & lighting

Reinforced conc. slab

Roofing on building paper on wire netting Timber trusses

Concrete masonry veneer

Ceiling lining on battens

Ventilated cavity 10 series conc. block veneer

Externally insulated wall

Foundation crawl space

Internal finish Timber skirting Particle board flooring

Openings in wall for ventilation to comply with NZS 3604

20 series reinforced conc. masonry footing on concrete bed

RAISED GROUND FLOOR

Timber window details

Timber reveal Glazing in timber window frame

Aluminium window details

Interior lining Building paper Insulation

DPC over waterproofing membrane and over building paper

Continuous sealant bead A Waterproofing system

Timber door details

15 series lintel block

Timber door head and bead

Sealant Continuous head flashing

Glazed timber door