Integrated Brick Ledge a simple step with ICFs

Once again, we're dealing with EPS, expanded polystyrene, easily manipulated with simple tools like the handsaw or a key hole saw. This makes the system flexible in its structural capacity, since we can shape forms and add reinforcement for liquid concrete to conform to our designs. Read further for a walkthrough of the brick ledge process.

Holes are simply carved between the steel ties with a hand saw. The steel ties remain intact for form strength while allowing a place for reinforcement and concrete to reach out of the formwork.

These are specially bent rebar called stirrups, prescribed by the project engineer, which are fastened to the 12" on center vertical rebar. They connect the ledge, on which two and a half stories of brick will rest, to the 8" concrete wall inside the forms making a monolithic structure.

During concrete placement the, in this case, second lift was stopped at the height of the ledge to allow consolidation (here mildly assisted by a concrete vibrator) without spilling concrete. You can see how clean the form work is, a testimony to the care required, and employed, by the pump operator and hose man.

Since we're not dealing with a finish surface, the extent of the detailing is what you see here.

Removal of the formwork...

Reveals a clean, effective ledge which will eliminate the need for many hundreds of square feet of masonry which would otherwise be need to run all the way down to the footings.

Form work is easily provide around corners, and at various heights.