Wall system and method with integral channel

Abstract

An insulating concrete form wall system includes integral channels for routing wiring, cables and other lines. The channels are formed into the insulating layers of the walls and form part of the insulating layer. The channel members include a bottom portion having an interlocking device configured for interlocking with the poured concrete. The channel members have opposed side portions extending from edges of the bottom portion to define an open channel. Insulation engagement devices extend from the sides to engage the insulating concrete form elements.

1 . An insulating concrete form wall channel member, the wall having a plurality of insulating concrete form elements to make an extended vertical insulating concrete form, the channel member comprising:
 a bottom portion having an interlocking device configured for interlocking with concrete;   opposed side portions extending from edges of the bottom portion, the side portions and bottom portion defining an open channel, each side portion having an insulation engagement device configured for engaging the insulating concrete form elements.   
   
   
       2 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the member is an extruded member. 
   
   
       3 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the member is plastic. 
   
   
       4 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the member is vinyl. 
   
   
       5 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the member comprises a monolithic extruded vinyl member. 
   
   
       6 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the member is styrene. 
   
   
       7 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the member comprises a cold rolled steel member. 
   
   
       8 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the member is aluminum. 
   
   
       9 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel member comprises a lateral engagement device on each side. 
   
   
       10 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel member comprises a concrete engagement device extending from the bottom. 
   
   
       11 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel member comprises a concrete engagement device extending from the bottom. 
   
   
       12 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel member comprises a T-slot formed in the bottom. 
   
   
       13 . A channel member according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel member comprises a barb extending laterally from each side. 
   
   
       14 . An insulating concrete form system, comprising:
 a plurality of insulating elements configured for edge to edge engagement to form an extended vertical planar insulating layer and having a front finishing face and a rear concrete engaging face, wherein the rear face is configured for retaining concrete;   a channel element having opposed sides connected by a bottom defining a channel opening to the front finishing face, the channel element inserting into the wall, wherein the sides engage adjacent insulating wall elements.   
   
   
       15 . An insulating concrete form system according to  claim 14 , wherein the channel element extends horizontally and engages adjacent insulating elements. 
   
   
       16 . An insulating concrete form system according to  claim 14 , wherein the channel element comprises a lateral engagement device on each side mechanically engaging the adjacent insulating elements. 
   
   
       17 . An insulating concrete form system according to  claim 14 , wherein the channel element comprises a concrete engagement device extending from the bottom and mechanically engaging the concrete. 
   
   
       18 . An insulating concrete form system according to  claim 14 , wherein the channel element comprises a concrete engagement device extending from the bottom. 
   
   
       19 . An insulating concrete form system according to  claim 14 , wherein the channel element comprises a barb extending laterally from each side. 
   
   
       20 . An insulating concrete form system according to  claim 14 , wherein the system comprises intersecting channel elements. 
   
   
       21 . An insulating concrete form system according to  claim 14 , wherein the channel element comprises a T-slot formed in the bottom. 
   
   
       22 . An insulating concrete form system according to  claim 14 , wherein the insulating elements comprise blocks have a cavity formed therein for receiving concrete. 
   
   
       23 . A method for making an insulating concrete form wall, comprising:
 creating a first tier of insulating concrete forms;   placing a horizontal channel element on the first row of insulating concrete forms and engaging the top of the first row of insulating concrete forms;   placing a second tier of insulating concrete forms on the horizontal channel element and engaging the top of the horizontal channel element.   
   
   
       24 . A method according to  claim 23 , further comprising placing at least a third tier of insulating concrete forms on the second tier of insulating concrete forms to form a first continuous vertical wall. 
   
   
       25 . A method according to  claim 23 , further comprising creating one or more additional tiers of insulating concrete forms below the first tier prior to creating the first tier. 
   
   
       26 . A method according to  claim 24 , further comprising creating a second continuous vertical wall spaced apart from the first continuous vertical wall and tying the first continuous vertical wall to the second continuous vertical wall. 
   
   
       27 . A method according to  claim 23 , wherein the insulating concrete forms comprise block elements having spaced apart walls defining a concrete receiving space and portions connecting the spaced apart walls. 
   
   
       28 . A method according to  claim 23 , wherein the first tier, the channel and the second tier are connected in an assembly at a remote location and wherein the assembly is installed at the worksite.