LiteDeck ICF Concrete Decking System from LiteForm
The Lightweight and Versatile Concrete Deck Forming System - LiteDeck from LiteForm
Architects, Engineers, General Contractors, and Building Owners often ask the question: “What is a single-solution decking system that will provide me with unrivalled protection from Nature’s most destructive forces – tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires – while also delivering excellent energy efficiency and a noise-free living environment”. The answer: LiteDeck Insulated Concrete Floors, Roofs, and Decks. This lightweight and versatile decking system that so efficiently delivers all of these critical building features is the solid concrete alternative for conventional floor and deck applications in the residential sector (both single and multi-family), commercial buildings, and safety structures (safe rooms/storm shelters).
Uncompromised Disaster Resistance
Evidence consistently shows that the roofs and windows of buildings are the weakest links in its structural envelope when subjected to high winds from tornadoes and hurricanes. Focusing on traditionally-built roofs (wood-frame), this is the component of a building’s structural shell that normally goes first in high-wind events, thereby exposing the occupants and contents to the torrential rains that normally accompany these super-storms. If the walls are also built of light-frame construction (wood or steel frame), these structural members are normally blown away shortly after the roof has been removed/dismantled by these violent winds.
What is the solution? Disaster-resistant construction requires that we build a Disaster Resistant Shell (DRS) as coined by D.E. “Joe” Warnes, a structural engineer specializing in disaster-resistant concrete dwellings. According to Warnes, the most proven DRS is an all-concrete structural shell that ties the roof, floor(s), and wall together into a monolithic structure using steel reinforcement.
Incorporating a LiteDeck roof that is monolithically attached to reinforced concrete walls which are monolithically joined with the reinforced concrete floor(s) – also LiteDeck – produces a structure that can resist 250 mph + tornadic winds. Walls constructed using ICFs are ideal for creating disaster resistant structures as ICF walls uniquely provide the same performance and safety features attributed to LiteDeck ICF floors/roofs/decks (see the next section below).
Safety, Energy-Efficiency, & Sound-Proofing
As a huge bonus to the disaster resistance of LiteDeck ICF decks, building owners will realize the safety and economic benefits of fire-resistant floors/roofs; high energy efficiency - R values ranging from 26 to 50, low air infiltration, and the heat-storing capacity (thermal mass) of concrete; and remarkable noise reduction (STC 53 to 57).
LiteDeck SRS (Steel Rib System) for ICF Concrete Deck Forming
LiteDeck SRS (Steel Rib System) consists of high density EPS foam (1.25 lbs. pcf) and longitudinal ribs made from galvanized 18 gauge steel on 12” centers. The steel rib also serves as an attachment strip to which ceiling finishes can be attached. The LiteDeck SRS arrives assembled in custom lengths and can be used for clear spans in excess of 50 feet.
Technical Details
Diagram 1: Cross-section that show dimensions of the 24” wide, 6” high base section for the LiteDeck SRS (steel rib section) ICF panels. Higher beam depths are achieved by adding EPS ‘Top Hats’ that are sold in 3 different heights (2”, 4”, and 6”) – see Diagram 2 next.
Diagram 2: To enable structural engineers to achieve the desired beam heights of the LiteDeck ICF decking, 18” wide Top Hats (8’ or 4’ (recycled) long) are placed –in any combination - on top of the 6” high, 24” wide base sections.
Additional Resources
LiteDeck ICF Concrete Decking System for Floors, Roofs & Decks - Brochure
LiteDeck ICF Concrete Decking System for Floors, Roofs & Decks - Design Guide
LiteDeck Steel Rib System (SRS) Concrete Decking System - Installation Guide
LiteDeck ICF Concrete Deck Forming System for Floors, Roofs and Decks - Installation and Assembly
LiteDeck EPS Concrete Deck Forming System for ICF Floors, Roofs and Decks Project Gallery
Get a free quotation for LiteDeck ICF Concrete Decking System for Floors, Roofs and Decks for your next green building project in Georgia.
GET A FREE QUOTE FOR LITEDECK ICF GREEN BUILDING PRODUCTS FOR GA