he soaring price of steel brings tilt-up construction to the forefront.
The buzz about skyrocketing construction costs has forced those in the industry to get creative or die.
Tilt-up is like any other construction method, because the foundation is placed and the floor slab formed before the walls are built.
The difference is that walls are cast out of concrete panels lying flat on the ground and then lifted all at once to accept the building’s roof.
In the 1940s and ‘50s, the “tilt-up” method became popular in California and Texas for large warehouses and industrial facilities. In the ‘70s, it spread to the Midwest and Florida.
But not until recently has it been used for other building types, such as churches, retail centers, schools and office buildings.
There are several benefits associated with this method, including:
- Reduced costs for all-concrete walls
- Less manpower needed to build the structure
- Reduced construction waste
- Use of all-natural materials
- Energy efficiency
But the most important benefit is cost. The average cost of a tilt-up wall is $8 per square foot compared to $12 per square foot for a masonry wall. The time it takes to construct the wall is 25 percent less as well, and only half as much labor is needed.
In addition, when compared to a metal building, a tilt-up building requires less maintenance because it can withstand storm damage, will not dent and won’t rust.
Features can be added to the concrete such as color and texture to provide visual appeal as well.
Tilt-up walls also hold heat better because of the massing of materials in concrete. Concrete is a recycled and reusable material.
These elements are important to sustainable design, and certifications by US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards are becoming widespread.
Given the cost and logistic advantages, tilt-up makes sense, and we expect to see the trend towards its use continue to grow in most, if not all, regions of the United States.
