Deflection Criteria for Slate Tile Wall

[ZFL]

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

 

[SperlingPE]

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

 

[ZFL]

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?

 

[archeng59]

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.

 

[ZFL]

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

 

[archeng59]

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