install specs DAL Keystone 1" mosaic tile

[cindy fisher]

Hi tile experts, I fabricated a 36' diameter splash pad mosaic that will be installed in southern Florida in early spring. A tile installer will be doing the installation and I will be on-site to oversee my contribution of the artwork and how it fits together. There are 100 face mounted sections (most are 3 1/2' x 4') and all have registrations marks, are numbered and will fit together like puzzle pieces. I have been asked by the project architects to provide specific info on this:
A dimensioned layout-out plan for the mosaic installation that shows specifically how each panel and associated tiles are located on the splash pad surface
Specific, construction quality detail for attachment of the mosaics to the splash pad, preferably reviewed and signed and sealed by the appropriate architect/engineer

Can someone direct me to ANSI documents that would spell this last part out?!? any help would really be appreciated!

[cx]

Welcome back, Cindy.

What's a splash pad?

What type of tile are you dealing with?

What is the substrate to which the tile will be bonded?

Is an interior or exterior installation?

[cindy fisher]

Thanks so much for replying. Your website is the BEST place to find information on tile issues. A splash pad is a water playground for kids - water shoots up from jets below as they romp around on the splash pad. The mosaic is 1" DAL KEYSTONE tile - unglazed porcelain, 1/4" thick. The mosaic will be adhered to a concrete pad. It is outside in Tamarac, FL. I worked with a tile setter on a similar project in Lauderhill, FL and the installers did a great job, but main guy is possible to reach or I would be asking him about finding the ANSI ( I think? that is what they are called) specs. once again, I really really appreciate your help
Cindy

[cx]

How large is this splash pad?

If you're doing the specifying, you'll want to have a copy of the "ANSI A108, A118, and A136" book at hand. But mostly you'd want your installer to be very familiar with that publication. I'm not a writer of specifications, but you might wanna point out that materials and methods used meet particular specifications in there.

The TCNA Handbook has a particular Method for installation of ceramic tile over "On-Ground Concrete," which would likely cover your application. That would include references to some of the ANSI standard I mentioned.

That Method presumes you know how the site was prepared for the concrete, what drainage consideration was made, how it was reinforced, how long it has cured, what finish was put on it and such. That would, to some extent determine whether you want to use a membrane of some sort.

Not likely you have much of a freeze/thaw problem on the ground in Miami, but I haven't lived in Florida for nearly 50 years. Maybe winter has moved south?

Are you liable if any of the little darlings bust any of their posterior regions whilst playing on your intentionally wet tile installation?

[cindy fisher]

it is 36' in diameter. Your reply is very helpful. I (somehow) had come across that ANSI 108 etc has the info I need, I can pass this along to the engineer I have to have sign off on it. and once the installation is approved by the city I am not held liable. This of course is a big deal, and if it were not the case I never would have signed the contract. I will try and remember to post pictures here when it is installed. Thanks once again, you are so generous with your knowledge and it is truly appreciated! Cindy

[cx]

Oh, you mean 36 feet just as you pointed out in the first sentence of your first post on the project? I worry about me more and more every year.

That would call for, I believe the technical term is, a whole gaggle of them little bitty 1" tiles. Must have taken you all day to make that one.

[Dave Gobis]

So basically, he wants a shop drawing and installation specs if I understand correctly. There is nothing in ANSI that specifically covers face mount installation with exception to the glass installation standards.

[cindy fisher]

thanks to both of you...yes, this was quite the project, kept me busy during Covid days. and thanks, Dave with your info on ANSI - in that case I won't shell out the $50 price tag... Cindy

[cx]

Cindy, there is a lot in the ANSI standards that does cover your project, though. I don't know that you need a copy, but you still want the people installing your work to be very familiar with the standards.

[cindy fisher]

thanks again, yes I agree and I am sure the installers whom I have worked with already are knowledgable on it.