Properties of structural clay load-bearing wall tile

Structural clay tile has been produced in the United States and used in load-bearing walls for over a century. While the fundamentals of the manufacturing process have not changed significantly, specific fabrication details and material additives have led to increased strength and economy of current products. Red burned clay masonry units were sampled and tested in accordance with applicable ASTM standards. Objective of the tests was to compare tiles used in the original construction of the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant (1940s) to tiles being used in current large scale laboratory tests and wall repairs. Results of the tests are compared to other contemporary and historic clay tile data. The effects of the evolution of clay tile manufacturing on engineering properties is also examined.