Energy performance is becoming increasingly important in residential construction. A critical component in this effort is insulation of the basement or foundation. Several systems exist to accomplish this including interior furring with insulation and exterior insulation. The Thermomass Sandwich wall system has been used for nearly twenty years with traditional modular forming systems but this is the first application using the BEP gang-forming system. The biggest advantage of this system is that the thermal loss attributable to the steel form ties can be eliminated.

In May, Martinson Construction, the largest concrete contractor in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls, IA area, provided a demonstration pour using BEP forms with the STYROFOAM* T-MASS* Residential Poured-in-Place Insulation System in Dunkerton, Iowa.

Martinson used 9′ tall Vertical-Textured B.E.P. forms, with widths ranging from 6′ to 21′ long plus various corners and fillers. The walls formed were 10″ thick and the job was approximately 2000 sq. ft. The STYROFOAM* T-MASS* Residential Poured-in-Place Insulation System improves the energy efficiency of poured foundations by sandwiching the insulation between the concrete. This reduces the need for interior and exterior finishes that are typically required when foam insulation is exposed. The system combines energy-efficient STYROFOAM brand insulation and special connectors that can be used with any poured-in-place concrete form system.

“The process proved quite simple,” Jennie Peacock, vice president of B.E.P. Forming Systems, Inc. “With the use of B.E.P. Forms and the reusable POWER Taper Tie System the foam was easily secured in the middle of the wall unlike the tedious process with standard wall ties that are left in the wall.”

As the forms were being crane set, and the insulation was positioned in the forms, a 1 1/4″ drill through the taper tie hole to penetrate through the insulation was all that was needed. Then the taper ties further secured the insulation.

Even though it was Martinson Construction’s first time using the T-Mass system, the crew of approximately six, with the help of a few highly-seasoned professionals such as Bob Speed of Twin Cities Concrete Systems, Inc in MN, set and poured the wall, without any hindrance, in a timely manner. The pour took just over an hour.

“The guys were a bit skeptical at first,” states Dave Martinson, vice president of Martinson Construction, “but the application was easier than anticipated and they are willing to do it again.”

After stripping the forms, the taper ties are removed from the wall, which will prevent thermal transfer or residual hardware rust – a very important factor in insulating walls.

Several CFA members attended the demonstration including B.E.P.; Dalaco; Tom Brown of TJ Construction Unlimited, Inc.; and Bob Speed of Twin Cities Concrete Systems, Inc. Composite Technologies, who sponsored the event, provided lunch for everyone who attended.

Martinson Construction completes 257 to 300 foundations per year in addition to their commercial business. They have been active members of the CFA since 1993.