Tilt up
Though it is a cost-effective technique with a shorter completion time,[1] poor performance in earthquakes has mandated significant seismic retrofit requirements in older buildings.
It is gaining popularity in southern Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa, Central and South America.
Dimensional lumber, a high quality plywood or fiber board that has at least one smooth face is typically used, although aluminum or steel forms are also common.
The forms are usually anchored to the casting surface with masonry nails or otherwise adhered to prevent damage to the floor slab.
This is a critical step, as improper chemical selection or application will prevent the lifting of the panels, and will entail costly demolition and rework.
[8] Concrete is then poured, filling the desired thickness and surrounding all steel inserts, embedded features and rebar.
The forms are removed when the concrete is cured; rigging is attached and a crane tilts the panel or lifts the element into place.
The connections to the roof and floors are usually steel plates with headed studs that were secured into the forms prior to concrete placement.
[11] Early erection was done using tilt tables, but the development of the mobile crane and truck mixers allowed tilt-up construction to grow.
[16] An early example of this method is found in the innovative Schindler House, built in 1922 in West Hollywood, California.
Architect Rudolf Schindler claimed that with the assistance of a small hand-operated crane, just two workmen were needed to raise and attach the tilt-up walls.
TCA also offers an Achievement Awards program annually, recognizing the best examples of tilt-up construction over a variety of end uses.
Two other big box stores at the corner that had concrete block construction (an Academy Sports + Outdoors and Walmart) lost their roofs but the walls remained intact.
With the cooperation of Home Depot, the task group performed detailed engineering calculations, research and investigation of the claims posed in the article.
This task force consisted of a nationwide group of practicing structural engineers with a diverse range of experience in tilt-up construction and "big box" buildings.
"The information provided in these findings will help Association efforts to promote the benefits of site cast Tilt-Up construction and dispute many of the claims presented in The Kansas City Star article.
