Hot box Test R-value Database
Polysteel Wall Technologies
Introduction
The Polysteel wall system is based on waffle grid insulating concrete forms (ICFs) produced by American Polysteel Forms. Thickness of these forms is 9-1/4-in.
During February 1996, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Building Technology Center (ORNL BTC) tested Polysteel walls in the guarded hot box under the steady state conditions. Exterior surface of the wall was finished with ½-in. thick layer of stucco. On the interior surface of tested wall ½-in. thick gypsum boards were installed.
Reinforced high density concrete was poured into the wall forms. Polysteel wall forms are made of complex EPS foam shells with a density of app. 1.6 lb/ft³. The steel ties hold the Polysteel form together. They allow free and relatively uniform flow of concrete throughout the inside of the forms. Also they help in correct placement of horizontal rebar according to engineering specifications.