TILT-UP CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

What is Tilt-Up?

Tilt-Up concrete panels are cast on-site then raised to the vertical position with a crane, once the concrete has cured. Precast panels, which are manufactured off site, are limited in size and configuration due to transportation constraints.

Advantages include:

Design Flexibility – Concrete is a flexible material allowing for a variety of creative design options. Each tilt-up construction project is custom-designed with a full range of finishes, wall textures, colors and even curved walls. 

Economy – Fewer skilled laborers are needed to complete the project than for precast, masonry and steel structures. The speed of construction also contributes to cost savings as the trades can begin work earlier in the process on a tilt-up project.  Locally available materials are used rather than materials that need to be manufactured, eliminating transportation delays and keeping raw materials costs down. Another cost-saving measure is Procon’s Virtual Construction 5D Building Information Modeling which allows us to make innovative improvements before the design is finalized.

Safety – The majority of a tilt-up project is performed on the ground, eliminating the need for workers to climb scaffolding.

Durability – Tilt-up concrete projects are extremely durable. Structures built over 80 years ago using this method are still in use with little sign of wear. 

Fire Safety – Concrete used in tilt-up panels meets fire-resistant standards and tilt-up panels are also often used as firewalls in a building’s interior.

Low Maintenance – Concrete is unaffected by insects or rodents and only requires periodic cleaning and painting if desired. If a wall is damaged by heavy equipment, the damage is typically localized to a panel and the modular design allows for easy repairs and expansion as well.

Security – Prisons, clean rooms, manufacturing facilities can rely on the strength and control achieved through tilt-up construction.

Reduced Insurance Premiums – Because of the superior fire resistance of tilt-up concrete, insurance premiums tend to be lower than for steel buildings or other types of construction. Tilt-up concrete has been proven to withstand severe weather and earthquakes as well.

Reduced Operating Costs – Heating and cooling costs are lower because of concrete’s excellent insulation properties. Noise is also reduced both for those on the inside of the building as well as the outside.

For more information or to schedule a presentation on tilt-up construction and its benefits, contact us or visit the Tilt-Up Concrete Association’s website.