A measurement of pounds required to cause a tile to break.
Ceramic tile breaking strength.
Most reputable lines of porcelain tiles are rated for use by the porcelain enamel institute pei abrasion test.
It is a load limit value applied to three points which the ceramic or porcelain stoneware tile can bear without breaking.
Evaluate the break strength rating in comparison with industry requirements.
As the plywood under the tiles flexes especially along floor joists the flexing can cause the floor tiles to crack.
The break strength of a tile is the amount of weight that it can withstand unsupported before it breaks.
It is associated to the force by which a tile responds when subjected to stress which can break it.
Ceramic tile laid over plywood is more susceptible to cracking due to the flexible nature of the plywood.
Not all ceramic and porcelain tiles are equally strong and durable.
Based on astm testing standards.
Some can withstand heavy foot traffic while others are only suitable for decorative wall installations.
If you re looking at a break strength lower than that you can t use that tile on the floor.
This test covers the determination of the breaking strength of glazed ceramic wall tile ceramic mosaic tile quarry tile and paver tile.
In this test floor tiles are run through a machine that exerts loads on an unsupported 1 inch square area.
For ceramic porcelain stoneware floor tiles bending strength is the perfect indicator of mechanical strength.
Breaking strength astm c648 force on an unsupported portion of tile until breakage occurs expressed in lbs.
The ansi requires a break strength of at least 250 lbs.
Results given in pounds at which the tile broke in testing.
Most tiles comply with astm c648 breaking strength standards.
As long as the tile does not break under 250 pounds of pressure the tile is considered to be compliant with these standards.
Based on the mohs hardness scale.
It states on the glazed wall tile chart that all glazed wall tiles should have an average breaking strength 125 lbf and with each tile tested having a minimum breaking strength of 100lbf.
Most tiles meet the 250 pound minimum.