CONCRETE

PLACEMENT

Issue Date: March 2008 - 84 - 04/15/2008

Issue Date: March 2008 - 85 - 04/15/2008
PRE-PLACEMENT PREPARATION
BRACING
Remember the “4 BAR” rule. If a cut leaves more than 4 bars showing past a web, additional shoring should
be installed prior to placement of concrete.

ZIP TIES
Use caution when tightening the zip ties. It is possible to pull the outer panel of the “top” leg wall in too far.
Properly tightened, there should be no more than 1/8” of inward deflection.

REBAR
Place rebar as specified!

PLUMB WALL
Plumb and straighten all walls before the pour. Using a laser is recommended but not necessary.
By attaching scrap 2 x 4s in the corners vertically on the top course of forms you will be able to run a string
line around the building. As one worker measures along the wall to make sure the distance between the
string and the wall is consistent, someone else can be adjusting the kickers as necessary to bring the wall
into plumb.

TURNBUCKLES
Check to make certain that the diagonal turnbuckles of the wall alignment system are adjusted to the middle
position.

INTERMEDIATE STORY PREPARATION

Cover all top edges of the wall with wide tape or something else removable. This will keep the top of the
forms clean and allow additional forms to be stacked on top. 4-6 foot pieces of plastic or aluminum gutter
work well to cover the top of the wall. These pieces may be moved along as you pour.

TOP STORY PREPARATION

After intermediate floors (if any) have been

poured, roof attachments should be on site
and ready to install.

This method shows a steel frame roofing

attachment to an ICF wall. These
connections are typically set after the top
story has been poured and leveled and
while concrete is still workable.

The same method would be used for a

wood framed roof also.

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PRE-PLACEMENT CHECKLIST
The day before the pour, you should reserve a few hours to double-check the wall.

FOAM IS EASY TO CORRECT, CONCRETE IS HARD!

ITEM COMPLETED
Does the layout match the plans everywhere?
Are the walls plumb everywhere?
Are the walls square?
Is the top of the wall level?
Are all bucks in place, level, plumb and square?
Is each buck securely connected to the forms?
Are all bucks diagonally braced against racking?
Has all corner reinforcement been attached?
Are all jobsite manufactured angles reinforced from both sides?
Have all non standard connections been reinforced from both sides?
Are all T-walls and pilasters reinforced properly?
Are all cuts and potential weak spots reinforced?
Are all lintels properly reinforced?
Are all penetration sleeves in place and glued securely?
Are all anchor bolts or brackets for interior walls in place?
Is the top course of horizontal rebar (if any) in place?
Is the top of the wall protected with tape if you are planning another level?
Have you planned out the position of the anchor bolts or straps (if any) at the top of the wall?
Do you have enough anchor bolts or straps on hand for the top of the wall?
Is the ledger or ledger connections (if any) in place and securely fastened?
Do you have squares of plywood or scrap 1x4s to screw over the wall if weak spots appear?
Have you received your building department inspection and approval?
Have you received your engineer inspection and approval (if necessary)?
Is the job site clear for the operation of the concrete truck, pump (if any) and the crew that will be
on the ground?
Is the concrete ordered and quantity verified?
Is the pump (if any) ordered?
Is there good access for the pump truck and concrete truck?

Issue Date: March 2008 - 87 - 04/15/2008

CONCRETE PLACEMENT METHODS

Using a boom pump is the recommended method for placing

concrete in ECO-Block walls because of its easy
maneuverability and less need for additional manpower during
the pour. Order a boom pump with a line reduction to a 3”
flexible hose. When pump arrives at jobsite, make sure it is
placed within hearing distance of workers pouring the wall.

A line pump is smaller and often less expensive. Order one with
a 3-inch line or less. Since you will need 1-2 workers on the
ground during the pour to help move the line, you need to
compare man hours to pump hours when using this system.

The Crane or Hopper is primarily used for high-rise structures.

A conveyor is standard equipment on some concrete trucks.

Again, the truck will need to be continuously moved and you
should consider man hours, truck time, and consolidation
issues. This is not a good method but may have a valid use in
applications such as retaining walls.

