In a significant stride toward advancing best practices in the world of tilt-up concrete construction, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) is proud to announce the forthcoming publication of the “TCA Design Guide for Tilt-Up Partially Composite Insulated Wall Panels.” This essential resource for practicing engineers, architects, and construction professionals is set to become a cornerstone in the industry.

Building on the “Grey Book” Legacy

The foundation for this groundbreaking guide was laid with the completion of the research report titled “Tilt-Up Partially Composite Insulated Wall Panels.” This extensive research effort was sponsored by the TCA and conducted by Dr. Marc Maguire, assistant professor, and Salam Al-Rubaye, graduate research assistant, at the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The “Grey Book,” as the report has come to be known, describes the most extensive and complete, full-scale testing of site-cast, composite, and non-composite panels ever undertaken. It was conducted to ensure the safety of this form of construction as wall panels grow in height and complexity, and are connected using a variety of shear transfer products.

A supplementary study was conducted in collaboration with Tilt Lab during the Tilt-Up Convention and Expo in St. Louis in 2021. The goal was to predict stresses in the concrete and rebar in various lifting configurations. The data collected will inform the development of the design guide.

Authors and Structure of the Design Guide

The groundbreaking design guide will be authored by Dr. Timothy W. Mays, PhD, PE, and Dr. Marc Maguire, PhD. Dr. Mays is an associate professor of civil engineering at The Citadel in Charleston, SC, and a recognized expert in code applications, structural design, seismic design, steel connections, structural dynamics, and civil engineering aspects of antiterrorism. Dr. Maguire, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is known for his expertise in structural mechanics, probabilistic methods, and structural health monitoring.

The “TCA Design Guide for Tilt-Up Partially Composite Insulated Wall Panels” will cover a wide range of topics, including the following:

• introduction and theoretical background
• recommended design procedures for typical panels for vertical and out-of-plane loading (including two procedures based on shear and flexure control)
• recommendations for atypical panels
• example problems (a minimum of four cases covering both design procedures)
• conclusions and recommendations

With the “Grey Book” as the cornerstone, and the expertise of authors Dr. Timothy W. Mays and Dr. Marc Maguire, the “TCA Design Guide for Tilt-Up Partially Composite Insulated Wall Panels” is poised to make a significant impact on the tilt-up concrete industry. This forthcoming guide, based on rigorous research and practical insights, represents a significant step forward in advancing best practices in the field.

Stay connected with the TCA for updates and release information as we eagerly await the arrival of this groundbreaking guide. It promises to be an indispensable resource for professionals in the tilt-up community, furthering the association’s mission to promote innovation and excellence in tilt-up construction.