What is a tilt-up construction?
Tilt up construction is a cost effective, non-traditional method for building a vast range of structures such as office buildings, retail centres, warehouse, buildings, distribution centres, call centres, manufacturing facilities and virtually any other commercial or industrial structures.
This system is lucrative to general contractors because the speed and safety of a tilt-up construction allows for cost savings that normal construction would not.
A tilt-up construction project requires the walls of a building to be poured onsite into a mold to form the walls. These panels are then erected into position forming the exterior of the building. This process is similar to a precast panel system, except precast panels are prefabricated offsite.
A tilt-up construction project starts with first pouring slab and installing footings to prepare for the tilt-up panels. Forms are then assembled onsite in the exact shape and size as the wall required, which include window and door openings and any other details that the wall would require as per design specifications. The steel grid of reinforcing bars is then tied in along with inserts and embeds for lifting the panels which are then attached to the footing, roof, and to each other.
Panels can weigh anywhere from 50,000 lbs to 125,000 lbs, which is why they are lifted or “tilt up” with a crane. An experienced crew can install upwards to 30 panels a day which makes this process extremely time efficient.