7.

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FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMS
144 7.1 Wood Floor Connections
7.1 WOOD FLOOR CONNECTIONS
7.1.1 WOOD FLOORS ON ARXX WALLS
When using ARXX for a foundation wall, stem wall or crawlspace only, the foor and upper wall framing are
connected to and bear on the sill plate, similar to conventional construction. The wood sill plate is connected to
the ARXX wall with anchors bolts, which have been cast into the concrete.
It is recommended to recess the concrete by 1 (38 mm) at the top of the wall, allowing the sill plate to be set
down between the insulated panels, which maintains the full beneft of the insulation across the top of the wall (see
wall trowel, Figure 4.5-1).
FIGURE 7.1.1-1 PLATFORM FRAMING
ANCHOR BOLTS SHOULD BE SIZED AND SPACED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS.
EXTERIOR AIR BARRIER OR HOUSE WRAP SHOULD BE USED TO OVERLAP THE ARXX FORMS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE AIR
SEAL. INTERIOR VAPOR BARRIER SHOULD BE OVERLAPPED AND SEALED OVER THE WOOD FRAMING AND ARXX FORMS BEHIND
THE WALL FINISH.
FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMS ACT AS THE LATERAL SUPPORT FOR THE TOP OF ARXX WALLS.
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145 7.1 Wood Floor Connections

Masonry veneers will require additional surface bearing, directly on concrete. When using a masonry veneer, ARXX
Prime or ARXX Edge taper top forms, which are designed to extend the concrete width at the top of the wall, fulfll
the need for additional surface space. Since ARXX taper top forms require the concrete to be placed to the top of
the form, the sill plate should be set on a sill gasket.
FIGURE 7.1.1-2 BRICK VENEER
7.1.2 GARAGE FLOOR FOUNDATION WALLS
The foundation wall for a garage is typically a frost wall that penetrates a few courses into the ground with a wood
framed wall on top. The sill plate for the stud wall for a garage must bear on concrete, so ARXX standard forms are
not recommended for the top course. ARXX Prime or ARXX Edge taper top forms are used to extend the concrete
for adequate bearing under the sill plate.
The garage slab, which is placed at a later date, may butt against the ARXX foundation wall. In forming the wall,
the interior foam may be removed to provide a fnished concrete curb along the inside edge.
Refer to Stem Walls Section 5.5
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146 7.1 Wood Floor Connections
FIGURE 7.1.2-1 GARAGE FOUNDATION AT FLOOR
THE ARXX EDGE TEE ANCHOR SHOULD BE USED TO SECURE TEMPORARY WOOD FORMING TO ARXX EDGE FORM WEBS.
CONNECT THE FORMS TO THE TEE ANCHORS WITH PLASTIC ZIP-TIES OR TIE-WIRE.
See Section 1.1.7 for application of tie anchors.
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7.1.3 LEDGER BOARD (RIM JOIST) FLOOR CONNECTION ASSEMBLIES
When using ARXX forms for the full wall height from the footings to underside of the roof, it is recommended to
install the wood or steel joist foor system to the side of the wall. A ledger board, or rim joist, installed on the inside
face of the wall requires the use of joist hangers or mechanical fasteners, for steel joists, to connect or hang the
foor joists from the ledger board.
When using the ledger board system for the foor system connections, the requirement for exact form coursing to
install the sill plates for the foor joist to bear on is eliminated.
THE LEDGER BOARD MUST BE SECURED TO THE CONCRETE WITHIN THE ARXX FORM, AS IT IS NOT ABLE TO USE THE WEBS
OR FASTENING STRIPS AS THE FINAL STRUCTURAL CONNECTION.
There are two different ledger board attachment systems: anchor bolts and ledger connectors. Either of these
systems can be used when ARXX forms are used from the foundation wall to the roof. They may also be used for
main foor and second foor connections.
Ledger boards can be dimensional lumber, engineered lumber, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), or steel joists. The
size and material requirements for ledger boards are directly related to the foor joist systems and the foor loading
requirements.
ARXX WALLS MUST BE LATERALLY SUPPORTED BY THE FLOOR SYSTEM OR ROOF SYSTEM ALONG EVERY EXTERIOR WALL.
7.1.4 ANCHOR BOLT CONNECTION SYSTEM
The design requirements for anchor bolts must be according to the building code, ARXX Prescriptive Design
Guide, or an engineers specifcations for size, number, and spacing.
In order to achieve a solid to solid concrete connection when installing anchor bolts, the following steps are
required:
Tapered rectangular holes should be cut in the ARXX forms where the anchor bolts will go prior to
concrete placement.
A temporary plywood form should be fabricated with the anchor bolts attached to cover the holes.
The temporary form should then be secured to the fastening strips in the web.
Placing a temporary plywood form with the anchor bolts into the ARXX forms allows the concrete to extend to the
back face of the ledger board.
When installing the ledger board, care should be taken to not over-tighten anchor bolts before the concrete is
completely cured, as over-tightening can cause the bolt to separate from the green concrete. The nuts on the bolts
should only be tightened after the concrete has achieved adequate strength.
Refer to Figure 7.1.4-1 Ledger Board Connection with Anchor Bolts.
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148 7.1 Wood Floor Connections
FIGURE 7.1.4-1 ANCHOR BOLT LEDGER CONNECTION
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT HOLES CUT FOR ANCHOR BOLTS SHOULD BE TAPERED AT 45,WHICH REDUCES THE POTENTIAL FOR
FAILURE OF THE CONCRETE DUE TO SHEAR.
ENGINEERING DESIGN AND BUILDING CODE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT BOTH LOAD AND FLOOR SPAN WHEN DETERMINING THE
NUMBER OF BOLTS PER CONNECTION, BOLT DIAMETER (TYPICALLY 1/2 (12.7 MM) OR 5/8" (15.9 MM)), AND BOLT
SPACING.
EITHER TREATED LUMBER OR A MOISTURE BARRIER BETWEEN THE REGULAR LUMBER AND THE CONCRETE SHOULD BE USED.
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149 7.1 Wood Floor Connections

