Many people, in many ways, serve the best interests of the construction industry. The editors of ENR have chosen the following individuals for innovations and achievements featured in the magazine in 2006. This includes Dave Kelly, Vice President of Meadow Burke Products recognized for solving the problems of a new tallest Tilt-Up panel record.

Tilt-up is not a technique that has often been used for residential construction. Primarily that is because there isn’t enough floor space to lay out and cast the panels and because of the need for a larger crane to lift the panels. Tierra Concrete Homes, however, has developed a method for constructing all-concrete homes with insulated tilt up panels. The homes they design and build incorporate passive solar strategies, so much so that they have won two Energy Star New Millennium Builder Awards and seven NAHB Energy Value Housing Awards.

Super flat floors, extremely tight schedules and a host of special considerations make today's warehouse and distribution centers some of the most challenging construction projects. For decades, site cast tilt-up has been known as the best solution for some of the largest distribution centers in the country. Although the method is growing in acceptance for other end-uses, tilt-up professionals are still proving the method's viability in the distribution and warehouse market. Innovative tilt-up professionals have refined their processes to ensure that the medium's attributes of durability, speed, and economy are maximized to provide the quality that owners have grown to expect.

Tilt-up was born in the early 1900s, when architect-contractor Robert Aiken built several buildings in the Midwest. Wall panels were cast on a framed tilt-table, face up so precast architectural elements could be attached. The entire assembly was tilted up with jack screws. Once vertical, the concrete panel was braced and the tilt-table was stripped, lowered, and prepared for the next panel. The concept languished, however, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when most construction was publicly funded and labor-saving methods were not a priority.

It would be an understatement to say that, in the 20 years since the formation of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA), the construction method has come a long way. In fact, in terms of acceptance, expansion, and innovation, tilt-up construction—the method by which concrete elements are cast on-site and lifted into place—has made monumental gains.

Renovating or altering an existing building always presents design professionals with challenges, such as obtaining accurate field information and unexpected existing conditions discovered during construction. With the adoption of the International Building Code (IBC), designing and detailing to make existing buildings conform to the structural requirements of the Code became more difficult. This article discusses some of the structural provisions related to existing building renovation or alteration, provides examples to illustrate the provisions, and raises points for further consideration. Most importantly, it points out why structural engineers should proactively educate architects, developers, contractors and building officials about the IBC provisions in order to avoid assuming a disproportionate share of the liability for non-compliance with the IBC building code.

Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center opened in December 2005 and is already acclaimed for its innovative and functional design features, specialized care centers, and practical application of the healing environment concept.

The Elyria Memorial Hospital (EMH) Regional Healthcare System wanted to provide a centralized orthopedic center to replace two existing locations in Lorain County. As of this past June, that plan became reality. New in Sheffield Village, just west of the Route 254 Interstate 90 interchange, is a 50,000-square-foot three-story Class A medical office building. It's main tenant is the EMH Center for Orthopedics...(and it is Tilt-Up).

Tiltwall construction - a method of concrete construction in which wall panels are cast on the ground, then lifted and "tilted" into place - has long been a mainstay of large industrial construction projects. But it's beginning to make inroads into other sectors of the building construction industry - and one of them is the Glendale Retail Center, a project being developed and constructed by Mitch Burley Construction in Brandon, Fla., a Tampa suburb.

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) has formed a seismic design task group as a proactive measure to involve experts in responding to concerns regarding the performance of tilt-up structures during earthquakes in high seismic regions.

I had no intension of doing anything unique, in fact the basic style of the house I wanted was adapted from a house I had designed almost 30 years ago, but never built. It was to be built using standard technologies of that time-slab on grade, dimensional lumber frame, masonry exterior, composition roof.

Today's owners are looking for upfront economics, security, flexibility, and long-term durability. Completing the wish list is the owner's interest in a building that will represent the quality that they offer and become a statement in their area. There is no doubt that site cast tilt-up concrete answers an owner's requirements. The architectural advantages are proving to be the primary reasons for it becoming not only a viable option for other building types, but also a leading design medium for creativity due to recent innovations in architectural finishes. Part of the reason for the growing success of tilt-up is the advancements that product suppliers have made in recent years.

Article by S.K. Ghosh detailing the changes to the 2006 IBC with respect to concrete including strength, serviceability, seismic performance and loading.

