Top honors for industrial tilt-up buildings went to a tortilla plant for Diane's Foods in Fife. Using tilt-up construction provided an efficient and durable facility that was economical to build and operate. Concrete was used extensively throughout the building, even for interior walls.
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Even the interior walls were tilt-up at Diane's Foods in Fife. |
Concrete panels were selected for interior walls over metal studs and drywall for a number of reasons. First, the walls have to be durable to withstand damage from lifts and pallet jacks. Painted concrete walls are used in wash-down areas because they are easy to clean, and if damaged, can be repaired easily. Also, interior concrete walls have high strength for bearing and shear loads. Finally, concrete walls are cheaper to build than alternatives and were erected along with the exterior walls, saving time on the construction schedule.
Concrete flooring also saved money on the project. Originally designed for a 6-inch-thick slab, the floor was reconfigured as an 8-inch-thick slab. Although it cost $30,000 more for the extra 2 inches, the resulting slab allowed cranes to be driven on it. That saved an estimated $160,000 by eliminating the need for perimeter crane roads. The thicker slab also resists cracking better and is stronger.
Concrete was even used for the project's fence walls. Concrete was choosen because it was economical and complemented the tortilla plant.
The fence walls also serve as retaining walls for grade changes while providing screening for the loading docks.
Finally, the fence walls serve as a privacy screen for an outdoor courtyard off the employee lunchroom.
The project team included: Gruma Project Services, owner/developer; PWA Engineers, structural engineer; Intracorp, general contractor; CNA Architecture, architect; Greater Seattle Concrete, concrete contractor; and Miles Sand & Gravel, ready mixed supplier.
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