MSP VISIONS

BENEFITS OF TILT-UP CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION	July/August 2009

Tilt-up construction involves constructing walls horizontally (on the ground), and then lifting them into place. Although this principle is not new (buildings constructed during the Roman Empire used this approach), Tilt-up construction did not gain wide acceptance until after World War II when the mobile crane was first developed, allowing builders greater ability to lift massive panels. Ready-mix concrete was also introduced around this time, making Tilt-up an even more practical alternative.

Today, Tilt-up concrete construction is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. At least 10,000 Tilt-up buildings are constructed annually, including over 15% of all industrial buildings. Tilt-up is also used for office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, hotels, and other commercial/industrial structures.

Benefits of Tilt-up

Fast Track Delivery: Tilt-up concrete construction offers schedule enhancement. Tilt-up panels can be formed and erected substantially quicker than conventional construction, and is less adversely affected by winter conditions.  This allows the building shell to be erected and dried-in more effectively.

Costs: In-place material costs are more competitive than masonry and steel structures. Operating costs are lower, since the thermal mass inherent in concrete reduces heating and cooling peaks.

Durability:  Tilt-up is resistant to fire, earthquake, wind, and moisture damage.  (A 6” concrete Tilt-up panel provides a 3 to 4 hour fire wall.) Tilt-up concrete can provide a building with a 50-100 year life cycle.

Aesthetics:  A variety of patterns, colors and textures can be achieved with the use of simple articulation, form liners, and textured paint. Using cultured stone and brick veneers can provide unique aesthetic solutions.

Tilt-up and Sustainable Design

Using concrete Tilt-up can significantly contribute to achieving your sustainable objectives.  The following is a list of potential areas where Tilt-up Concrete can help you achieve LEED® points:

MRc2.1: Construction waste management

MRc4.1: Recycled content

MRc5.1,2: Regional materials, 10% - 20% extracted, processed and manufactured.

EQc3.1: Construction indoor air quality management plan: During construction.

SSc5.1: Site development:  Protect or restore habitat.

EAp2: Minimum energy performance

EAc1: Optimize energy performance

IDc1.1: Innovation in design – exceptional performance criteria.

IDc1.1: Innovation in design – lighter weight, alternative reinforcement and materials permit; non-corrosive and more durable concrete.

Please see the USGBC Web site for detailed information about requirements for LEED® certification.

Recent Tilt-up Projects

Two of MSP’s recent projects, Red Bank Village and North Pointe at Union Centre, both utilized Tilt-up concrete to achieve unique and creative designs. 

Red Bank Village utilized projected panels of varied thicknesses, as well as simple articulation, to achieve its attractive aesthetic.

North Pointe at Union Centre includes two office buildings (totaling 440,000 SF) which utilize 4-story, 55’ tall Tilt-up panels. The exterior design includes panels of differing thicknesses, varied color tones, and extensive glass. 

“We wanted to use Tilt-up concrete construction to help us achieve the balance of cost, schedule and creative design,” explains Jay Smith, Preconstruction Director with Duke Construction, regarding North Pointe at Union Centre . “It also enhanced our ability to achieve our LEED® Certification goals. “

If you have questions about Tilt-up concrete construction, please call Randal Merrill, AIA, LEED® AP, MSP’s Vice President of Architecture, at 513.759.0004.

For more information, visit the following links:

Tilt-Up Concrete Association
http://www.tilt-up.org

Tilt-Up Today Magazine
http://ezine.tilt-up.org

Tiltup.com
http://www.tiltup.com

Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable World
http://www.concretethinker.com