Braces for tilt-up construction

Concrete Construction, Oct, 2005

So you've decided to give tilt-up a try. You've poured the concrete and lifted it in place. Now, what? The simple answer is don't let it fall over. The wind will be your biggest enemy, and braces are necessary to resist these lateral forces until permanent wall connections can be made. The Tilt-Up Concrete Association offers "The Guideline for Temporary Wind Bracing of Tilt-Up Concrete Panels During Construction" to help you.

This 15-page guide discusses the variables that affect the forces tilt-up bracing systems have to resist. The lateral pressure on newly erected panels will vary with wind velocity, the surface area of the panel, and the presence or absence of openings. Wind velocity (and therefore pressure) depends on the location of the building and seasonal conditions. The force also increases if the wind is accompanied by rain, snow, dust, or sand.

Other important resources for detailed information about tilt-up bracing systems are the manufacturers and their dealers. In this case, only a few companies make products specifically for this type of construction. The dominant players are Dayton/Richmond and Meadow Burke. Don De Cristo and Universal Form Clamp also provide tilt-up lifting and bracing hardware. Dayton/Richmond and Meadow Burke have a network of certified dealers that can assist with tilt-up projects.

One important dealer, with locations nationwide, is White Cap Construction Supply. Along with supplying Dayton/Richmond and Meadow Burke hardware, White Cap has developed its own software package, Panel Pro. It improves the accuracy and timeliness of critical job rake-offs by incorporating exact panel engineering data in a fraction of the time. The program also generates quotes that can be faxed or emailed directly to the customer to streamline the bidding process.

Tilt-up construction requires engineering expertise in the layout of panels and the design of bracing systems. Each company offers a variety of bracing options for your situation. They can help you decide whether you need fixed-length braces or telescopic braces, and if you need any sub-support system of knee, lateral, or end braces. Relying on the bracing manufacturers also removes guesswork from the job and shares the responsibility and liability with experienced and knowledgeable partners.

Tilt-up is one of the fastest growing forms of construction. If you think it is right for you, the table provides contacts to help you take the first step. Circle the readers service numbers and mail the card in if you want further information from any of these companies.

Tilt-up bracing manufacturers & suppliers

Company                  Web Site

Dayton/Richmond          www.daytonrichmond.com
Concrete Accessories

Don De Cristo Concrete   www.decristo.com
Accessories

Meadow Burke Products    www.meadowburke.com

Tilt-Up Concrete         www.tilt-up.org
Association

Universal Form Clamp     www.universalformclamp.com

White Cap Construction   www.whitecap.net
Supply

Company                  Phone                Circle No.

Dayton/Richmond          800-745-3700              6
Concrete Accessories

Don De Cristo Concrete   888-336-6006              7
Accessories

Meadow Burke Products    877-518-7665              8

Tilt-Up Concrete         319-895-6911              9
Association

Universal Form Clamp     800-728-1958             10

White Cap Construction   800-944-8322             11

Supply