Modifying an Existing ICF Wall

[destory]

We have a situation where a contractor wants to put a new opening in an existing ICF wall. The new opening will be 48" wide. We do have drawings for the building and know the rebar spacing...etc. Are there any special considerations that we need to be aware of for modifying existing ICF walls as opposed to standard cast-in-place concrete walls?

 

[jayrod12]

Have a plan in place, even if just in your back pocket, for what you're going to do if you discover voids in the wall when you remove the insulation to do any reinforcing for the opening. I've had it on multiple instances where there are notable, unacceptable voids in ICF walls.

 

[JAE]

ICF vs. CIP differences?

To me they are structurally the same thing - reinforced concrete walls. The insulation is just a stay-in-place form.

In many cases a small (48" wide) opening like that can successfully arch if you have enough concrete wall above the opening and on each side.