Feasibility study for use of the Constructive Method Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), for the Execution of a Building in the Northwest Region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul Through the Constructive System of Self-Supporting Reinforced Concrete Walls

Abstract

Seeking to expand knowledge about more effective construction systems and methods, valuing sustainability, offering benefits such as productivity, financial savings and reduction of waste from construction, but mainly, thermal and acoustic comfort, the Insulated Concrete construction methodology was identified on the market. Forms (ICF), employed by the company ARXX Brasil. This methodology, originally American, is adopted in the concrete wall construction system, which in turn allows the execution of self-supporting buildings, providing high levels of thermal and acoustic conformity. The molds used in the construction of the walls are manufactured in EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), with their faces fixed using components called “fingers”, which are considered in the structural calculation of the wall. The walls are easily assembled, like Lego pieces, which fit together using male-female fittings. From this context, the present study focused on presenting this innovative methodology, demonstrating its applicability through a comparative study with the conventional construction system, widely used in Brazil. From this, significant results were obtained that demonstrate that the ARXX ICF methodology is the most viable to be used, especially in regions where the seasons are well defined, such as the states located in the southern region of Brazil.