This is why it is so important to specify proper tile setting materials, installation methods and expansion joints.
That is going be a costly rushed repair because Sound Transit needs to get their light rail station open right away.
So other than using the wrong tile, setting material, installation methods, and expansion control, it was a complete success?
Sounds like this went sideways from the beginning.
Two wrongs do not make a right, but four wrongs do!
This is why the TCNA Tile Installation Handbook and a good building product representative is so important for the success of a project.
It is kind of ironic that last week, the local Laticrete representative (John Gallup) gave the Puget Sound Chapter a talk on proper setting methods for large format tile.
Two wrongs do not make a right, but three rights make a left.
So the dispute with the Joint Venture resulted from an expansion joint misadventure?
I worked for a firm that was involved in a suit regarding tile flooring failures; when the tiles were pulled up – instead of “100% coverage”, the tiles were averaging about 35% coverage. We paid for a certified installer to install per the specs (type of bed, thickness, coverage) and in place testing was unable to dislodge the tiles. I think getting the TCNA tile setting certifications for the installer is super-critical for larger tiles. For the super-large tiles, we get the additional certification.
Besides the TCNA handbook, there is now Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) which qualifies the actual tile installer (https://www.tilecertifications.com/). This is a skills based test that shows a craftworker knows the materials and proper installation methods. While things could still go wrong, at least they have proper training. I assume the contractor on this project probably had none of that.