Industry References — Tilt-Up Design

This document catalogs the primary industry standards, associations, manufacturer resources, and training materials relevant to tilt-up panel design details. All resources listed here are either publicly available or available through membership/purchase.

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1. Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA)

Website: https://www.tilt-up.org

The TCA is the primary trade organization for tilt-up construction in the United States and internationally. They publish the authoritative technical resources for tilt-up design and construction.

1.1 TCA Detail Library

• What it is: A comprehensive library of CAD details for tilt-up construction details: panel joints, corners, base conditions, roof anchors, opening details, hardware callouts, and more

• Format: AutoCAD .dwg file

• Access: Free download (no membership required)

• Direct download URL: https://www.tilt-up.org/resources/files/tca-section-and-detail-library-2015-07-08.dwg

• Date of publication: July 2015 (most recently published version as of research in 2026)

• Coverage:

  • Sections through panel edges (chamfer, reveal, joint)

  • Plan-view corner conditions (butt, miter, pilaster)

  • Panel base details (slab isolation joint, haunch)

  • Roof attachment and top-of-wall conditions

  • Hardware anchor details

This is the most useful single file for ConstructiVision’s detail reference library. It establishes what “standard” looks like for tilt-up details in AutoCAD format, which is the same environment ConstructiVision operates in.

1.2 TCA Guide Specification 034700 — Tilt-Up Concrete

• What it is: A master specification in CSI format (Division 03 47 00) covering all aspects of tilt-up concrete construction

• Format: Word .docx / PDF

• Access: Free download from tilt-up.org/resources

• Local repository copy (authoritative project reference): authoritative-sources/TCA-Guide-Spec-034700-v18-1.doc

• CSI Division: 03 47 00 — Tilt-Up Concrete

• Key sections for ConstructiVision:

  • Section 2.2: Concrete mix design and aggregate

  • Section 2.6: Chamfer strip and reveal strip (materials, sizes, typical)

  • Section 3.3: Panel casting — forming, chamfer strip placement

  • Section 3.8: Panel erection tolerances (references ACI 117)

  • Section 3.9: Joint sealant (references ASTM C920)

• Jurisdiction: This is a guide spec; not a law. EOR and specifications writer adapts it to project requirements.

For ConstructiVision documentation decisions, use the TCA 034700 guide specification and applicable ACI standards as the primary baseline. Manufacturer catalogs (Dayton Superior, Meadow Burke, and others) are secondary implementation references and must not override governing specification and code requirements.

1.3 TCA Position Papers

• Access: TCA member-gated (membership required)

• Subjects: Seismic performance, fire resistance ratings, above-grade slab construction, cold weather erection

• These typically contain project-specific recommendations beyond the base guide spec

1.4 TCA AEC Daily / Continuing Education Courses

• What it is: Free continuing education (CE) courses for architects and engineers, accredited by AIA/AISC

• Access: Via AEC Daily at aecdaily.com — search “tilt-up”

• TCA Tilt-Up Academy: Series of online courses covering fundamentals through advanced topics

• Useful for understanding design intent and industry consensus behind standard details

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2. Government & Military Specifications (UFGS / Army Corps of Engineers)

The Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) are maintained jointly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC). They are the federal equivalent of the TCA Guide Specification and apply to all federally funded construction projects.

Website / Repository: Whole Building Design Guide — UFGS
Access: Free — all UFGS documents are publicly available in editable Word format at wbdg.org

2.1 UFGS 03 47 13 — Tilt-Up Concrete

• What it is: The federal master specification for tilt-up concrete construction, written in CSI three-part format (General / Products / Execution). Directly parallel to TCA Guide Spec 034700 but written for government procurement.

• Maintained by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), with NAVFAC and AFCEC co-maintainers

• CSI Division: 03 47 13 — Tilt-Up Concrete (note: more specific than TCA’s 034700)

• Access: Free download at wbdg.org — search “03 47 13” — editable .docx

• Jurisdiction: Required on any federal, DoD, or military construction project. Adapted by the specifier using bracketed options for project-specific conditions.

Key sections for ConstructiVision:

Section	Topic	Notes
Part 1 — General	Submittals, quality control, sequencing	Requires shop drawings and lifting hardware submittals
Part 2 §2.1	Concrete materials and mix design	References ACI 318, ASTM C94
Part 2 §2.2	Embedded hardware	Lifting inserts, weld plates — requires load ratings
Part 2 §2.3	Chamfer and reveal strips	Materials and dimensional requirements
Part 3 §3.2	Casting bed preparation and panel forming	Floor-cast flatness requirements
Part 3 §3.3	Bond breaker application	Coverage rates, inspection, recoat requirements
Part 3 §3.4	Concrete placement and curing	Hot/cold weather provisions
Part 3 §3.5	Panel erection, bracing, grouting	Erection tolerances referencing ACI 117
Part 3 §3.6	Panel connections and joints	Weld inspection, sealant reference to ASTM C920

How UFGS 03 47 13 differs from TCA Guide Spec 034700:

