As part of the removable form method for building concrete houses, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) was pumped through a “Y” hose into the bottom of the wall forms at two locations. The walls and the deck 10 feet above ground were filled. On the second day of the demos a sprayed polymer cement “knockdown” finish on the inside walls completed the interior work.
As part of the removable form method for building concrete houses, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) was pumped through a “Y” hose into the bottom of the wall forms at two locations. The walls and the deck 10 feet above ground were filled. On the second day of the demos a sprayed polymer cement “knockdown” finish on the inside walls completed the interior work.

The World of Concrete's Mega Demos provide attendees with an opportunity to experience live, hands-on demonstrations showing new technology in concrete construction. You can see it, feel it, and talk with the presenters. This year's Mega Demos focused on something the venerable trade show had never offered before: systems for building concrete homes and residential concrete applications. The event provided a unique opportunity to see all the major concrete wall-building systems demonstrated side by side.

With residential concrete construction grabbing more market share each year, the Mega Demos could not have been more opportune for interested attendees. Co-sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Concrete Home Building Council (CHBC), Residential Concrete magazine, and Concrete Construction magazine, the event highlighted several above-grade wall systems for concrete homes, slab-on-grade foundations using post-tensioned reinforcement, and pervious pavement.

Over two days, more than 4000 attendees gathered in the Mega Demo area outside the Las Vegas Convention Center to learn more about how these technologies can enhance their portfolio.

Walls built with four different manufactured ICF products demonstrated how the ICF process works. Shown here is a worker placing concrete through a ledge that will support a brick facing wall.
Walls built with four different manufactured ICF products demonstrated how the ICF process works. Shown here is a worker placing concrete through a ledge that will support a brick facing wall.

Insulating concrete form (ICF) walls. ICF walls are the most heavily promoted system for building concrete homes in the United States with the largest number of manufacturers selling products. For the demos, workers assembled forms from four representative manufacturers and filled them with concrete to demonstrate how the system works. On the second day of the demos, decks made with two poly-styrene forming systems were demonstrated, as well as standard wood floor joist systems with ledger hardware embedded in the concrete walls. Also demonstrated were window and door buck systems, drywall attachment, using a hot knife to cut channels into the foam to recess electrical and plumbing lines, and techniques for attaching exterior finishes such as brick and textured acrylic finishes.

Participating companies: Insulating Concrete Form Association, Portland Cement Association, American Polysteel, Degussa Admixtures, Eco-Block, Quad-Lock, and Reward Wall Systems.

 
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