By Ben Saltzman, TCA Member Services

The TCA Achievement Awards Program is widely considered by TCA members to be one of the greatest benefits of membership. The sheer exposure of these projects brings considerable attention to TCA and member participants, while helping to shape conceptions in the design and construction industry about the versatility of Tilt-Up for a variety of applications.

However, the growth of both TCA and the Tilt-Up industry has expanded the role of the Association in shaping the conditions for TCA members in the industry. One of the most recent and significant undertakings has been the creation of a Seismic Task Force with participants from all regions of the country. This group is charged with providing evidence to the construction industry of the performance and methodologies to support the design of Tilt-Up buildings described as models with rigid walls and flexible diaphragms. This effort is aimed at holding off further code restrictions in seismic regions across the U.S. and improving the reliance on Tilt-Up as the leading method of construction for all rigid wall systems. Contact TCA if you are interested in taking part in this effort.

TCA resources are also helping TCA members actively convert their upcoming projects to Tilt-Up. The Architecture of Tilt-Up, published recently by the TCA, is designed to help architects, builders and owners realize the architectural potential of Tilt-Up construction. There is also a new Take Pride In Your Structure brochure, which can be used in conjunction with the Proven Solutions series of flyers, all of which are designed to emphasize the attributes that make Tilt-Up the proven building solution for a wide range of architectural finishes, speed and economy. These brochures highlight how Tilt-Up is the proven solution for a variety of construction obstacles including long-term durability against natural disasters, tight time-frames, and difficult jobsite conditions.

TCA also provides in-depth technical literature, such as the Tilt-Up Construction and Engineering Manual, 6th Edition (5th Edition available in Spanish) and the new Field-Tips, which will soon be provided to TCA Contractor members. The Field-Tips contain helpful hints to be distributed to field-crews during regular safety meetings at Tilt-Up jobsites.

All TCA resources are available to TCA members at a significant member discount, so if you are interested in receiving any of these new marketing and educational materials, feel free to contact me at bsaltzman@tilt-up.org.