We often receive questions about whether or not building designs must be done at the onset with Nudura ICFs in minds.

While your design plans do not have to be done specifically for our forms, it helps accelerate the construction process if the modular dimensions of the form unit are considered. However, Nudura ICFs are flexible enough to adapt to an existing design.

Should you want to design using Nudura’s most optimal dimensions, ask your local distributor for the Dimension Layout Guidelines, or contact us. You can also take a look at our database of existing ICF houseplans here. 

In the meantime, read on for our responses to other frequently asked questions about consolidating concrete, lift heights, and stepped footings:

HOW DO I PROPERLY CONSOLIDATE CONCRETE?

For builders, an in-depth understanding of how to properly consolidate concrete is one of the cornerstones of an effective concrete pour. Consistently dipping the vibrator, or ‘stinger’ into the concrete every second web over the total height of the ‘lift’ will ensure the best results.

WHAT IS A LIFT HEIGHT?

Lift height is simply a measurement of how high you pour your concrete in one pass around the perimeter of your wall. According to ACI 318 standard practice, your lift heights should be 4 feet (1200mm) per hour.

WHAT IS THE TOTAL HEIGHT OF A POUR?

Concrete is typically poured in 10 to 12 foot (3050-3658mm) levels. Therefore, a typical pour consists of 2-3 lifts.

WHAT ARE THE BEST INCREMENTS TO USE FOR STEPPED FOOTINGS?

When using Nudura ICFs for a foundation wall, and you have stepped footing, it is best to use 18-inch (450mm) increments for stepped footings. Because the height of our form unit is 18 inches, you can easily rip a standard form unit in half for a 9-inch (225mm) increment.