7.1.5 LEDGER CONNECTOR SYSTEMS
Customized ledger connector systems have been developed for use with ICFs. The ledger connector system
engineered by Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. is compatible with ARXX forms and is recommended. This two
part system of galvanized connectors is easy to install and provides both vertical and lateral in-plane resistance. It
works for both wood and steel ledgers
The Simpson Strong-Tie

system has three components:

ICFVL 14 gauge, galvanized connectors with legs that are embedded through the EPS panel into
the concrete
ICFVL-W (for wood ledger), ICFVL-CW (for LVL ledger) 14 or 16 gauge galvanized exposed fanges
that provide the structural surface for mounting ledger boards
screws 8-ICF D3 self-tapping screws
FIGURE 7.1.5-1 LEDGER CONNECTOR SYSTEM
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150 7.1 Wood Floor Connections
Simpson Strong-Tie system should be installed according to the manufacturers recommendations. The following
steps are generally used to install the system:
To install the ICFVL in the ARXX form, a chalk line should be snapped to mark the top of the ledger
board. A second chalk line should be snapped measured down the depth of the ledger board.
The required on center spacing for the ICFVLs should be marked off.
The ICFVL should be used to mark two cut lines for the legs of the ICFVL and then the cuts made
and the ICFVL inserted into the foam tightly.
When installing wood ledgers greater than 10 (267 mm), the ICFVL should be installed on the
bottom chalk line. When installing wood ledgers equal to or smaller than 10 (267 mm), the ICFVL
should be installed on the top chalk line.
When installing steel ledgers, the ICFVL should be installed centered on the ledger.
In all cases, the ICFVL should be installed so that the exposed plate is accessible for the top and
bottom screws, through the ICFVL-W or the ICFVL-CW and the ledger board.
The holes provided in the embedded leg of the ICFVL permits the concrete to fow around it,
anchoring the ICFVL securely within the concrete wall.
AFTER CONCRETE PLACEMENT, ALL ICFVLS SHOULD BE CHECKED TO ENSURE THEY ARE TIGHT TO THE FACE OF THE FORM
AND HAVE NOT MOVED.
THE LEDGER CONNECTORS AND A LEDGER BOARD MUST BE INSTALLED ON ALL EXTERIOR WALLS, WHICH PROVIDES LATERAL
SUPPORT FOR THE ARXX WALL. JOISTS RUNNING PARALLEL TO THE WALL SHOULD BE CONNECTED BY BLOCKING TO THE
LEDGER BOARD.
THE SPACING OF THE ICFVL IS DEPENDANT ON FLOOR SPANS AND FLOOR LOADING. REFER TO SIMPSON STRONG-TIE
ENGINEERING TABLES FOR DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.
7.1.5.2 Attaching Ledger Boards
Simpson Strong-Tie system should be installed and attached according to the manufacturers recommendations.
The following steps are generally used to attach the ledger board:
The ICFVL-W or ICFVL-CW should be slipped tightly underneath the wood ledger with the fange
with the pre-drilled holes exposed.
The eight self tapping screws should be partially attached into the ledger.
The ledger should be positioned level to the chalk line, tight against the wall, and the screws driven
through the wood into the plate of the ICFVL.
For steel ledgers, the ICFVL-W is not required. The steel ledger should be positioned up against the ICFVL and
the screws driven through the steel ledger into the ICFVL. All screws should be located at least (12.7 mm) from
the edge of the ICFVL and the screws spaced evenly.
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151 7.1 Wood Floor Connections
FIGURE 7.1.5-2 LEDGER CONNECTOR INSTALLATION
FIGURE 7.1.5-3 LEDGER INSTALL LOCATIONS
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152 7.1 Wood Floor Connections
FIGURE 7.1.5-4 LEDGER DETAIL
THE APPLICATION AND ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SIMPSON STRONG-TIE ICF LEDGER CONNECTOR SYSTEM IS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS.
CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE CONCRETE IS CURED 14 DAYS BEFORE THE LEDGER CONNECTIONS ARE LOADED
WITH THE FULL FLOOR SYSTEM.
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153 7.1 Wood Floor Connections

