Bird's-Eye View: The Science Behind Construction And Contracting

Construction contractors and prospective property owners today are looking for building techniques that will minimize projects costs by saving on time and resources. As such, they are gravitating towards newer techniques such as tilt-up construction. This technique has numerous benefits as compared to traditional construction methods.

Despite the emergence of modern techniques, many individuals are still reliant on precast concrete construction when putting up their structures. Is there a chance that the use of tilt-up panels would be more beneficial as compared to precast construction? Below is a comparison that will help you choose between these two building techniques.

Design requirements

New buildings with complex designs are emerging every day, and there is a need to adopt construction techniques that can keep up with these demands. For example, some structures require the use of large panels, while others require the panels to be moulded into complex shapes. In this case, you need to choose a construction technique that meets your building's design needs.

Tilt-up construction offers you flexibility in construction. The fact that the panels are cast on-site means that you can design them in large sizes and in all sort of shapes. On the other hand, precast panels come in custom shapes as they are cast in reusable moulds. You may not design large panels, as they will be hard to transport to the project site.

Weather considerations

Extremely low temperatures during the cold season can interfere with the curing process and affect the structure's outcome. In the case of tilt-up construction, the panels are cured on-site; therefore, the contractor needs to take the weather into account. Prior arrangements can be made to avoid project delays due to low temperatures.

Precast concrete panels are usually cast offsite and transported to the job site. They are cured in a controlled environment, and this means that weather may not be a big factor. However, inclement weather can also put a halt to the project. Therefore, it is still necessary to plan the project around the prevailing weather conditions.

Insulation and energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is an essential factor that you should consider right from the design stage. You need a construction technique that factors in insulation and limits energy loss in your building. Tilt-up panels are able to create a thermal envelope that maximizes energy efficiency in a building. What's more, they have fewer joints, which limits heat loss through air spaces.

On the other hand, precast concrete utilizes smaller panels. The concrete ribs used to separate the panels can leave small air spaces that undermine the efficiency of the insulation. Therefore, tilt-up panels offer better insulation and energy efficiency properties.

As you can see, tilt-up concrete panels have numerous benefits as compared to the traditional precast panels. Talk to your contractor about using this modern technology in your new construction.