While there are many similarities between precast concrete construction and tilt-up concrete construction, there are also many pointed differences. Both methods provide the inherent strength and durability of concrete construction, but tilt-up delivers distinct advantages related to design, construction and life-cycle cost. When evaluating a new building, consider the following.
Tilt-Up Delivers… |
Advantage |
| Load-bearing panels | Tilt-up wall panels are load-bearing, which eliminates perimeter columns and roof beams found in many precast buildings. The column-free walls save construction costs and provide greater flexibility for exterior openings. |
| Taller, wider panels | Reduces number of panels to erect, as well as the number of panel-to-panel connections, saving costs and expediting construction. |
| Fewer panel joints | Reduces opportunity for air and water infiltration, which translates to less overall maintenance during the life of the building. |
| On-site quality control | Delivers greater uniformity of panel finish, including better alignment of reveal lines across panel joints and more consistent color and finish |
| Architectural flexibility | Rather than using flat beds designed for repetitive production, concrete arrives in liquid form and can be placed into many shapes and sizes to deliver an owner or architect’s vision. |
| Accommodates design changes in the field | Design changes can be made until the concrete is placed at the site, rather than being beholden to ordering and production schedules. This facilitates fast-track construction and earlier occupancy. |
| Faster shell completion | Precast lead times range from 6-18 weeks, based on production capacity. Tilt-up panels can often be formed and erected before the first precast panel could arrive on site. |
| Superior thermal performance | Tilt-up delivers continuous edge-to-edge insulation, which creates greater energy efficiency. This provides cost savings through smaller mechanicalunits and lower energy operating costs. |
The Spot 
This is a great outline of the differences between precast and tilt-up construction! I wasn’t sure of the advantages of tilt-up. I’ll keep this in mind in my construction, thank you!