Pouring in Lifts
1. A lift is a specified height that concrete is poured to at one time in a continuous pour.
2. Concrete, when poured, will begin an initial set or slake. This will vary by temperature, humidity, and other weather conditions, but is typically 30-45 minutes.
Slake Notes
- This initial slake relieves the amount of pressure on the lower forms.
- This is usually about the amount of time it takes to work around a structure back to the beginning.
- Concrete should be consolidated at each lift to ensure that it is in its final position before the initial set.
- Align the wall as each lift is poured. This is especially important in tall walls.
- Take the slack out of bracing as you pour the wall. You should feel a slight pressure on the brace, but not actively move the wall.
Pouring in Lifts
ICF structures are poured to a height of 4’ working around the structure. When the beginning is reached, another 4’ is added and the process repeated until the full wall height is reached.
The initial 4’ lift should reach the bottom sill of windows so consolidation below windows can be accomplished during that lift.
1. Typically a total wall height of no more than 16-feet is poured in an ICF wall at any one time. This is the recommendation of most bracing manufacturers as well.
2. The time difference between pouring in multiple lifts or all at once is negligible since concrete is pumped at a consistent rate.
