Construct and Evaluate Interlocking Construction System (I.C.S.) Full-Scale Test-Home

The problem being addressed is the rising costs, declining quality and overall availability of rural housing. Factors impacting this include rising lumber costs, the unavailability of skilled labor, limited access and the need for improved building technologies. The Interlocking Construction System (ICS) offers an innovative approach to improving rural housing. The ICS is a panelized construction system using standard interchangeable panels, whose design integrates panel and wood connections. ICS panels contain the structural framework that is formed when the panels interlock into a completely finished structure. The ICS panels can be easily transported, handled and quickly installed by a few unskilled laborers using only a few hand tools. Phase I research has proven the full-scale feasibility of the Interlocking Construction System. Initial testing of the ICS wall panels in Phase I indicates a significant ease of construction and an increase in strength over conventional building methods. Phase II research will include field-testing a full-scale test home and additional tests on the three-dimensional structure to determine how the full-scale components interact with and relate to the overall structural performance of the ICS test-home. Phase II testing should be useful in obtaining building code approval and quicker entrance into the housing market