Concrete can be placed from the

truck chute but be aware of
consolidation issues. This method
is feasible when all walls are either
at or below grade – such as a stem
wall or a basement. Again, check
your man hours and truck time as
the truck will need to be moved a
number of times.

Issue Date: March 2008 - 88 - 04/15/2008

 CONCRETE RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCRETE ESTIMATE
After the wall is built and ready to pour, re-estimate the amount of concrete. DO NOT RELY ON THE
ORIGINAL ESTIMATE since the layout may have changed. A quick way to re-estimate the number of cubic
yards of concrete needed is:
1. Count the number of blocks in the walls
a. Divide by 15 for 4” walls (one yard fills 15 blocks)
b. Divide by 10 for 6” walls (one yard fills 10 blocks)
c. Divide by 7.5 for 8” walls (one yard fills 7.5 blocks)
d. Divide by 6 for 10” walls (one yard fills 6 blocks)
e. Divide by 5 for 12” walls (one yard fills 5 blocks)
2. Add one yard for screed off walls
3. Add one yard for pump truck

We recommend specifications in the chart below for the concrete mix. If the engineer, architect, or local
building codes specify a different mix design, follow their specifications. You may also consult the concrete
supplier for the availability of an ICF mix.

Compressive Strength 3,000 psi at 28 days

Aggregate size (4” block) 3/8” aggregate
Aggregate size (6” block) ½” aggregate
Aggregate size (8” block) ¾” aggregate
Water/cement ratio Less than 0.6
Slump 5.5 – 6.5

Under 5.5 – Slump is too low 5.5 to 6.5 – Slump is correct Over 6.5 – Slump is too high

Concrete slump is the measure of flowability of concrete. Slump can be measured by pouring concrete into a
cone, as shown, consolidating it with a rod, and turning out on a flat surface and removing the cone from the
concrete. Hold a horizontal rod across the top of the upside down cone for level. Measure distance to the top
of the concrete from the rod – that is the “slump” number.

NOTE: Adding one gallon of water per cubic yard reduces concrete strength by 150psi according to the PCA
rule of thumb.

TECHNICAL TIP:
DO NOT ADD EXTRA WATER TO THE CONCRETE, EITHER AT THE PLANT OR AT THE JOB
SITE. THIS PRODUCES WEAK CONCRETE AND INCREASES THE PRESSURE ON THE FORMS.

Issue Date: March 2008 - 89 - 04/15/2008

FORM PRESSURE
During concrete placement, the concrete exerts outward pressure on the forms which is known as form
pressure. ECO-Block ICFs are designed to withstand this form pressure; however, the installer needs to
follow recommended guidelines to avoid dangerously increasing the form pressure. The outward pressure is
highest near the bottom of a lift. That is the reason for extra connectors and bracing on the first course.

As concrete sets, the pressure gradually reduces to near zero. By the time the crew begins the second lift,
the concrete of the first lift has set enough that there is little likelihood of difficulties in the bottom of the wall.
As the second lift is poured, the highest pressure occurs at the bottom of the second lift. When consolidating
the concrete, be sure to extend into the lift below to avoid a cold joint at the intersection of the two lifts.

0’

2’

4’

6’

8’

Issue Date: March 2008 - 90 - 04/15/2008

There are a dozen or more factors that could influence the pressure of concrete against the forms. The four
most important variables are:

1. THE FORCE OF THE FALLING CONCRETE

The maximum pressure develops at the bottom of each lift. As concrete falls into the forms it exerts an
outward pressure approximately 1.5 times greater than the pressure it exerts when it is resting in the
forms. Many recommendations are geared towards minimizing this extra pressure, including using a
reducer hose on the boom pump or a 3-inch line on any pump. Not following these recommendations will
increase the pressure on the forms and the risk of form failure.

2. VIBRATION
Vibrating the forms will also increase the pressure approximately 1.5 times. Using a smaller diameter
vibrator can significantly reduce this pressure. The recommended diameter is 1”. Under no
circumstances should a vibrator greater than 1” in diameter be used on the walls. When the walls are
being vibrated maximum pressure will again occur at the bottom of the forms, so be sure to watch
carefully.

