Record U.S. Tilt-Up Sales in 2005

From: Concrete Construction June 2006

With more than 753 million square feet of buildings (approximately 301 million square feet of wall panels) constructed using tilt-up in 2005, and approximately 664 million square feet of buildings (approximately 265 million square feet of wall panels) constructed in 2004, the industry experienced a growth rate of 13 percent in 2005. The annual growth rate is based on sales of lifting inserts as reported by the major manufacturers of tilt-up accessories. Using a series of calculations, the total square foot of panels lifted, based on the connectors sold, is calculated. Then, the square foot floor area enclosed by tilt-up wall construction is estimated.

According to Ed Sauter, executive director of the TCA, the tilt-up construction method continues to gain market share for several reasons: speed of construction, advances in architectural treatments, and adaptability to markets such as schools, retail centers and office buildings. “The growth of site-cast tilt-up construction as a preferred building method will continue to grow as more and more owners are exposed to the benefits.”