05-28-2009, 03:41 AM
A properly reinforced concrete wall will out perform wood frame every day. But I want to emphasize a proper design and rebar placement.
The Rastra ICF line we handle, by example, was tested in a seismic rack and compared to wood frame for measured force to fail it's load carrying ability and whether that failure was gradual or catastrophic.
Results from U.C. Irvine:
Failure at:
Wood Frame = 9 kps
Rastra = 84 kps
Rastra out performed wood frame with plywood shear wall by a factor of nine.
Failure type:
Wood Frame = catastrophic
Rastra = gradual
These types of structural failures mean one one hand you likely die and on the other hand you likely have time to run out of the building.
I participated in these tests at U.C. Irvine and that experience plus my experience as Construction Chief for Habitat for Humanity for the Northridge Earthquake (1991) left me with very low regard for wood frame housing especially as practiced by our mostly jackleg, don't quite know their trade carpenters. But everyone gets to make their own choices.
The Rastra ICF line we handle, by example, was tested in a seismic rack and compared to wood frame for measured force to fail it's load carrying ability and whether that failure was gradual or catastrophic.
Results from U.C. Irvine:
Failure at:
Wood Frame = 9 kps
Rastra = 84 kps
Rastra out performed wood frame with plywood shear wall by a factor of nine.
Failure type:
Wood Frame = catastrophic
Rastra = gradual
These types of structural failures mean one one hand you likely die and on the other hand you likely have time to run out of the building.
I participated in these tests at U.C. Irvine and that experience plus my experience as Construction Chief for Habitat for Humanity for the Northridge Earthquake (1991) left me with very low regard for wood frame housing especially as practiced by our mostly jackleg, don't quite know their trade carpenters. But everyone gets to make their own choices.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Punaweb moderator