| Are you in the market to build a new home? Are | | | | further from the top of the tie beam, which |
| you in the market to save money by building an | | | | means that the 12" deep Tie beam of this |
| energy efficient home? If so, then this article will | | | | system is stronger than a 12" beam in concrete |
| introduce you to the "new" kid on the block. Well, | | | | block construction using the same rebar steel. You |
| actually it is the "oldest" kid on the block. If you | | | | can compare this type method of construction |
| are looking to build a home that is sustainable and | | | | with wood framing, commonly called stick built |
| energy efficient, then you need to look no | | | | homes. The strength of this type of concrete wall |
| further. This article will discuss this system. | | | | is in the vicinity of 20 times stronger than 2" x 4" |
| The method is known as C-I-C by the | | | | stick built homes. Panels are connected together |
| Department of Energy. Let's take a look at what | | | | by the hardening of the concrete and the |
| is included in this method of construction. Very | | | | interlocking with the C-Studs, making an |
| basically, a form can be made off site. The form | | | | unbreakable connection. Rebar is either 'wet set' |
| or panel is then taken to the job site. They are | | | | when the slab is first poured, or epoxied into the |
| then placed on the footers or the slab, and filled | | | | slab. At the top of the rebar there is a bend |
| with concrete. You then have concrete walls. | | | | within the tie beam area at the top of the panel. |
| These concrete walls are most mold resistant, | | | | This forms a tie column from the slab to the tie |
| fire resistant, termite proof, most pest resistant | | | | beam. This completed tie column has a vertical |
| and most energy efficient. Understand that the | | | | rebar, 2-structural C-studs that face each other |
| system is not a system of concrete blocks, but | | | | and concrete, creating a column five times |
| rather a system of concrete panels the height of | | | | stronger than a filled cell with rebar that is found |
| walls and widths up to four feet wide that are 7" | | | | in a concrete block filled cell construction. This |
| thick. | | | | type of construction can also resist over 2 1/2 |
| The parts of the wall can easily be designed to | | | | times the force of 150 MPH winds. |
| include a Concrete Tie Beam, C-Studs every 14 | | | | So, if you wish to build a home that is mold |
| ½" apart, a steel rebar where each panel | | | | resistant, fire resistant, termite proof, pest |
| meets the next one, concrete and foam. The Tie | | | | resistant and energy efficient, then find a designer |
| beam is part of the panel form that is brought to | | | | and/or builder familiar with the C-I-C method of |
| the job site. It will not require any more forming. | | | | construction. |
| The tie beam rebar that is required per code is | | | | |