Faculty and staff at Minnesota School of Business are now enjoying their new facility located on Highway 23 in the heart of Waite Park, Minnesota. A new, two-story commercial/ educational facility with approximately 20,000 square feet per floor was completed in two separate packages: shell and first floor interior finishes. This unique building features site cast concrete "THERMOMASS" tilt-up wall panels with in-set brick veneer. The upper wall area utilizes a textured spray applied paint finish. The gypsum concrete floor underlayment, FIRM-FILL® 3310 by Hacker Industries, Inc., can be poured before or after drywall and provides compressive strengths up to 3300 psi and delivers exceptional fire rating properties for added safety and sound control for comfort.

The first inductees into the Engineering Hall of Honor (Fame) established in 2005 by the Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT) were two early 20th century structural engineering icons - Willard Simpson of San Antonio and Robert Cummins of Houston, both legitimate claimants to the title of "father of consulting structural engineering in Texas." Both were outstanding engineers and citizens of their communities according to Sam White, chairman of the SEAoT Hall of Honor Committee. "These individuals should be role models for today's youth. By highlighting them to your younger engineers, perhaps we can encourage them to take a greater role as leaders in their communities and industry," said White. The following is a story of one of the icons - Willard Eastman Simpson.

Acid-staining and water-based reactive staining are becoming more common on vertical concrete surfaces. Experts share tips for surface prep, application, sealing and cleanup and offer tips for warding off problems while applying reactive stains.

The Potawot Health Village in Arcata, Calif., greets patients with the look of a traditional Native American village, right down to the thick redwood planks that form the walls of the buildings. Visitors might be even more impressed once they take a closer look at the redwood planks of Potawot. They aren't wood at all - they're tilt-up concrete.

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), there are 21,640 new car dealerships in the United States. While this is an impressive number, many owners are building new facilities to accommodate their growing fleet. In fact, the NADA notes that in 1985, only 3,850 dealerships existed that sold more than 750 new vehicles a year. Today, however, the number of dealerships selling more than 750 new vehicles has skyrocketed to 6,490. This phenomenal growth has led to the construction of larger dealerships with expansive showrooms. Site cast Tilt-Up construction is proving to be an optimal building solution in this market for a variety of reasons including load-bearing walls creating a column-free interior with unobstructed space for showcasing vehicles and the ability to enhance dealership imagery with expansive use of glass and the ability to cast the logo into the building.

A new PetSmart Store in Zanesville, OH is nearing completion. Located at Northpoint Center, the 20,351 ft2 structure has over 17,000 ft2 of site-cast tilt-up reinforced concrete walls. Cincinnati-based Neyer Construction, Inc. performed the entire concrete package for the project, including the tiltup work.

Following trends throughout the country, site cast tilt-up construction is continuing to grow throughout the state of Ohio. One Ohio design-build team has worked together to complete three site-cast concrete tilt-up structures in the western Cleveland suburb of Sheffield Heights. Structural designers from LJB Inc., Dayton OH, teamed with architects and contractors from Star Inc., Amherst OH, to complete the projects quickly, economically and safely.

Bob Moore Construction Safety Director Dino Sideris has earned national recognition as part of QUOIN's Safety Leadership Resource Group with an award for Best Individual Public Relations Campaign in the country from the National AGC in Washington DC.

Tilt-Con Corp. has completed seven tilt-up projects in three Florida counties.

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA), a non-profit international organization that serves to expand and improve the use of site-cast tilt-up as the preferred construction method, has announced that 2005 was a record year for tilt-up construction sales in the United States.

Seretta Construction and Seretta Construction Mid-Atlantic LLC finished two projects last month.

Having been happy with a four-story tilt-up dorm building and in great need of more, Boca Raton's Florida Atlantic University tapped Woodland Construction of Jupiter, Fla., a 20-year tilt-up specialist, to put up an even bigger, 600-bed student housing facility.

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association has recognized two medical centers with Achievement Awards during ceremonies at the World of Concrete 2006: The Park Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colo. and the Franklin Park Medical Center in Spokane, Wash.

Three churches have received 2006 Tilt-Up Concrete Association Achievement Awards--St. Julia's Catholic Church; St. Sarkis Armenian Church and First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, South Florida's ultimate entertainment destination, celebrated another "first" by setting the Tilt-Up Concrete Association's world record with a 96-foot 6-inch tall wall, five feet taller than the previous world-record holder, which was hoisted recently at the site of its new 2,300 space Lucky Street parking garage opening late spring of 2006.

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) will hold its second annual convention Oct. 4-7 in Denver. According to Ed Sauter, TCA executive director, "M.A.S.S. Appeal-Achieving New Heights" was selected as the theme to demonstrate just a few of the benefits that site-cast tilt-up offers. The acronym M.A.S.S. stands for "Modern, Artistic, Structural, Sustainable."

