Clay tile floor structure

[KRW]

Does anyone know of any references, studies, or reports on the evaluation, repair, reinforement, or modification of the clay tile "flat arch" floor systems?

I have seen these floor systems in various old buildings and I have only been able to find basic span laoding information from old engineering design books. I am looking for any recent work done on these systems that I can use in evaluations and recommendations regarding their capacity, deterioration problems, or proposed modification.

Any information would be appreciated.

 

[mfrad]

KRW, This is called short span construction using draped welded wire mesh. It is more a catenary system since the floor load is carried by the draped wire mesh. Concrete strengths of f'c = 700 psi to 1000 psi since they are cinder fill material. This system is called the "goulash method" due to the low strength requirements. The old New York City code has the slab thickness as t(inches) = {L(clear span feet)/2}+ (w - 75)/200. A 4 inch slab 7.0 feet long can carry a total load of 200 psf. Gross uniform floor load in psf w = (3 x C x As)/ L^2 where C = 20000 for cinder concrete and 23000 for stone concrete. Area steel is in inches^2/foot.

USSteel had a publication for Concrete Reinforcement from their American Steel and Wire Company catalogue showing this method.