A turbine shroud apparatus for a gas turbine engine having a central axis includes: an arcuate shroud segment comprising low-ductility material and having a cross-sectional shape defined by opposed forward and aft walls, and opposed inner and outer walls, the walls extending between opposed first and second end faces and collectively defining a shroud cavity; and an annular stationary structure surrounding the shroud segment, where the shroud segment is mechanically coupled to the stationary structure. The stationary structure includes at least one axially-facing bearing surface which is in direct contact with the shroud segment, and the shroud segment is disposed so as to absorb at least one axially-aligned force and transfer the axially-aligned force to the bearing surface.