The Best Ways of Forming Tilt-Up Panels

22 January 2016

Eugene Vargas

There are a number of different ways through which you can form tilt up panels. Each method has its own advantages. This article will highlight the different methods of forming individual tilt up panels and consequent advantages of each.

The Standard Practice

First of all, it is important to understand the standard method of laying out tilt up panels before going to the details of individual panels. You need to first make chalk lines on the floor slab to indicate the panel perimeters. Place the forms that you need against these perimeters for the best results. Wood is the most common material that is used to create the side forms. The panel depth on the other hand is designed such that it will fit the standard lumber dimension.

To secure and support your side forms to the slab, you can use wood or steel angle supports. Concrete anchors are used to bond the forms to your floor slab. You should also remember to repair the holes that the anchorages will leave to get the best results.

Make Perimeter for a Series of Individual Tilt up Panels

This is one way of forming individual panels. After making a perimeter for a series of them, you should then use strips to divide into individual panels. This has several advantages:

• You can maintain joint tolerances from panel to panel. This is because adjoining panels share one form.
• The method ensures less forming and is cost-effective on the forming lumber.

Other Variations

A variation of the above method involves casting a large slab and then making joints after you trowel the concrete. Through this way individual tilt up panels will be made. In this method, can strips are used to at the point between the slab and the side form. This variation has its advantages:

• These strips are important in reducing the possibility of any spall when stripping these forms.
•  This is in addition to giving the panels a smooth finish and preventing concrete leakage.

Another variation of this method is to form windows and doors once you have made the perimeter of the panels. This method also uses cant strips between the opening forms of the panel and the slab to offer the above advantages. The only difference is that if the panel opening is bigger and closer to the panel, strong back is needed to provide additional hold up during lifting and placing the panels. Find out more information from companies like Allcon (NSW) Pty Ltd.

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