Constructing a building is something that costs you a lot of money and resources. It is time-consuming and involves quick decision-making. So, what if we tell you that you can get your construction done at limited costs and within a short period of time? Yes, you read it right, we are talking about “Tilt-up construction”.
When it comes to precast concrete construction, there are two basic methods: tilt-up and precasting. Tilt-up, tilt-slab, or tilt-wall is a concrete-based building style and construction technology. It is a cost-effective method that takes less time to complete. That’s why it’s becoming increasingly common in the construction industry.
There are many pros and cons of tilt-up construction, but today we are looking at what it exactly is and why you should choose it.
What is Tilt-up Construction?
Since its invention in the 1920s as a construction method, tilt-up construction has grown in popularity. On-site construction is another name used for tilt-up construction. Rather than making the concrete panels at a precast factory and delivering them to the job site, this method includes casting them on the job site itself.
The concrete panels are poured on-site, either on flat surfaces or on existing concrete floors near the point of erection. Forms are erected on top of the cured casting surface or floor slab. The most commonly used materials are dimensional lumber, high-quality plywood or fibreboard, and aluminium or steel forms. The concrete is poured into the molds and left to cure.
Slabs can be poured as individual slabs or stacked on top of each other in a process known as stack casting. Bond breaker chemicals are used in stack casting to ensure that the slabs can be separated after curing. However, if the bond breaker isn't used correctly, it may be difficult to separate the slabs. This might result in a lot of wasted materials and delays in construction. The panels once cast are moved to the desired position and secured.
Now that we know what tilt-up construction is, let’s look at the reasons why you should choose this method.
Reasons For Choosing Tilt-up Construction:
1. Speed: Walls made using this method can be completed in a week or so. As they are created on the job site itself, the process is much quicker and easier. The faster construction of walls means that other professionals like contractors, plumbers, electricians can begin their work quickly. Thus, the project is completed in a shorter time.Â
2. Energy-efficient: Because there are few joints or seams throughout the building, reinforced concrete is an ideal building material since it is a good insulator and has high durability. Moreover, tilt-up construction allows structures to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency.Â
3. Easy access to materials: Instead of waiting for specialized materials like steel beams, columns, etc., to reach the job site from a far-away supplier, contractors can get ready-mix concrete, rebar, and forming materials from the local suppliers near the site. The easy access to resources also helps to speed up and lower the overall project cost.
4. Lower construction costs: The number of crew members required for safe installation, as well as additional equipment requirements, such as scaffolding, accounts for a large portion of the cost of standard cast-in walls. Tilt-up walls need limited resources and a smaller crew. Even though using a crane is more expensive, this method is still significantly more cost-effective in the long run, especially for massive structures.
5. Durable: Concrete is resistant to corrosion, rust, insect infestation, and other factors, which means it can survive for a long time and endure most earthquakes and harsh weather if built according to local rules and ordinances.
6. Safety: The safety of construction workers is a primary concern, and because of the nature of the construction site, tilt-up construction poses a lower risk to workers.
7. Reduced insurance costs: Insurance premiums are reduced as fire safety and durability improve. Tilt-up concrete structures withstand earthquakes and other types of harsh weather and also have higher fire resistance ratings.
8. Maintenance: Tilt-up panels require little to no maintenance apart from cleansing and repainting regularly. In contrast to other constructions, such as steel buildings, damage to the structure tends to be more localized.Â
9. Sound and fire resistance: Tilt-up construction results in structures with excellent sound insulation and fire protection. People working in tilt-up structures are not impacted by noise from the surrounding area, which is not possible if other methods of construction were used.Â
10. Innovation in design: Because tilt-up panels are always custom-made, a wide selection of architectural finishes, colors, textures, and design options are available. Tilt-up panels with unique designs give architects and designers the freedom to create the perfect design for each project.Â
11. Reduced impact on the environment: Tilt-up walls generate far less waste, resulting in less hazardous job site clutter and a lower environmental effect. Tilt-up walls can also be recycled if the structure is demolished, resulting in even less environmental damage.
Always remember that construction of a building using the tilt-up method and its demolition should be done in accordance with local laws. So, make sure you know about asbestos removal if you plan to demolish the tilt-up concrete.
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