Aspect	TCA 034700	UFGS 03 47 13
Intended use	Private/commercial projects	Federal and DoD projects
Editing format	Guide spec with notes	Bracketed options [choose one]
QC requirements	Industry-standard	Enhanced — government inspection, certified testing labs
Submittal requirements	Standard shop drawings	Formal submittal register, government approval
Bond breaker	Performance spec	More prescriptive product requirements
Erection tolerances	ACI 117 referenced	ACI 117 referenced (same)
Sealant	ASTM C920	ASTM C920 (same)

When to reference UFGS 03 47 13 in ConstructiVision context:

• Any project on a military installation, federal courthouse, VA hospital, or other federally funded facility

• As a quality baseline: UFGS requirements are often more explicit than commercial practice and represent a good high-water mark for ConstructiVision’s default assumptions

• Specifically for lifting hardware submittals: UFGS is more prescriptive about what the engineer must certify, which is useful when documenting the ConstructiVision panel weight and C.G. calculation methodology

Note

UFGS 03 47 13 is free and publicly maintained. It is one of the few tilt-up specification documents that can be quoted verbatim in ConstructiVision documentation without copyright concern, unlike ACI or ASTM standards.

2.2 Related UFGS Documents (future reference)

Document	Title	Relevance
UFGS 03 30 00	Cast-in-Place Concrete	Governs casting bed slab when it is a federal project
UFGS 03 15 00	Concrete Joints and Accessories	Joint fillers, sealants — government equivalent of ASTM C920 spec section
UFC 3-310-04	Seismic Design for Buildings	Applies when tilt-up panels are on seismic DoD sites

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3. Dayton Superior

Website: https://www.daytonsuperior.com

Dayton Superior is a major supplier of concrete forming accessories, tilt-up hardware, and post-installed anchors. Their Tilt-Werks product line is the most widely used brand of tilt-up forming and connection hardware in the U.S.

2.1 Tilt-Werks Product Line

• What it is: A complete system of tilt-up forming and connection products

• Access: Product catalog available at daytonsuperior.com → Tilt-Up Concrete

• Key products for ConstructiVision documentation:

Product	Description	Catalog Reference
Chamfer strip — 3/4”	EPS foam chamfer strip, standard	Tilt-Werks forming accessories
Chamfer strip — 1”	EPS foam chamfer strip, architectural	Tilt-Werks forming accessories
Reveal strip	Horizontal/vertical reveal strips, multiple profiles	Tilt-Werks forming accessories
Tilt-Up Lifting Inserts	Ferrule-and-plate lifting hardware, multiple lifting angles	Tilt-Werks lift hardware
Weld Plate Assemblies	Embedded plates for panel-to-panel and panel-to-steel connections	Tilt-Werks connections
Hairpin Anchors	Bent-bar anchors for structural connections at corners	Tilt-Werks connections

Important

Dayton Superior product literature is a hardware implementation source. Final project requirements are controlled by governing codes (ACI), project specification sections, and the TCA guide specification baseline when adopted by the design team.

2.2 Tilt-Werks Design Software

• What it is: Free design tool for calculating tilt-up panel lift hardware loads, panel weight, and pick point locations

• Access: daytonsuperior.com — search “Tilt-Werks Design Software” or contact Dayton Superior rep

• Utility: Confirms lift insert count and location; validates panel weight calculations

• Note (2026): As of the last research date, the software is available as a Windows desktop application

2.3 Dayton Superior Technical Support

• Phone and email tech support for hardware selection and load calculations

• Dayton Superior field representatives can provide project-specific detailing assistance at no charge when their products are specified

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3. Meadow Burke

Website: https://www.meadowburke.com
(Meadow Burke is a division of Helifix / parent of several precast hardware brands)

Meadow Burke is the second major supplier of tilt-up hardware, closely competitive with Dayton Superior. Their MB-series products are widely used as substitutes.

• MB Tilt-Up Lineup: Chamfer strip, lift inserts, edge form accessories, weld plates

• Technical catalog: Available at meadowburke.com

• ConstructiVision specifications should call products generically (e.g., “chamfer strip, 3/4” × 3/4” × 45°, EPS foam OR as approved”) to allow contractor substitution between Dayton Superior and Meadow Burke

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5. American Concrete Institute (ACI)

Website: https://www.concrete.org

ACI publishes the governing design standards for concrete construction in the United States.