7.1.6 EXTENDED BRICK LEDGE FLOOR SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES
The ARXX Prime or ARXX Edge brick ledge forms may be installed to the inside of the wall as a support ledge for
foor systems. This will provide a 4 (100 mm) bearing surface. This system may be used for applications such as
top load bearing foor joists or trusses, open steel joists and crawl spaces with design criteria in accordance with
the building code criteria.
SINCE THE ARXX PRIME OR ARXX EDGE BRICK LEDGE FORM PROJECTS INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE ROOM, APPLYING AN
INTERIOR FINISH AS THE THERMAL BARRIER MAY BE MORE DIFFICULT AND THE APPLICATIONS SUITE THE FORM BEING USED IN
THESE INSTANCES WITHOUT A THERMAL BARRIER.
FIGURE 7.1.6-1 WOOD FLOOR TRUSS CONNECTION
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154 7.1 Wood Floor Connections
FIGURE 7.1.6-2 CRAWL SPACE
THE BUILDING CODE DOES NOT REQUIRE SPECIFIC CRAWL SPACE DESIGNS TO HAVE A THERMAL BARRIER.
FLOOR LOADS NEED TO BE CALCULATED BY DESIGN TO ENSURE THAT LOADING CONDITIONS DO NOT EXCEED THE SAFE LOAD-
BEARING CAPACITIES OF THE CONCRETE LEDGE AND LOAD ECCENTRICITY ON THE WALL. THE ARXX PRIME AND ARXX EDGE
BRICK LEDGE LOAD CAPACITY WITH STIRRUPS AT 8 (203 MM) O.C. IS 1100 LBS/LIN.FT. (16 KN/M).
FLOOR LOADS THAT EXCEED THE APPLICABILITY LIMITS FOR ICFS IN THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING DESIGN IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THEY FALL WITHIN THE CAPABILITIES OF THE ARXX PRIME OR ARXX
EDGE BRICK LEDGE FORM.
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155 7.2 Floor Systems

7.2 FLOOR SYSTEMS
In addition to conventional wood foor framing systems, ARXX ICFs are compatible with all other foor systems
generally used including OWSJ and steel decks, Hambro

