Trends in the Tilt-up Concrete Industry to Watch Out for in 2019
The tilt-up concrete construction industry offers new opportunities for construction contractors if you consider the numerous architectural possibilities the technology provides. Furthermore, developers have become more receptive to concrete panels in recent years, which is a revelation that construction contractors should leverage. Keeping abreast with emerging developments in the tilt-up panel construction industry is vital for contractors to gain a competitive edge. This article highlights emerging trends in tilt-up concrete panel construction that are expected to become a hit in 2019.
Veneer Curtain Walls
While tilt-up panels can be decorated, such customisation is limited to engraving, painting or punching openings. However, veneer curtain wall technology is pushing the boundaries. This option is becoming the preferred choice for property owners that want an architecturally pleasing building. For instance, the technology is transforming an industry that has for a long time been known to use little exterior glass for decorative purposes.
This is how it works: after the tilt-up panels have been erected, the veneer curtain wall—a glass-like covering—is mounted onto the front of the panels. When looked at from the street, the veneer curtain looks like see-through glass when in actuality the backside is a painted frit. The advantage of veneer curtain walls is that they improve a building's value when it goes on the market.
Composite Tilt-Up Panels
Composite wall systems have been around for decades, but composite tilt-up panels are an emerging technology. Despite the efficiency standards that have been achieved by non-composite tilt-up panels, composite concrete panels can improve the structural efficiency of buildings significantly. However, most construction contractors are reluctant to take up the technology, mainly due to challenges in design flexibility.
That said, the writing is already on the wall as contractors are slowly abandoning uninsulated concrete panels. Coupled with the continued adoption of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, it is easy to understand why composite tilt-up panels offer a unique opportunity for construction contractors that are willing to invest in research and development.
Self-Compacting Concrete
One reason why the tilt-up construction industry is growing is that the delivery time of construction projects has been reduced significantly. However, if you are looking to minimise construction time in 2019 even further, you might want to adopt self-compacting concrete (SCC). As a flowing concrete, SCC can achieve complete compaction in any formwork, which means that no vibration is required. In addition, the panels produced by SCC have excellent durability, which is an essential attribute in the industry.
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