5.1 ACI 551.1R — Guide to Tilt-Up Concrete Construction

• What it is: The primary ACI guide document for tilt-up design; covers structural design, forming, lifting, bracing, and connections

• Access: Purchase from concrete.org; ACI membership provides discounted access

• Key sections for ConstructiVision:

  • Chapter 4: Panel proportioning (thickness, height-to-thickness ratio)

  • Chapter 5: Concrete mix and finish

  • Chapter 6: Lifting design and hardware

  • Chapter 7: Panel connections (corner, top-of-wall, header)

  • Appendix A: Sample design calculations

5.2 ACI 117-10 — Specification for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials

• What it is: The governing standard for dimensional tolerances in concrete construction, including precast/tilt-up erection tolerances

• Access: Purchase from concrete.org

• Key sections:

  • Section 4.4: Precast concrete erection tolerances

    • Panel position: ±3/8” from plan location

    • Plumb: 1/4” per 10 ft of height, maximum 3/4”

    • Joint width variation: ±1/4” from specified width

    • Top elevation: ±1/2”

  • Section 4.2: Formed horizontal surface tolerances (applicable to casting bed flatness)

5.3 ACI 318-19 — Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete

• What it is: The structural design code for all concrete members, including tilt-up panels

• Relevant chapters:

  • Chapter 11: Shear walls (panels as shear walls)

  • Chapter 16: Connections (embedded hardware design)

  • Chapter 26: Construction documentation requirements

• Access: Purchase from concrete.org

5.4 ACI 224.3R — Joints in Concrete Construction

• What it is: Guide document (not a code) for concrete joint design and selection

• Key content: When to use expansion joints, contraction joints, and isolation joints; joint widths and spacing for different conditions

• Access: Purchase from concrete.org

5.5 ACI 546R — Guide for the Repair of Concrete

• Relevant when existing tilt-up panels need joint repair or sealant replacement

• Covers substrate preparation, material selection, and repair procedures

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6. ASTM International

Website: https://www.astm.org

ASTM standards are referenced extensively in tilt-up specifications. Key standards:

6.1 ASTM C920 — Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants

• The governing sealant standard for all tilt-up joint sealants

• Download: astm.org (purchase); referenced in most spec sections at no cost for compliance summary

• Key classifications: Type S/M, Grade NS/P, Class 12.5/25/35/50, Use NT/T/I/M/G/A/O

• See sealant-specifications.md for full classification explanation

6.2 ASTM C1330 — Standard Specification for Cylindrical Sealant Backing

• Governs backer rod materials: closed-cell polyethylene vs. open-cell polyurethane vs. bicellular

• Specifies that closed-cell backer rod must not outgas (which can cause sealant bubbling in hot weather)

• Most major closed-cell PE backer rod products are ASTM C1330 Type C (closed-cell, non-outgassing)

6.3 ASTM C1193 — Standard Guide for Use of Joint Sealants

• Application guide (not a specification) — describes proper surface prep, backer rod installation, tooling

• Cross-referenced by TCA Guide Spec 034700 Section 3.9

6.4 ASTM C1472 — Guide for Calculating Movement and Other Effects When Establishing Sealant Joint Width

• Provides the calculation methodology for determining required joint width from thermal movement data

• Contains climate data tables (temperature ranges by U.S. zone)

• The formulas in expansion-joints.md §3 are derived from this standard

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7. ASCE / SEI

7.1 ASCE 7 — Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings

• ASCE 7-22 is the current edition (as of 2026)

• Chapter 12: Seismic design requirements for buildings

  • Section 12.11: Walls and connections to diaphragms — directly applies to tilt-up panel-to-roof connections

  • Section 12.14: Simplified design procedure

• Chapter 26-31: Wind load requirements

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8. American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

• AISC 360 — Specification for Structural Steel Buildings: applies to embedded weld plates and connection hardware

• AISC Steel Construction Manual: connection design tables used by engineers sizing corner weld plate assemblies

• Most embedded hardware suppliers (Dayton Superior, Meadow Burke) provide their own tabulated design loads to avoid requiring full AISC calculation for standard conditions

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9. Access Summary — Free vs. Purchased Resources

Resource	Free?	Where to Get
TCA Detail Library (.dwg)	✅ Free	tilt-up.org/resources
TCA Guide Spec 034700	✅ Free	tilt-up.org/resources
TCA Position Papers	❌ Membership	tilt-up.org/membership
UFGS 03 47 13 — Tilt-Up Concrete	✅ Free	wbdg.org
ACI 551.1R	❌ Purchase	concrete.org
ACI 117-10	❌ Purchase	concrete.org
ACI 318-19	❌ Purchase	concrete.org
ASTM C920	❌ Purchase	astm.org
ASTM C1472	❌ Purchase	astm.org
Dayton Superior Tilt-Werks catalog	✅ Free	daytonsuperior.com
Dayton Superior Tilt-Werks Design Software	✅ Free	daytonsuperior.com
Meadow Burke MB tilt-up catalog	✅ Free	meadowburke.com

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10. Citation Format for ConstructiVision Documents

When ConstructiVision generates notes or specifications that reference standards, use these forms:

ACI 117-10 §4.4
ACI 318-19 Ch. 16
ACI 551.1R-05
ASTM C920 Type M, Grade NS, Class 25 NT
ASTM C1330 Type C
ASCE 7-22 §12.11
TCA Guide Specification 034700 §3.9
UFGS 03 47 13 §3.5

Never quote page numbers from standards in generated documents — page numbers change between editions and are not a stable citation.

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Research conducted March 2026. TCA, Dayton Superior, ACI, ASTM, and ASCE websites consulted. Some documents (ACI 551.1R, ASTM C920) require purchase or membership for full content access; summaries above are based on publicly available excerpts, TCA free specification, and industry practice.