Step 13: Attaching Bracing

Braces are placed every 4-6 feet to align ICF walls, withstand wind during construction, and prevent leaning walls. Additional bracing may be needed around corners, openings, bulkheads, and vertical seams, so plan accordingly to ensure that there is enough bracing onsite.

Erect the bracing system after the third or fourth course is stacked. This ensures that the system is in place before it becomes difficult to place horizontal rebar or stack additional courses. Take stock of weather conditions. If it is exceptionally windy it may be necessary to brace walls earlier in the stacking process.

The final working height should be sufficient to place vertical rebar, inspect the wall cavity, safely pour the ICF wall, and internally vibrate during the pour.

When attaching bracing to the ICF wall, first attach the strongback using coarse thread RemoveRite Duplex Screws. The screw is placed in the top of the slot in the strongback and left slightly loose.

The forms will compress and settle slightly as concrete is placed and at the top of the slot the screw can travel downward slightly. If placed at the bottom of the slot, the screw cannot move downward and the pressure is transferred to the brace making the wall difficult to align and possibly bowing the wall or damaging the bracing.