Events > Tilt-Up Convention and Expo 2026 - Salt Lake City > SESSION

Understanding Composite Action in Insulated Tilt-Up Panels

October 22, 2026 from 7:00am to 8:00am Mountain Standard Time

David Hall

George Morcous, Ph.D., P.E.

Composite behavior in insulated tilt-up wall systems remains an area where research, testing, and field application must align to achieve reliable performance. This session examines how concrete wythes, insulation layers, connectors, and reinforcement interact to develop composite action, drawing from laboratory testing and observed structural behavior. Attendees will explore how these findings translate into practical design considerations, particularly in conditions where prescriptive guidance is limited, and how empirical approaches can support more predictable outcomes. The discussion is intended to strengthen the evaluation and implementation of insulated tilt-up systems while contributing to improved structural performance and more energy-efficient building envelopes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Explain the structural mechanics associated with composite action in insulated tilt-up wall systems.
• Interpret laboratory testing results and their implications for structural behavior and design.
• Identify reinforcement, connector, and detailing strategies that support composite performance.
• Apply empirical design considerations to the evaluation and implementation of insulated tilt-up panels.