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Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

(OP)
I am working on a building with a slate tile facade.  Does anyone know the appropriate deflection criteria to use for the design of curtainwalls and spandrel beams?  Any help would be much appreciated.

-Zach Lindauer

RE: Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

For brittle materials, I have seen deflection limits ranging from L/480 to L/640.

RE: Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

(OP)
Thank you for your reply SperlingPE.

Perhaps some additional information would be useful. Slate tiles are proposed to be attached to 3/4" plywood with hooks. No grout will be used in this application. This will allow the tiles to slip in relation to one another without causing stresses within the tiles.

I believe this is very similar to a slate shingle roof, which would be designed for L/360 total load deflection. Does this seem reasonable?

RE: Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

ZFL, that is an interesting application that I've not encountered before.  slate isn't used much around here.  just curious:  are the tiles lapped similar to a roof?  What is the plywood attached to:  metal or wood studs; CMU?  unless there is industry data to the contrary and no concern about too much deflection causing leaking problems between the tiles, L/360 would be reasonable in my opinion.  

RE: Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

(OP)
The tiles are arranged in a half-lap pattern.  The plywood is attached to metal studs.  I have not been able to find any industry data regarding this condition.  All opinions on this are very much appreciated.

-ZFL

RE: Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

I've looked for info on the 'net, also.  nothing so far for slate used for siding.  

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