Building Code Glossary
Tile, Structural Clay: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define tile, structural clay, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Tile, structural clay is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Masonry. The code's own words are: “A hollow masonry unit composed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or mixture thereof, and having parallel cells.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Masonry (IBC 2009), Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Tile, Structural Clay — IBC 2009, Masonry:
A hollow masonry unit composed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or mixture thereof, and having parallel cells.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Tile, Structural Clay is defined once in this corpus, in the Masonry chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
A hollow masonry unit composed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or mixture thereof, and having parallel cells.
Where tile, structural clay is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about tile, structural clay, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
When structural clay tile or hollow concrete masonry units are used for isolated piers to support beams and girders, the cellular spaces shall be filled solidly with concrete or Type M or S mortar, except that unfilled hollow piers may be used if their unsupported height is not more than four times their least dimension.
Where structural clay tile or hollow concrete masonry units are used for piers supporting beams and girders, the cellular spaces shall be filled solidly with concrete or Type M or S mortar.
— IBC 2009, Soils and Foundations
The terms tile, structural clay is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what tile, structural clay covers:
- Masonry Unit — IBC 2009: Brick, tile, stone, glass block or concrete block conforming to the requirements specified in Section 2103.
- Masonry — IBC 2009: A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.
Tile, Structural Clay: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Masonry | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Masonry (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Masonry Unit | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Masonry | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Masonry Unit: Building Code Definition
- Masonry: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of tile, structural clay?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Masonry as: “A hollow masonry unit composed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or mixture thereof, and having parallel cells.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on tile, structural clay?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Masonry in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is clay tile block?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “A hollow masonry unit composed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or mixture thereof, and having parallel cells.” It is defined in IBC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
Related pages
- Through Penetration: Building Code Definition
Through Penetration — IBC 2009 definition: An opening that passes through an entire assembly.
- Tie, Lateral: Building Code Definition
Tie, Lateral — IBC 2009 definition: Loop of reinforcing bar or wire enclosing longitudinal reinforcement.
- Tie, Wall: Building Code Definition
Tie, Wall — IBC 2009 definition: A connector that connects wythes of masonry walls together.
- Tile: Building Code Definition
Tile — IBC 2009 definition: A ceramic surface unit, usually relatively thin in relation to facial area, made from clay or …
- Tires, Bulk Storage OF: Building Code Definition
Tires, Bulk Storage OF — IBC 2009 definition: Storage of tires where the area available for storage exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3).
- Toilet Room: Building Code Definition
Toilet Room — IMC 2009 definition: A room containing a water closet and, frequently, a lavatory, but not a bathtub, shower, spa …