Service life prediction modelling of adhesive ceramic tiling systems

Autores: Bordalo, R.|Brito, J. de|Gaspar, P.L.|Silva, A.
Fuente: Building research and information
39 (1), 66-78
2011

Although ceramic tiling on building facades has a history of long durability and service life, a number of service life anomalies in modern buildings have occurred. To identify the factors and address this problem, a method is developed for the service life prediction of adhesive ceramic tiling systems based on a successful model for render and natural stone cladding. The focus is on the applicability of an empirical method of field data collection to this type of cladding that recognizes the complexity of ceramic tiling systems. A hierarchy of defects is defined to establish levels of degradation and identify the susceptibility to errors in design, execution and selection of materials. Results were validated using in-situ visual inspections of 117 tiling systems in Lisbon, Portugal. The aim is to provide a preliminary tool to estimate the durability of ceramic tiling systems and identify influencing factors. Ceramic tiling systems are particularly sensitive to the inadequacy of the materials as well as execution and design errors. Although 42º/o of the variance of the severity of degradation indicator can be explained by environmental agents, a larger 58º/o is attributed to design and installation errors.