​What is the Tilt Wall method?

Construction methods are the procedures and techniques that are used during the building process. We want to take some time to dive into an overview of the Tilt Wall (or tilt up) method that we have used on several projects, such as the San Antonio Joint Operations Facility and the Western Hemisphere Education Center.

When do you use it?

Tilt Wall is a method option when using concrete. The concrete walls, columns, and structures needed are created horizontally on a concrete slab. Once the elements are ready, they are then tilted and lifted to a vertical position using a crane. This can be done to create virtually any type of large commercial building such as distribution centers, schools, office buildings, and more. The multi-level process makes for a very busy and time sensitive construction site.

How does it work?

Prior to construction, plans are drawn out to make sure there are pathways for the crane to mobilize around the job site and have access to the positions needed to properly lift up the moving pieces. Once the plans are finalized and construction begins, the casting slab is created. It is crucial to build an accurate and flat casting slab as the concrete building elements will mirror the slab when they are created. The Tilt Wall panels are then measured out on top of the flat slab. A bond breaker is applied to the slab to allow the panels to come off of the slab when they are cured. Inserts are cast in the panels for connections that hook up to the crane for panel erection.

Once everything is ready, the team can safely lift up the panels and building elements into position!