Concrete is widely used for residential construction in other parts of the world but has been a hard sell in the United States, despite the fact that concrete resists earthquakes, wind, and fire and serves the spectrum from economical housing to upscale custom homes. As recounted in the pages of CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, the first "gravel wall" house was built a century before the magazine was founded. This country's first reinforced concrete house came in on the high end: Ward's Castle, a one-of-a-kind mansion built in 1875, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. A few decades later Thomas Edison sought to bring affordable concrete homes to a broad market with his patented monolithic design.

SpawGlass, a Texas-based General Contractor, decided to build a green building in '00, becoming the first LEED®-certified building owner and occupant in Houston. The new facility has created a superior indoor environment with daylight and exterior views for employees, enhanced air quality, and a productive work environment.

In recent years, Tilt-Up professionals have begun to explore new innovations in design-so much so that this construction method, previously relegated to box-like warehouses, is now delving into the realm of architecture. But what makes a Tilt- Up project truly architectural? This is an area that is considerably gray and subject to debate, however, all recognized that architectural acceptance is key to success. As such, it is important to have a basic understanding of the tenets of architecture to be able to properly partner with architects to create a successful project.

Traditionally, a foundation is a site gig that requires forms and a large crew, but some builders are turning to precast foundation walls and tilt-up concrete systems.

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) has announced the theme and date for its second annual convention, to be held Oct. 4-7 in Denver at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center in Englewood.

In recent years, Tilt-Up professionals have begun to explore new innovations in design-so much so that this construction method, previously relegated to box-like warehouses, is now delving into the realm of architecture. But what makes a Tilt- Up project truly architectural? This is an area that is considerably gray and subject to debate, however, all recognized that architectural acceptance is key to success. As such, it is important to have a basic understanding of the tenets of architecture to be able to properly partner with architects to create a successful project.

The world's tallest tilt-up concrete wall, measuring an impressive 96 feet, 6 inches tall, was hoisted into position at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., last month, setting a new record for the tilt-up concrete industry and besting the previous record holder by five feet.

For commercial construction it's hard to beat the cost, quality, and versatility of tilt-up construction. It can also be the fastest way to build. For these reasons and more, some tilt-up contractors are now starting to market and build residential structures, too. And designers like tilt-up construction because there are so many unique design possibilities.

For a true industrial look, developers of Pullman Flats, a multi-million dollar loft/office project, are using concrete tilt-wall panels more commonly used for industrial construction.

Pubblicati nel numero 20 della nostra rivista i risultati dell'edizione precedente, ecco ora i progetti vincitori nel 2006 dei Tilt-Up Achievement Awards, premi promossi annualmente dalla americana Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA). Giunti al quindicesimo anno di esistenza, i riconoscimenti - che vanno a realizzazioni in cui la tecnica costruttiva del tilt-up (utilizzata, soprattutto negli Stati Uniti grazie alla disponibilità di grandi spazi, per realizzare elementi in calcestruzzo orizzontalmente a piè d'opera e successivamente ribaltarli in posizione verticale) introduca...

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) - a non-profit international organization that serves to expand and improve the use of tilt-up as the preferred construction method -has announced the recipients of the 2006 Tilt-Up Achievement Awards.

In addition to the three Excellence in Achievement awards detailed on page 1, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) bestowed 33 Tilt-Up Achievement Awards.

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) - a non-profit international organization that serves to expand and improve the use of tilt-up as the preferred construction method -has announced the recipients of the 2006 Tilt-Up Achievement Awards.

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) has announced the recipients of the 2006 Tilt-Up Achievement Awards. In its 15th consecutive year, the Achievement Awards program was established by TCA to honor projects that use site-cast tilt-up concrete to introduce new building types, advance industry technology, and provide unique solutions to building programs. This year's judges also placed an increased emphasis on the characteristics of the projects that would attract and hold the interest of architects and building owners. Although 36 structures were selected, the judges rated three projects from across all categories to receive the exclusive title Excellence in Achievement. These projects stand out for their unique and inventive use of the tilt-up method.

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) - a non-profit international organization that serves to expand and improve the use of tilt-up as the preferred construction method -has announced the recipients of the 2006 Tilt-Up Achievement Awards. In its 15th consecutive year, the Achievement Awards program was established by TCA to recognize projects that use site cast tilt-up concrete to introduce new building types, advance industry technology and provide unique solutions to building programs. Projects were reviewed by a panel of 13 judges that represent the membership categories within TCA.