composite concrete foors, composite steel decks,

precast hollow core slabs, fat slab concrete and ICF deck systems. Some of these applications are detailed in this
section. Refer to the ARXX Detail Library for more foor system details.
ANY FLOOR SYSTEM THAT EXCEEDS THE DESIGN APPLICABILITY LIMITS SPECIFIED IN THE BUILDING CODE MUST BE DESIGNED
BY A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER.
FLOOR SYSTEMS MUST HAVE A STRUCTURAL CONNECTION TO THE CONCRETE TO PROVIDE LATERAL SUPPORT FOR THE WALL.
TO ENSURE NON-COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION, THE FOAM PLASTIC ON THE INTERIOR SIDE OF EXTERIOR WALLS MUST BE
DISCONTINUED AT THE FLOOR LINES. WHEN THE FLOOR SYSTEM INTERSECTS WITH THE WALL, CONCRETE OR FIRE BLOCKING
SHOULD BE USED TO PREVENT THE PASSAGE OF FLAME, SMOKE, AND HOT GASES FROM ONE FLOOR TO ANOTHER.
7.2.1 CONCRETE FLOORS
Larger construction projects often require strong, thin foor structures that are non-combustible. Concrete is
therefore one of the more reasonable and common choices. Some of the various ways to construct concrete foors
are discussed in this section.
7.2.2 HAMBRO COMPOSITE CONCRETE FLOORS
Hambro composite concrete foors are constructed using an open web steel joist (OWSJ) and sheets of plywood.
The OWSJ, which is unique to Hambro, spans from wall to wall and supports the plywood sheets. Concrete is
placed on top of the sheets and allowed to cure, at which time the plywood is removed, but the joists remain in
place as an integral part of the foor structure.
When a Hambro foor system is connected to an ARXX ICF wall, concrete should be placed to the bottom of
the proposed foor. After the concrete wall has attained adequate strength, the OWSJs and plywood should be
placed, as specifed by Hambro and the engineers specifcations.
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156 7.2 Floor Systems
FIGURE 7.2.2-1 TYPICAL HAMBRO FLOOR CONNECTION
7.2.3 COMPOSITE STEEL DECK
Another method commonly used for constructing a poured-in-place concrete foor is to use a composite steel
deck. The deck spans from wall to wall, and depending on loading conditions, may have intermediate OWSJs. The
steel deck is corrugated, which allows less concrete to be used in the foor system, yet it is stronger than a foor
made of fat stock steel. The channels created beneath the corrugated foor are advantageous, because they allow
the routing of electrical wiring, plumbing, etc.
After the ARXX concrete walls have cured to adequate strength, the steel deck is set in place. Using a composite
steel deck will almost always require a structural engineering review.
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157 7.2 Floor Systems
FIGURE 7.2.3-1 TYPICAL COMPOSITE DECK FLOOR - PARALLEL TO WALL
FIGURE 7.2.3-2 TYPICAL COMPOSITE DECK FLOOR - PERPENDICULAR TO WALL
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158 7.2 Floor Systems
7.2.4 PRECAST CONCRETE SLABS (HOLLOW CORE)
Concrete foors can be precast in a factory and set in place with a crane. The precast panels are self-supporting and
span from wall to wall without the need for intermediate supports, either from joists or other means.
After the concrete in the ARXX walls has reached adequate strength, the pre-cast concrete foor slabs can be set
in place on the wall. Once the concrete foor slabs are in place, a thin layer of grout can be laid over the slabs,
creating an even foor surface. Using precast concrete slabs will almost always require a structural engineering
review, which may be available directly from the manufacturer of the foor panels.
THE USE OF ARXX ICFS AND PRECAST CONCRETE SLABS HAS PROVEN TO BE A VERY EFFICIENT SYSTEM IN BUILDING MULTI-
STORY BUILDINGS, SUCH AS HOTELS AND CONDOS.
FIGURE 7.2.4-1 TYPICAL PRECAST DECK DETAIL - PARALLEL TO WALL
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159 7.2 Floor Systems
FIGURE 7.2.4-2 TYPICAL PRECAST DECK DETAIL - PERPENDICULAR TO WALL
7.2.5 EPS DECK SYSTEMS
EPS deck systems are stay-in-place deck forming systems that are compatible with ICF wall systems. EPS deck
systems consist of interlocking rigid EPS panels, typically 24 or 48(610 mm or 1220 mm) wide, with embedded
steel C channels that act as structural support from bearing surface to bearing surface. The EPS deck panels are
designed to form the concrete foor slab with a structural T beam or concrete joist. Foam caps can be added to the
raised section of the foor panels for increased depth of the T beams for longer spans. Once the concrete deck has
cured, the EPS deck system remains in place to act as insulation for the foor assembly.
