As with any commercial construction project there are a variety of factors to consider before selecting a construction method. To name a few factors: building size, material availability, time, cost, design, and durability. These factors can determine which construction method you move forward with for your project. FoxArneson provides the following construction methods: tilt-up construction, pre-engineered steel structures, and precast. We’re here to breakdown each methods pro and cons.
Tilt-Up Construction
Tilt-up construction involves concrete wall panels cast on-site and are then lifted and fixed to a pre-constructed foundation slab or edge beam. The greatest advantage to use the tilt-up method is speed. This method can be used in complex and multi-story projects. With this method being performed on site, materials can usually be readily available. Another benefit to on-site casting is the design can have more unique shapes depending on the vision of the project. Although the downfall to preparing this method on-site is having to deal with the unpredictable bad weather conditions. Casting and curing concrete panels can not take place if the weather is below freezing so it’s important to plan for this method.
Pre-Engineered Steel Structures
Pre-engineered steel buildings are fully designed and manufactured before arriving on site. Hence the name “pre-engineered”! Once the steel structures arrive on site, the next step is to erect the steel by using nuts and bolts. The assembly of steel structures takes less time than other construction methods which results in labor-cost savings. Another perk is the ability to replace damaged components at a low cost. It allows the ability to give a large clear space with little or no columns, windows, openings. The downfall to pre-engineered steel structures, is the metal building look and the metal panels can be less durable than other methods. Although, steel structures are more flexible in the sense that you can be more creative with design. This is commonly used for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers.
Precast
Precast is a concrete product produced by casting concrete in a reusable mold that is then cured in a controlled environment and later transported to the jobsite for installation. The benefit to using precast concrete is it’s very durable, long lasting, and low maintenance. Precast can take a little longer to manufacture and ship but the benefit to preparing the panels off-site is to not have to worry about weather conditions. Once these are manufactured and shipped, you’re not able to make changes in the field. Although, they can be erected in a timely manner reliant on size of the project. Depending on the construction site, this method might not be feasible due to the need for heavy lifting equipment.
Sit down with the FoxArneson team today to determine which construction method can bring your vision to life.