An increasing number of designers and builders are choosing ICFs for disaster-resistant construction. ICF concrete structures are strong and perform better against natural disasters than conventional building systems. This strength and reliability are significant in places where earthquakes are common. This post will cover research demonstrating the superior seismic resistance of insulated concrete forms in buildings.
The information in this post comes from two studies: a 2022 study from the USRC and a 2001 study from HUD.
The Seismic-Resilience of Insulated Concrete Forms Building
The Seismic Performance of ICFs
ICF buildings demonstrate exceptional seismic performance compared to traditional construction methods. According to the research, ICFs provide 18% to 80% higher lateral force strength and four to five times greater stiffness. This increased strength and rigidity result in lower property damage during earthquakes and faster recovery times.
ICF Concrete and Racking Strength
Racking strength is crucial for earthquake resilience, measuring a material’s ability to withstand lateral forces. ICFs exhibit impressive racking strength, ranging from 2,500 to 8,500 pounds per foot of wall length. This far surpasses the 300 to 2,000 pounds per foot of wall length typically seen in wood-frame constructions. ICFs offer five to ten times the racking strength of wood framing.
Bending Strength With ICFs
Bending strength is another critical factor in the seismic resilience of a structure. ICF structures demonstrate impressive bending strength, ranging from 200 to 400 pounds per square foot. That is a significant improvement over the 50 to 100 pounds per square foot of traditional wood-frame structures. This enhanced bend strength equips buildings with the resilience to withstand the forces of earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Faster Recovery Times
ICFs also outperform other building systems in the aftermath of earthquakes. These structures have quicker recovery times following seismic events. Typical recovery is less than two weeks for ICF structure. In contrast, traditional wood, CLT, and steel constructions may take significantly longer to recover. Under comparable conditions, recovery times for these structures ranged from 1.5 to 9.5 months.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
While initial costs for ICFs may be slightly higher than for traditional buildings, the long-term benefits outweigh this initial investment. In most cases, building with ICFs will only require a 6% or less cost increase compared to alternatives. However, ICF buildings incur significantly less damage during seismic events. That translates to faster recovery times and lower recovery costs. These factors make ICF building particularly advantageous in areas of high seismic activity.
With this level of strength and durability, ICFs should be a top building choice for areas prone to natural disasters. And that goes beyond earthquakes. ICF structures also perform well against hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters.
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