The embedded steel C channels provide a fastening surface for the ceiling fnish attachments. The EPS can be
routed to allow for electrical wiring and/or plumbing to be contained within the ceiling below.
THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND ENGINEERING FOR EPS DECK SYSTEMS ARE PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
THE CONCRETE SLAB, STRUCTURAL JOIST, AND REINFORCEMENT FOR EPS DECK SYSTEMS MUST BE CONNECTED AND
SUPPORTED BY THE CONCRETE IN THE ARXX ICF WALLS.
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160 7.2 Floor Systems
FIGURE 7.2.5-1 EPS FLOOR DECK - PARALLEL TO WALL
FIGURE 7.2.5-2 EPS FLOOR DECK - PERPENDICULAR TO WALL
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161 7.2 Floor Systems
ARXX ICFs are compatible with all roof systems, regardless of whether they are pitched or fat, including:
conventional wood framing, engineered wood trusses, steel joists or trusses, precast slabs or poured concrete and
EPS deck systems.
There are various connection systems for each variety for roof system, although most are required to be cast into
the concrete. It is recommended to pre-plan the installation of all connection systems, as some applications may
require the ARXX form to be cut to accommodate embedded connectors.
LOCAL BUILDING CODES SHOULD BE CHECKED FOR ANY SPECIAL CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS, ESPECIALLY IN HIGH WIND AND
SEISMIC ZONES.
DUE TO THEIR HIGH LOAD BEARING CAPACITY, ARXX ICF WALLS PROVIDE THE CAPABILITY TO DESIGN GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
WITHOUT ADDITIONAL STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS.
TYPICALLY, ROOFS AND/OR CEILINGS HAVE AN AIR AND VAPOR BARRIER MEMBRANE AS PART OF THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
DESIGN. THIS SYSTEM MUST BE MAINTAINED AND INTEGRATED INTO THE TOP OF THE ARXX WALLS.
THE BUILDING CODE APPLICABILITY LIMITS ALLOW FOR A MAXIMUM ROOF CLEAR SPAN OF 40 (12.2 M). ANY ROOF SPAN
LARGER THAN 40 (12.2 M) REQUIRES THE ICF WALLS TO BE ENGINEERED TO ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITIONAL LOADING.
FOR LONG SPAN STEEL JOISTS OR RAFTERS, ARXX WALLS MAY BE DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE THE POINT LOADS. SEE
SECTION 5.6 COLUMNS AND PILASTERS.
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162 7.3 Roofng Systems
7.3 ROOFING SYSTEMS
7.3.1 RAFTER OR TRUSS ROOF CONNECTIONS
The top plate for the roof attachments can be installed in two ways: recessed in the block or on top of the concrete
at the top of the ARXX block.
Method 1 Recessed
The top plate for roof attachments can be recessed within the wall forms by using a customized wall trowel to fnish
the concrete 1 (38 mm) down from the top of the forms. This allows a smooth, level surface to install the top
plate inside the forms. This method maintains the insulation value at the top of the walls.
Method 2 On Top of the Walls
If the top course of block has been cut down to suit a specifc dimension for the top of the wall, the top plate
may not be recessed in the block because of interference from the webs. In this method, the concrete should be
troweled fush with the top of the forms and the top plate installed on top of the walls. In order to maintain the
insulation level provided by the walls, both sides of the top plate must be insulated with suitable insulation along
the top of the wall.
FIGURE 7.3.1-1 TYPICAL RAFTER ROOF CONNECTION
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163 7.3 Roofng Systems
FIGURE 7.3.1-2 TYPICAL RAFTER ROOF CONNECTION WITH HURRICANE STRAPS
7.3.2 FLAT ROOF CONNECTION
Flat roofs should be installed on ARXX walls in much the same manner as they would be in conventionally
constructed walls.
ARXX walls can be designed with beam pockets and/or recesses for setting plates, as well as casting weld plates,
into the concrete on the side of the ICF wall for steel joist connections.
Refer to the ARXX Detail Library for various roof connection details.
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164 7.3 Roofng Systems
FIGURE 7.3.2-1 TYPICAL FLAT ROOF CONNECTION
7.3.3 GREEN ROOFS
Designing for a green roof system adds considerable structural loading to the overall building. ARXX ICFs are
reinforced concrete load bearing walls that can be engineered to accommodate the extra loading for green roof
systems.
THIS IS AN INHERENT VALUE OF BUILDING WITH ARXX ICFS THAT PROVIDES BENEFIT THROUGH HELPING TO CONTRIBUTE
LEED POINTS FOR GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS.
7.0 FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMS