concrete frame construction

Concrete frame construction involves very different solutions that can provide more than durability, strength or termite and fire resistance.

Types of concrete Frame Construction

Concrete construction comprises several concrete frame options but also solutions like...

1) Masonry, 2) AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete), 3) ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms), 4) Cast in place concrete and 5) Precast concrete….

Concrete Construction Advantages

Concrete construction can provide durability, strength and termite and fire resistance, and in some solutions like ICF Forms exceptional thermal insulation, comfort and energy-savings.

Concrete construction also ranks high in thermal mass, acoustic properties or flood resilience.

But, as with other materials, concrete has limitations and disadvantages.

Disadvantages of concrete construction

Concrete can deliver sustainability benefits, but has also negative environmental impacts, namely those associated with the large amounts of energy used in its production, or with the impacts embodied in the quarrying of the concrete raw materials.

Concrete frame construction

Concrete frame construction comprise concrete beams and columns, connected by rigid joints, and involves several subtypes of construction (non-ductile/ductile frames with/without infill walls…).

Costs of concrete vs. steel and timber frame construction

Concrete frame construction is usually cost-competitive with timber and steel framing.

There are many issues that should be considered when making the choice of the type of framing. Issues like structural strength, energy-efficiency, the costs of foundations, sheathing or insulation are critical to achieve the best-value solution.

Elements like the existence of builders familiarized with each type of construction, and the existence or not of a trained labor force are also key determinants of final costs.

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Autoclaved Concrete (also called Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, Porous Concrete and Cellular Concrete) units are light blocks made from a mixture of cement, lime, sand, water and aluminum powder that can be combined with concrete frame construction (or other framing technologies).

See, for details: AAC Homes and Walls

Masonry

Masonry (namely concrete blocks assembled with mortar) is a traditional product, with good strength and durability in many parts of the world.

It has a good thermal mass, which makes it an acceptable or good energy-efficient choice in many temperate climates. To become an high energy-efficient option, masonry solutions demand a good thermal foam insulated sheathing...

ICF forms

ICF are plastic foam (or other proprietary material) forms, designed to hold concrete: the forms remain in place as insulation layers, after the concrete curing cycle is complete. The insulation forms are extremely lightweight and produce very high energy efficiency walls, while concrete ensures extreme strength and durability.

See, for details: ICF Forms

Cast-in-Place Concrete

Cast-in-place concrete solutions have some resemblance with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF forms), but they involve removable forms for the pouring of concrete walls (instead of permanent foam forms).

Without a convenient foam insulated sheathing, cast-in-place concrete is a poor energy-efficient solution.

Precast Concrete

Precast concrete walls are typically made with pre-manufactured concrete panels, often pre-insulated with rigid foam board. They are little used in residential building.

Panels up to 16 feet length (4,9m) and heights of 4, 8, and 10 feet (1,2m; 2,4m; 3m) are the most common. Their weight demands a crane to lift them into place.

Precast concrete solutions have most of the requirements of SIP wall construction: they rely on careful design and planning prior to their delivery and site assembly, and involve higher costs for customized solutions.

But contrary to SIP wall construction, precast concrete solutions do not embody energy efficiency, unless involving a convenient foam insulated sheathing.