Tilt-up Concrete Construction

One of the best ways to assemble a building safely and efficiently

What is Concrete Tilt-up Construction?

Tilt-up Concrete Construction, also known as tiltwall, is a method of constructing concrete buildings where the walls are poured on the slab then lifted into place. Once the slab has been poured and cured, workers create the forms for the walls directly on the slab. Door and window openings are built into the forms. Then workers tie the reinforcing steel grid inside the forms. Inserts and embeds are installed for lifting the panels and connecting them to the footing, roof and other components. Cement is poured into the form.

Once the concrete has cured the formwork is removed. Cables are connected to the inserts and the wall sections are lifted into place using a crane. Temporary braces connect the wall panel to the slab until all walls and the roof have been installed. The process is repeated until all of the wall panels have been installed. A finish is applied to the walls and the joints are caulked.

The Tilt-Up Construction and Engineering Manual – 6th Edition published by the Tilt-up Concrete Association is a great resource for more information.

Uses of Tilt-up Construction

Although many different types of buildings can be constructed using tilt-up panels, tilt-up concrete construction is typically used in single storey commercial buildings, such as warehouses. Two, three and four-storey buildings are also common. Buildings as high as ten stories have been constructed using tilt-up concrete panels.

What Is The Difference Between Tilt-Up Concrete And Precast Concrete?

The main difference between tilt-up and precast concrete construction is where the wall panels are built. In tilt-up construction the wall panels are formed and cast on site, whereas precast Cement panels are formed and cast in a manufacturing plant.

The advantage of tilt-up concrete construction is that the panels are built on site. Once the panels have cured they can be lifted directly in place. Also the tilt-up panels can be constructed at greater sizes, as they are not limited by transportation requirements. The size of the panels is only governed by the concrete strength. Individual panels have reached heights of 96′ and weigh as much as 170 tons. The disadvantage of tilt-up construction is the process is subject to weather conditions. The concrete panels are formed and poured outside; therefore cold or wet weather can delay the construction project. This is the reason tilt-up construction is more popular in southern climates.

The advantage of precast concrete is the panels are formed and cured indoors and are not subject to the weather. Precast panels have greater consistency due to greater control over the climate in the plant. The disadvantage of precast concrete is that the panels must be transported to site. The transportation restrictions limit the size of precast panels.

Tilt-up concrete and pre-cast concrete are similar procedures. Tilt-up concrete construction allows greater flexibility when the weather conditions permit. Precast concrete is generally more suitable in colder climates.