Tilt-Up Future Think 4.0 returned to Chicago on June 24, 2024, and was hosted by the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) and Tilt Lab at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. This year’s event focused on the rapidly approaching future of tilt-up construction, highlighting emerging technologies, materials, regulations, and best practices.

The day began with an introduction by Jeffrey Brown, founding principal of Powers Brown Architecture and chair of Tilt Lab. His session, “Musings of Futurity,” set the tone for forward-thinking discussions. Steve Wasilowski then presented “Affordable R&D and the Future of Construction Innovation,” emphasizing how advancements in technology are making research and development more accessible and essential for growth.

The program then featured three sessions of short talks:

• Session 1: Materials & Methodologies explored groundbreaking materials and methodologies transforming tilt-up construction. Talks included insights into high-density gypsum, GFRP rebar’s resilience, innovations in insulated walls, and the potential of slabless tilt-up construction. The session concluded with a panel discussion where industry experts delved deeper into these emerging technologies.
• Session 2: Digital Integration showcased the transformative role of digital tools in construction. Presentations covered topics such as augmented reality’s impact on construction precision, neural networks for material development, and the future role of robotics in the industry. This session highlighted how digital integration is revolutionizing traditional construction methods.
• Session 3: Eco & Ethos addressed the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and workforce management. Speakers discussed low-carbon concrete mix designs, the impact of evolving VOC regulations, and strategies to tackle labor shortages. The session emphasized the importance of aligning environmental goals with practical business solutions to ensure the industry’s sustainable future.

After each session, a distinguished lineup of global experts from various facets of tilt-up design, research, engineering, and construction held discourse. Their participation served to digest the various technologies and provide context for their potential application. Members of the panel included:

• David Tomasula – Alberici Constructors Inc.
• Tim Lewis – Amazon Web Services
• Barclay Gebel – Concrete Strategies Inc.
• Tim Manherz – Encore Concrete Construction LLC
• Chad Bruce – GluDown Inc.
• Brad Nesset – Leviat
• Rick Galloway – Martin Concrete Construction Inc.
• Nicole Laiho – Peak Engineering Inc.
• Don Greive – Pinnacle Structural Engineers
• Katt Price – Schaefer
• Andrew McPherson – Seretta Construction Inc.
• Chris Hall – VMG Construction Inc.

The event concluded with a reception on the patio overlooking the museum’s sculpture garden, allowing attendees to network and reflect as the sun set on a day of insightful discussions. The TCA looks forward to continuing this tradition of innovation and leadership in the construction industry, with future events poised to explore the evolving landscape of tilt-up construction further.

Thank you again to this year’s sponsors:

Pioneers

• TILT Lab
• White Cap 
• Trailblazers
• Powers Brown Architecture 

Innovators

• Needham DBS 

Visionaries

• Building Zone Industries
• Conewago Enterprises Inc.
• Doka USA
• LJB Engineering 
• Nox-Crete Inc. 
• PaintJet
• Pinnacle Structural Engineers 
• Tiger Concrete and Screed LLC 
• Tilt Wall Ontario Inc.