Why Tilt-Up Works
Quality
Durability
Much more durable than
conventional facebrick,
plaster/paint or metal
clad buildings.
Health
& Safety
No scaffolding required during construction. All work undertaken on grade until lifting. Lifting undertaken by certified riggers, making the system very safe.
Scope
& Design
Flexible design that can adapt to design intent. Fit for purpose building with reduced footprints. Easy to allow for future growth. Award winning structures.
Faster
Construction
The process of constructing foundations and walls is significantly faster than traditional concrete frames structures; loadbearing brickwork or even insulated metal clad construction.
Durability &
Strength
Concrete walls are significantly superior over plaster and painted walls. No cracking and crazing of plaster. Larger panels have less expansion joints than traditional framed structures. Concrete panel strengths 25Mpa versus traditional plastered walls.
Energy
Efficiency
Insulated concrete walls are far superior to traditional metal clad insulated buildings. Concrete can store significant amounts of thermal energy and delay the transfer through walls. Because the mass is adjacent to the interior of the building, energy demand can be moved to off peak periods.
Sustainable
Construction
The manufacturing process of walls create less than 1% concrete wastage. Concrete is readily available in most parts of Africa. Life expectancy is significantly higher when compared to either metal clad insulated buildings or traditional brick structures. It is easier to upskill workers in comparison to traditional building methods.
High Fire
Safety
A 150mm concrete panel will provide deem to satisfy 2-hour fire rating. A 200mm concrete panel will provide deem to satisfy 4-hour fire rating. When compared to traditional fire walls these are not only thinner, but also provide significant higher fire ratings at no additional cost.
Real Cost
Savings
When considering lifecycle costing, it is evident that no other building method can compare to tilt-up construction. Reduced foundation requirements and building footprint (thinner walls & no columns protruding). It is evident that larger building that require high walls could be constructed more cost effectively than traditional methods of construction in South Africa.
Longevity &
Durability
When left unpainted,
maintenance costs are
virtually eliminated.
Multi-Purpose
Application
Tilt-up construction has been found to be suitable for almost every type of construction. Due to the demand for increased energy efficient structures developers and owners are embracing the technology.
Ease of
Maintenance
Solid concrete walls are easy to maintain & repair - should such be required. The writer completed structures 25 years ago with zero maintenance since completion. Fewer expansion joints equates to fewer points of water ingress and fewer places for air to escape. Expansion joints are properly formed and can be easily resealed.