3. WATER ADDED TO THE CONCRETE

Adding extra water to the concrete can increase pressure more than 1.5 times depending on the amount
added. It also weakens the final concrete, and may weaken it below what is required. Therefore;
ADDING EXTRA WATER TO THE CONCRETE IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

4. CONCRETE TEMPERATURE
In cold weather, hot water is typically added to the concrete mix at the plant; however, trip duration and
pumping time may drop the temperature of the concrete to the point that lifts need to be adjusted to
approximately half height to compensate for the added time it will take for the concrete to set up.

TECHNICAL TIP
Because the cavity on a 4” wall tends to fill much faster than a 6” or thicker wall, the
concrete pressures increase faster. PLACE CONCRETE VERY SLOWLY WHEN
FILLING A 4” WALL!

Issue Date: March 2008 - 91 - 04/15/2008

PLACEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Each pass around the wall perimeter is considered a “lift”. Maximum lifts of three to four feet until the wall
cavity is filled are recommended for most applications. Lift height of 4’ is reduced when temperatures drop
below 30º because concrete set time is reduced. Lift height is also dependent on crew experience so plan to
get experienced help the first couple of times you place concrete.

1. Before, during, and after placement,

check laser or string line and adjust the
braces as necessary to bring the wall to
perfect plumb everywhere
2. Select a starting point near the center of
a wall
3. Wall Perimeter - Begin placing concrete
in the center of one wall, swinging the
concrete hose in a back and forth
motion, while moving around the wall
perimeter. (The swinging motion of the
hose allows the concrete pressure to be
evenly dispersed over several feet.)
4. Corners – Stop concrete placement 2-3’
from either side of the corner. Swing
the hose to either side and through the
corner allowing the concrete pressure to
be dispersed away from the corner,
NOT directly in the corner
5. T-wall – Stop concrete placement 2-3’
from either side of T-wall. Pour
concrete into the T-wall allowing it to
flow away from the T-Wall
6. Follow the same procedure on the
remaining walls, working around the
building in a consistent direction
(clockwise or counterclockwise)
7. Follow the same procedure outlined
above as many times as necessary until
the wall is filled, keeping in mind that if
another story of ECO-Block will be built
on top of this one, the concrete should
be kept at least 4” below the top of the
wall
8. If a roof or frame walls will go on top,
trowel the concrete smooth and check
the wall for level at close intervals
9. Insert anchor bolts or straps as necessary for the roof trusses or top plate
10. After each lift, check all dimensions, including diagonals and adjust as necessary
11. Reinforcement of the bucks can be removed any time after the concrete has set up – at least one day
12. Do not remove the bracing and scaffolding until concrete has reached adequate strength, usually 3-5
days

Issue Date: March 2008 - 92 - 04/15/2008

CONSOLIDATION
Internal vibration in accordance with ACI 309R-96, “Guide for Consolidation of Concrete,” is required for all
concrete walls to ensure proper concrete consolidation. It is recommended to use a ¾” diameter electric or
gas powered vibrator with a maximum five seconds (in and out) into every other core to reduce the risk of
blowouts. Under no circumstances should a vibrator greater than 1” in diameter be used on the walls. If the
vibrator becomes entangled, the power should be turned off until the shaft is removed from the concrete to
avoid blowouts. In congested areas where excessive rebar and imbeds are present, it is recommended to
use ACI309.3R-92, “Guide to Consolidation of Concrete in Congested Areas.”

NOTE: Prolonged periods of static vibration can cause the form pressure to be doubled resulting in an
overstressing of the forms and blowouts may occur.

You should have 1-2 workers on the ground

continuously inspecting walls. Pay special
attention to consolidation over window and door
openings due to added rebar.

If the crew spots a bulge, reinforce it with a square of plywood or some 1x4s screwed flat over the bulge.
Screw these wood reinforcements directly to the ECO-Block webs with #10 course thread drywall screws.

If any of the foam happens to blow out, stop the concrete placement on that wall. This rarely happens but it is
possible if the rate of placement has been too fast, or the concrete is too wet. Move the placement to the
next wall and continue to work as the crew repairs the hole. To repair the hole, remove the concrete down to
the bottom of the hole. Replace the torn form fragment, cover it by screwing plywood or 1x4s to the webs at
least 16”, or 2 webs beyond the torn form. The placement can now resume on the repaired wall.

Issue Date: March 2008 - 93 - 04/15/2008