Section 1 – Introduction
1.1 Preface
Airports, train stations and other mass transit facilities introduce millions of visitors and citizens to communities on a daily basis and often reflect the grand scale of architecture at the time of construction. It has been said that many of these prestigious facilities provide a glimpse into a city’s personality and its qualities. Styles of mass transit architecture range from vintage baroque and gothic styles to more modern utilitarian styles. A renewed interest in mass transit projects is taking place on a global scale. Many countries recognize the benefits of expanding or creating public mass transit facilities. These benefits include; more efficient travel routes, less congestion on city streets, lower automobile emissions, less reliance on fuel oils, fewer accidents on roadways, realized land consumption savings, reduction of noise, and longer life cycles for transportation services. Public transportation involves more than moving people; it is a means to provide mobility that is safe and enjoyable for the passengers of the communities that are served.
Mass transit applications include, but are not limited to; airports, tunnels, train stations, rapid transit rail systems, commercial railway systems, tram, light rail, magnetic levitation, monorails, bus terminals, communal road service system, ferry and waterway service or a mix of various transportation modes. Many of the terminals, roadways, platforms, tunnels and building structures in and around these various facilities require floor and wall finish materials that can withstand the demands placed upon the application. In addition to the performance requirements, the finish material types must add a certain aesthetic value to the project. Historically, ceramic tile and stone finishes have provided this combination of performance and beauty in mass transit applications around the world.
LATICRETE International, Inc., a manufacturer of ceramic tile and stone installation systems, understands the demands that are placed on ceramic tile and stone installations in mass transit applications. Therefore, this technical manual has been created to provide guidelines and recommendations for the design, specification, and installation of ceramic, quarry, paver and stone tile floor and wall installations. Technical advances in materials, manufacturing, and construction methods have expanded the role of these types of application ever since the development of adhesive mortars in the 1950’s. In keeping with their position as an industry leader, LATICRETE International is publishing this edition of the Mass Transit Ceramic Tile and Stone Applications Technical Design Manual. This manual will make state-of-the-art information and technology available to architects, engineers, construction professionals, tile contractors, and manufacturers in the ceramic tile, paver and stone industries. It is also the goal of this publication to encourage new ideas, research, and building regulations for the purpose of improving the future of this construction technology and the ceramic tile, paver and stone industries.
1.2 Tile and Stone in Mass Transit Facilities
Prior to the advent of thin bed installation systems, bulky conventional thick bed methods were employed for the installation of ceramic tile, paver tile and stone applications. Adhesive technology has opened up an entirely new world of aesthetic and technical possibilities for tiling in all types of demanding applications. Mass transit applications present many challenges for the designer and the installer.
Many mass transit installations place tremendous stress on the tile or stone application creating a challenging environment not only for the finish tile or stone, but also for the installation system materials.
This design manual has been created with the intent to assist the design professional in assessing and specifying the correct installation system for the specific application.
The earth, and everyone on it benefits from the more efficient and environmentally sensitive use of materials, resulting from reduced weight, lower cost of material, and more efficient use of natural resources. The building construction process is made more efficient by utilizing modern technology and installation methods, which all reduce construction time, on-site labor costs, and provides better quality assurance. For example, in the not so distant future we will even see tile and stone installations in heavy traffic areas including mass transit applications where flooring systems will generate electrical power. An example of this futuristic technology can be found in the Tokyo Station of the East Japan Railway Company and on the dance floors of Bar Surya in London England. Even in early development of these systems, the floors can produce up to 1400 kW/second per day as passengers walk on the piezoelectric elements embedded in the flooring systems (e.g. stone flooring).
However, all these advantages of using the systems outlined in this manual can only be realized with a new approach to the design and construction of the areas that will receive the finish materials. Design and construction techniques must be adapted to the specific requirements and behavior of construction adhesive technology, as well as to the unique attributes of ceramic tile, pavers and stone finishes.
1.3 History of Ceramic Tile in Mass Transit Facilities
Ceramic tile has been used for centuries as a decorative and functional building material for buildings. Ceramic tile development can be traced to 4,000 B.C. in Egypt.
In the 1950’s, Henry M. Rothberg, a chemical engineer who later founded LATICRETE International, invented a product and new methodology that would make direct adhesive installation of ceramic tile, stone, and thin brick applications physically and economically feasible. This development revolutionized both the ceramic tile and stone industries.
1.4 Summary of Mutual Content
Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, pavers, quarry tile and stone must be designed and constructed with careful consideration of the complex interactions that occur between all components within the tile and stone assembly. This manual explores many of the issues that a design professional will encounter as specifications and details are prepared for these demanding, high performance applications.
The selection and preparation of a substrate is one of the most critical steps in the design and construction of a tile and stone assembly. Suitability and compatibility of the most common substrates is covered in this manual, along with comprehensive recommendations for preparation of the substrate including evaluation of level and plumb tolerances, surface defects, and the effect of climatic and site conditions on substrates.
Section 2 – Floor Constructs
This section is a primer on the theory and terminology of floor construction. Types of floor structures and construction are presented, together with commentary on applicability to the installation of ceramic tile, paver and stone finishes for mass transit applications.
Section 3 – Wall Constructs
A primer on the theory and terminology of wall construction. Types of wall structures and construction are presented, together with commentary on applicability to the installation of ceramic tile, paver and stone finishes for mass transit applications.
Section 4 – Comparison of Alternate Transit Flooring Systems
A comparison of other popular flooring systems, including seamless epoxy floors, cement based terrazzo, resin-based terrazzo and decorative stamped concrete are considered. Advantages and disadvantages of each type are discussed.
Section 5 – Types of Tile and Stone for Mass Transit Applications
Investigation and selection of the proper type of finish material is an important design and durability decision. Detailed criteria for the assessment and selection of ceramic tile, porcelain tile, pavers, quarry tile and stone are presented.
Section 6 – Types of Waterproofing Membranes
This section discusses the various types of waterproofing membranes that are available on the market, and their suitability for use in conjunction with tile and stone applications. Criteria on selection and use are also discussed.
Section 7 – Types of Mortars / Adhesives / Grouts
This section covers the process of assessing and determining the selection criteria for mortars, adhesives and grouts as well as specific performance functions of installation materials for mass transit applications.
Section 8 – Methods of Installation
This section covers the entire range of installation and construction techniques and methods, from the various types of installation procedures to the equipment required for the installation of mass transit tile and stone applications.
Section 9 – Maintenance and Protection
Cleaning, protection, and preventative maintenance procedures are presented to ensure long-term performance of a tiled system.
Section 10 – Industry Standards, Building Regulations and Specifications
Detailed information on applicable industry standards and building codes for ceramic tile and stone adhesives is provided. Sustainability is also discussed in this section.
Architectural details show typical tile and stone application assembly configurations used in mass transit projects and recommended design for such. Examples of these concepts are graphically depicted with various substrate/ material combinations. Details include design recommendations for interface details such as penetrations, drain tie-ins, movement joint sealants, flashing, and waterproofing membranes. Please visit www.laticrete.com/ag for the complete library of LATICRETE details and specifications.