I’m coming across something that doesn’t seem to fit anywhere – a closed-cell polystyrene foam.
We use it in pontoons, either enclosed by concrete or steel and for that purpose I am using 35 51 23 - Pontoons.
However, the question comes to mind, what if we needed to use it for another purpose? Where to categorize it? Perhaps with Div.6? Thoughts anyone?
Our specification work deals with buildings, and I would put it in 07 21 00 - Thermal Insulation.
On a large project we might have 10 or more unique products scheduled in that Section, even before we break them down further by thickness or other criteria. Many would be installed under the scope of other Sections, and some, like your application, would not be included for their thermal insulation value.
Depends on how it’s used, just like galvanized pipe, which could be in many different sections. When it’s thermal insulation, e.g., closed-cell polyurethane foam would be in Division 07.
Polystyrene foam is often used to reduce the volume of concrete and thus I have specified it under Concrete Formwork.
Polystyrene foam is also used to reduce the effect of earth fill on structures below or in some cases on poor soils thus reducing settlement. In such situations I would specify it in the Earthwork specification section.
Interesting. I’ve never heard of it used for soil remediation before.
I saw the MF 2010 index referred to the Formwork. How is it reducing the volume? – isn’t the volume or size of the member considered in your structual analysis – so basically the formwork can be anything to hold the pour in place until cured? Or are you using it as an additive?
There’s an article about it in the August Construction Specifier magazine.
Foam can be used to create well defined voids in the concrete to either save on the cost of concrete or to reduce the weight on the structure below. For example the new 6" slab may be 12" above an existing slab. You can use foam and only install a 6" slab as opposed to filling the whole space with concrete. Saves weight, saves cost, and is green.
The foam is not an additive.
I see, thanks… and I’ll check out CS when I get home tonight.