Mechanical behavior of the system used in ventilated façade

Abstract One of the solutions in civil construction to increase the life cycle of buildings is the ventilated facade due to its technical characteristics. Large porcelain tiles are used as a coating in this system, raising questions about its performance. This study used real size porcelain tiles (590 mm × 1190 mm) for pressure tests to evaluate the deformation suffered by the material at different pressure points, according to NBR 10821. In addition, the strength of the glass fiber-reinforced ceramic tiles has been tested against the impacts of rigid and soft bodies in a hidden clamp ventilated system, according to NBR 15575. Due to the wind, the system presented maximum deformation of 1.7 ±0.4 mm. When subjected to impacts, the system functioned within the norm for hard body strikes (20 J), meeting the requirements against minor proportions and wind pressures of up to 1480 Pa. Unsatisfactory performance when impacted by a soft body was observed. Such results show that the system needs to improve regarding resistance to major impacts.