Development of software for ceramic tile system specification

Author(s)

Luciana Calixto Lima

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC/BT)
• Defense date: 2003-03-24

Examining board members

Eduvaldo Paulo Sichieri; Anselmo Ortega Boschi; Osny Pellegrino Ferreira; Carlos Alberto Fortulan; José Octavio Armani Paschoal

• Advisor: Eduvaldo Paulo Sichieri

Abstract

The name ceramic tile identifies not only the tile, but defines the ceramic tile system, that means the combination of ceramic tile, adhesive and grout. Other materials are involved in this system, in the layers behind: masonry, plaster, concrete. Together, all these material totalises a unit and, to guarantee the quality of this system, two factors deserve attention: correct materials specification and correct application of the materials that compound the layers involved. A great number of architects and engineers do not realize that ceramic tiles are not only one product, but a range of product with different properties and suitable to different applications, in different exposure conditions. This behaviour is in the origin of most errors and imperfections in the buildings. The author of this work conducted a survey with architects and engineers that project, plan or construct buildings, to investigate theirs main lacks of information about ceramic tile system. Based on the results of the survey, it was prepared a software that intends to be a guide for these professionals, including cares in the specification and application of this system, to assure the quality of the covering and to reduce the possibilities of flaws\' occurrence after the building construction. This software can represent an important and interactive tool, ease to use and designed to the day-by-day work of architects and engineers, providing direct answers to theirs questions and contributing to increase the quality of the buildings. (AU)