Wednesday, April 1, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Grand F
This session will take a look at best practices for constructability and quality assurance in Tilt-up concrete. It will be a collaboration between 134 Constructability, 551 Tilt-up, and 121 Quality Assurance Systems for Concrete. Constructability refers to the ease, efficiency, and practicality of constructing a tilt-up project. The goal is to minimize errors, reduce waste, and ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget. Quality assurance is a proactive process focused on preventing defects by establishing systems, standards, and procedures. The speakers will discuss how these two ideas tie together and if properly implemented, will improve the overall project.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Understand the principles of constructability in Tilt-up construction;
(2) Identify key quality assurance processes for tilt-up concrete;
(3) Apply constructability and QA strategies to real-world tilt-up scenarios;
(4) Evaluate the impact of constructability and QA on project outcomes.
Contractor Perspectives on Collaborative Constructability in Tilt-Up Projects
Presented By: Dana Rotkovich
Affiliation: KB Concrete
Description: Contractor-driven insights on fostering collaboration across design, material suppliers, and field teams to boost tilt-up constructability and QA. It will include post-project evaluations, innovative tools, and strategies to minimize errors, with emphasis on how early involvement prevents issues downstream.
Using Quality Controls to Align Means and Methods with Project Expectations
Presented By: Jacob Borgerson
Affiliation: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Description: As concrete materials change in our ever-changing construction world, constructors need to adapt their means and methods. Appropriate quality controls can help mitigate the risk for concrete problems and better position the constructor to meet the expectations of the project. Attendees will be introduced to various approaches for refining means and methods during concrete construction. Examples will be used to illustrate the concepts presented.
Structural Design Strategies for Tilt-Up Constructability
Presented By: Chad Boyea
Affiliation: PES Structural Engineers
Description: Even the most carefully engineered tilt-up panels can create major challenges in the field if constructability is overlooked. Poorly detailed or impractical designs can lead to schedule delays, reduced productivity, and added project costs. This presentation explores practical design and detailing strategies that enhance the constructability of tilt-up concrete panels.
Best Practices for Chemicals Involved in Tilt-up Construction Difference between Type1L and LCC
Presented By: Derick Rainey
Affiliation: Nox-Crete
Description: From a chemical standpoint, understanding the basic reactions taking place within the concrete slab, especially early on, is extremely important to making an informed decision regarding not only the proper products to use, but also the sequence and timing of the application of those chemicals. This section will briefly discuss the cement hydration process and explain how concrete chemicals are engineered and formulated to interact with the products of that reaction. Furthermore, modern concrete mix designs (Type 1L and Low Carbon Concrete) have had an effect on that process and the effectiveness of liquid floor hardeners (densifiers) as well as bond breakers' discussion will conclude with an analysis of how the mix design dictates the proper product choice and application sequence to achieve the desired results. Obviously, the primary desired result is a panel that lifts but eliminating as many “secondary” issues such as poor panel face appearance, panel face retardation, and damage to the casting slab, will also be discussed.