Tilt-Up Concrete FAQs
- What is the minimum size building that is economical?
- What is the minimum height buildings that is economical?
- Are there any limits to the number or location of openings?
- What is the fire resistance of a Tilt-Up panel?
- How do you insulate a Tilt-Up wall?
What is the minimum size building that is economical?
A 5,000 square feet building can be economical, if relatively tall. Several small buildings clustered together may also prove to be cost effective. Special finishes on the walls, such as exposed aggregate or form liners, may make tilt-up an economical choice.
What is the minimum height building that is economical?
Panels up to 96 feet in height have been used in some areas, but special cranes and spreader bars are required for panels over 40 feet in height. It is generally better to have the panels all nearly the same height and less than 40 feet.
Are there any limits to the number or location of openings?
There is no real limit to the number or location of openings, but their location can be critical. Openings closer than the minimum from the end of the panel supporting a concentrated roof load can add considerable reinforcing, thickened concrete or steel columns. The minimum distance is one-eighth the eave height, or two feet, whichever is less.
What is the fire resistance of a Tilt-Up panel?
The following table is reprinted from the data contained in both the UBC and IBC codes. It shows the relative thickness required for each aggregate type to meet the listed fire resistivity rating.
Fire Resistance of Single-Layer Concrete Walls (Minimum equivalent thickness in inches)| Aggregate Type | 1 hour | 11/2 hour | 2 hours | 3 hours | 4 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siliceous (predominantly quartz) | 3.5 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.0 |
| Carbonate (predominantly limestone) | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.6 |
How do you insulate a Tilt-up wall?
Tilt-up, much like most structural envelopes, can receive insulation on the inside through the use of furring systems or the outside with EIFS. The most effective method of insulating Tilt-Up walls, however, is the method known as "sandwich". This method is placing a layer of insulation between a structural concrete layer and an architectural or non-structural concrete layer during the casting of the panel and then tilting this entire construction as a panel. This method is made possible by structurally connecting the two concrete layers through the insulation layer. As soon as the panel is erected to final position, the inside layer becomes structural and load-bearing, while the outer concrete layer is suspended from it to allow for temperature changes without cracking. It is critical that these two layers remain independent from each other except for the connection through the insulation.
