Structural Glazed Tile as Shear Walls

[dargenthas]

Hi, all:

Appreciate all of the Q&A this forum has provided over the years.

One question-- the architect has specified structural glazed tile as the building material of choice for a new canine dog training facility. My question is: have you used SGT or high strength clay masonry as shear and bearing walls before? I couldn't find anything online saying SGT was suitable for shear walls, only cavity and veneer walls according to BIA Technical Note 13 on Ceramic Glazed Brick Exterior Walls. I'm mostly concerned about serviceability, whether cracking would develop and be noticeable along the interior finish SGT is known for. At this point in time, SGT just seems like high strength clay masonry to me.

Thanks for the help!
Jon

 

[masonrygeek]

The TMS 402/ACI 530 code covers most masonry materials including structural clay tile as long it conforms to ASTM C34, C56 or C126 (the later is probably the one that would cover your SGFT). While you can use the design theories from the masonry code, some of the tables are geared more towards clay brick and concrete block such as the ones for the Unit Strength Method. This is also true for the flexural strength values and modulus of rupture values found in the ASD and SD chapters. In those cases it is best to get the values directly from the manufacturer. Also, the coring pattern of the tile may dictate whether you have enough space for the appropriate reinforcement, laps and confinement required for some shear walls. So while you can use it for structural masonry, you may need to do some extra homework.