[CCMC 13354-R] CCMC Canadian code compliance evaluation

It is the opinion of the Canadian Construction Materials Centre that the evaluated product, when used as a flat insulating concrete form wall system in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this evaluation, complies with the following code:

National Building Code of Canada 2015

The above opinion(s) is/are based on the evaluation by the CCMC of technical evidence provided by the evaluation holder, and is bound by the stated conditions and limitations. For the benefit of the user, a summary of the technical information that forms the basis of this evaluation has been included.

Product name

Polycrete^® Big Block 1600

Product description

The product is a foldable, modular, flat insulating concrete form wall system consisting of two expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels. Embedded within the EPS panels is steel wire mesh reinforcement connected with metal ties during the manufacturing process. The forms are dry-laid and stacked in a running (staggered) configuration. The stacked units form a rectangular space, which, after being filled with concrete, forms an insulated monolithic concrete wall of uniform thickness. The polystyrene panels have a preformed interlocking mechanism along their top and bottom edges to facilitate stacking and to prevent the leakage of freshly placed concrete.

Reinforcement may be placed where required to satisfy strength requirements for above- or below-grade loadbearing walls, beams, lintels, and shear walls. The units have external dimensions of 2 440 mm in length and 305 mm, 460 mm and 610 mm in height. The polystyrene panels are 64 mm thick resulting in an overall wall thickness of 270 mm, 320 mm, 370 mm, and 420 mm. The forms are available in straight, tapered top and brick ledge forms.

Manufacturing plant

This evaluation is valid only for products produced at the following plant:

Product evaluated by the CCMC Indicates that the product from this manufacturing facility has been evaluated by the CCMC

The CCMC’s compliance opinion is bound by this product being used in accordance with the conditions and limitations set out below.

• Use of the product is permitted in the construction of houses and small buildings up to two storeys high that fall under the provisions of Part 9 of Division B of the NBC 2015, subject to all of the conditions listed below.
• Structural applications of the product must be in strict accordance with the design analysis as prepared for Smag Industries and included in Genivar Report, dated 25 October 2011, from which the tables in the Design requirements section have been reproduced. When the product is used in structural applications outside the scope of the referenced design analysis, a professional engineer skilled in concrete design must certify the design analysis and the design drawings for such applications. The engineer must certify that the construction conforms to Part 4 and/or Part 9 of the NBC 2015.
• The attachment of exterior cladding and interior finishing materials has not been assessed by the present evaluation. The exterior cladding attachment must be in accordance with Section 9.27., Cladding, of Division B of the NBC 2015. The interior finishes attachment must be in accordance with Section 9.29., Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• The concrete compressive strength shall not be less than 20 MPa after 28 days when used with this product.
• The maximum aggregate size to be used in conjunction with the product must be no greater than 14 mm.
• For the wall heights indicated in the tables Vertical and horizontal steel reinforcement for below-grade walls and Vertical and horizontal steel reinforcement for above-grade walls, the pouring of concrete must be made at a rate of 1.3 m per hour in consecutive lifts where each lift is limited to a maximum height of 1.3 m.
• The EPS insulation used in this system must comply with CAN/ULC-S701-11, “Standard for Thermal Insulation, Polystyrene, Boards and Pipe Covering,” Type 2.
• The product's EPS insulation panels must be aged for at least three weeks from their date of manufacturing.
• The interior face of the product panels must be protected from the inside of the building in accordance with Article 9.10.17.10., Protection of Foamed Plastics, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• For above-grade installations, the exterior face of the product must be protected with materials conforming to Article 9.20.6.4., Masonry Veneer, and Sections 9.27., Cladding, and/or 9.28., Stucco, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• The concrete must be cured a minimum of seven days before backfilling. The top of the foundation wall must be supported by the first floor prior to backfilling.
• For below-grade installations, dampproofing material must be provided in accordance with Article 9.13.2.2., Dampproofing Materials, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• Where hydrostatic pressure exists, waterproofing must be provided in accordance with Article 9.13.3.2., Waterproofing Materials, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• For foundation-wall installations, the backfill must be placed in such a way as to avoid damaging the wall, the exterior insulation panel, and the waterproofing or dampproofing protection. The backfill material must be well-drained and a drainage system must be installed around the footing in accordance with NBC requirements.
• Installation of the product must be in compliance with the “Polycrete Installation Manual,” Version 1.0 Revision 1.10 dated 2011-1-27.
• The concrete wall must be constructed on a footing designed as per Article 9.15.3.4., Basic Footing Widths and Areas, of Division B of the NBC 2015.

This evaluation is based on demonstrated conformance with the following criteria:

The evaluation holder has submitted technical documentation for the CCMC's evaluation. Testing was conducted at laboratories recognized by the CCMC. The corresponding technical evidence for this product is summarized below.