The new system for embedding a veneer of genuine architectural concrete masonry onto tilt-up walls is now available in the Atlantic Provinces. The Chameleon Cast Wall System consists of two-inch thick units available in the colors and finishes of architectural masonry.

CC's editors have selected 14 projects that represent what's possible to accomplish with concrete. These represent some of the best work done in the United States over the past year. This article includes a section on classroom modules produced for Miami-Dade Public Schools in Florida.

The new system for embedding a veneer of genuine architectural concrete masonry onto tilt-up walls is now available in the Atlantic Provinces. The Chameleon Cast Wall System consists of two-inch thick units available in the colors and finishes of architectural masonry.

To assume that the mix-design specifications for tilt-up projects are the same as for other concrete jobs is a grave mistake. Certain factors must be given careful consideration when designing a mix for today's increasingly complex and architecturally sophisticated tilt-up projects. Strength is one of the most important concerns on any tilt-up job. But early-age flexural strength is just as important, if not more so, than 28-day compressive strength. The variables of slump, pumpability, and finishability as well as the balance of aggregate gradation and admixtures also play a role. Clearly, one key to success is early collaboration with concrete producers and eliminating the "one-size-fits-all" mentality.

Panel erection day is an exciting time to be on the project site for a Tilt-Up building. It is truly an awe-inspiring event to watch the enormous concrete panels as they are lifted and set into place. However, this production does not occur without careful planning by everyone involved in the construction process. This not only the contractors and construction personnel, but also the architect and engineer can make the panel erection proceed much more efficiently.

Tilt-up construction may still be a relative newcomer in the building industry, but the Tilt-Up Concrete Association is already celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2006. Those of us who were involved in the industry back in 1986 can attest to how far tilt-up has come and impart optimism for the future of the industry. It's no secret that tilt-up construction is a growing market and quickly becoming a preferred building method in both the private and public business sectors.

Panel erection day is an exciting time to be on the project site for a tilt-up building. It is truly an awe-inspiring event to watch the enormous concrete panels as they are lifted and set in to place. However, this production does not occur without careful planning by everyone involved in the construction process. This not only includes the contractors and construction personnel, but also the architect and structural engineer. In fact, proper planning by the architect and engineer can make the panel erection proceed much more efficiently.

Seretta Construction has won two Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) Achievement Awards for St. Sarkis Armenian Church and Indian Rocks Baptist Church.

Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based Tilt-Con, one of the nation's largest tilt-up concrete constructors, has just recently completed Beacon Lakes Buildings 6 and 10, located in Miami. This 404,744-square-foot project was a light industrial warehouse and had an extremely tight schedule. Codina Construction is the general contractor on the project, which was designed by Retzsch, Canao and Caycedo Architects.

Seretta Construction Inc., concrete tilt-up contractor for Southridge II in the Southridge Business Park in Orlando, Fla., will finish the 39,616-square-foot building this month. Work for EastGroup Properties included the foundation, slab on grade, tilt-up concrete panels, paving and sidewalks.

FF and FL criteria have, for more than a decade now, been the accepted method for specifying and measuring the flatness and levelness for random traffic floors. The testing standards are given in ASTM-E1155-96/01. The very basic definition of FF is the "bumpiness" of the floor. To determine FF, measurements are taken at successive 1'-0" intervals and the values (curvature) are then compared over 2'-0". The very basic definition of FL is the levelness or "pitch" of the floor compared to a horizontal plane over a 10'-0" distance. To determine FL, measurements are taken at successive 1'-0" intervals but are compared as the difference in elevation between two points separated by 10'-0".

TCA can make that happen if you have some good jobsite photos to share. Although we have a wide variety of finished building photographs from our annual Achievement Award competition (though more photos are always welcome), TCA has a real shortage of good jobsite photos.

The advent and subsequent explosion of digital photography has had a large impact on our photo archives. Obviously, digital technology provides for quick and easy manipulation and development of photographs for website and email purposes. However, most of these images are not suitable for print publications since all most magazines require digital photos to be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) and 4 x 6 in size - usually in TIF format. And, for cover photographs, a slide, transparency or 8.5 x 11 inch photograph is necessary. With only small digital files to choose from in our archives, the TCA is losing valuable opportunities in the media to showcase tilt-up.

If you have photos you are willing to share, please send them to TCA today. Your company will benefit from exposure as well since the photo caption and cutline will highlight your company and the project. Thank you for helping "build" the tilt-up industry.

For more information on marketing efforts being undertaken by the TCA, contact Ed Sauter, Executive Director for the TCA at (319) 895-6911.