Clay Tile Arched Floor System 3

[strucguy]

This is a renovation project, and no structural drawings are available. I am trying to assess the load carrying capacity of the floor. Based on the drawings put together by a firm that has done a very basic inspection, the building uses clay tile arched floor system with steel beams spaced at 6'-0" o.c. The tiles were called out to be 5" thick hollow clay tile. I looked through some of the classical books on this type of construction and couldn't find tiles any smaller than 6". Am I missing something here. Or, the information I was provided is wrong? Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[JAE]

Try this link - some info perhaps:

http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=482

 

[strucguy]

Thanks for the link, JAE. I did check this article earlier. It is from here and other relevant publications I came to a conclusion that the depth of clay tiles should be aleast 9" when beams are spaced at 6'-0" o.c.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

strucguy - Appears that 5" thick hollow clay tiles were (potentially) available. At least you are not on a Wild Goose Chase. See the top of page 138 of the 1908 "Handbook for Architects & Builders":

http://books.google.com/books?id=f0...onepage&q=clay tile arch floor system&f=false

Here are a hundred, or more references that may have more information:

http://www.google.com/search?tbs=bk.../1/1880,cd_max:12/31/1940&fp=cca639264a55c7c0

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[concretemasonry]

The smaller block systems were for a flat ceiling and not arched.

For the arched systems, the depth of the arch is important. It is important to find out of there is steel in the gaps between the block are laid with the long dimension parallel to the beams.

Dick

Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.

 

[JAE]

SlideRuleEra - wow. nice.

 

[bones206]

This site has some good info. Especially the 2nd page.

http://www.architectureweek.com/2009/0603/building_3-1.html

 

[concretemasonry]

bones -

Thanx for the link (it was very valuable to me).

For the last 20 years, I have been documenting and studying the use of floor filler systems because of the high use and square footage internationally in homes, apartment structures and some commercial buildings. These modern systems are generally flat top and bottom systems because of the need for an economical structural system that can easily be finished. Most use a proprietary system (prestressed or reinforced beams)and specially shaped masonry units ranging from concrete, hollow clay tile or even block made using a concrete/sand/ wood fiber materials or a copy of one, so the the information is readily available from manufacturers. Some of the systems are used with beams and block for the roofs of traditional homes. I have found the current European standards to be a valuable source for some design and analysis work.

Your source opens another door into the history and development and refinement of the system for changing uses and needs.

Dick



Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.