Frequently Asked Questions About Tilt-Up

What do you save/achieve by using tilt-up?

Less steel is true. No perimeter columns and little to no interior bracing. So you don’t have to plan demising walls around columns at the exterior walls or “X” bracing on the inside. Clear open structures.

What architects can design with site cast tilt?

We have worked with 10 or 12 that now know it pretty well. We also break in new ones all the time. We do most of the work so the architect’s learning curve is short.

What is the best construction delivery method?

Early Contractor Involvement, either design/build which is the best and usually incorporates the owner’s architect, or design-assist CM.

Is there a delivery method that does not work with ARCHITECTURAL site cast tilt?

Yes. The process requires a lot of experience to deliver the efficiency and quality that is possible. If the design-bid-build process is used, the lack of collaboration between contractor & designer will result in mistakes and a bad experience for the owner.

What are the typical schedule benefits?

Depends on how intricate the architecture. Savings of a month for every 30,000 sf is realistic.

How does site cast vs. precast provide better tornado/explosion protection?

The construction process creates a product that is inherently resistant to high wind, projectiles, explosions and progressive collapse. The flexibility associated with casting on site (larger panels & more shapes) make site cast the best & least expensive option.

What are the sustainable (green) benefits?

Up to 8 LEED points are available for everything from innovation, to locally produced materials, to recycled materials, to energy efficiency, to heat islands and land disturbance.

How high and wide can you go?

Current records are 110’ tall and 125’ wide.

Are there site conditions that prevent site cast tilt?

Some things that might make it impractical are typically more related to surface plane of the building. Something that steps in and out as you go up (second floor sticks our over the fist, 4th floor is smaller than the 3rd, stuff like that) typically has more of an impact than the site. We have done several buildings and never got outside the footprint of the building with either the crane or the panels.

How is thermal different between site cast vs. precast?

The difference only applies to insulated panels in each system. Site cast panels that we do are edge to edge, top to bottom insulation. No solid concrete spots. Precast will have solid concrete spots and steel connectors, both of which conduct thermal energy and make the insulation much less effecitive.

How is there better moisture protection vs. precast (other)?

Especially with the insulated panels, the vapor transmission with our panels is nearly zero. Other systems like masonry or gyp board and steel are much more likely to transmit vapor or thermal energy which will result in condensation