The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a document serving a recommended practice for determining test methodology for laboratory and field testing of exterior wall systems.
The document pertains to products covered by an AAMA standard such as curtain walls, storefronts, window walls, and sloped glazing. AAMA 501-24, Methods of Test for Exterior Walls was last updated in 2015. The mandatory and optional test methods outlined in the document are used to evaluate the performance of a complete system and shall not take the place of structural calculations and/or accepted engineering practice.
Test methods, specifications, field tests, and checks referenced in this document are used to check the structural adequacy of wall system test specimens and their ability to resist water penetration and air leakage. Also referenced are optional tests for thermal cycling, inter-story displacement, static and dynamic seismic racking, acoustical performance, and thermal performance, some of which require additional test specimens.
“The document had a very thorough review and revision performed to clarify how it could be used for a variety of purposes which had been outside of the limited scope of previous editions,” said Rich Rinka, FGIA technical manager, Fenestration Standards and U.S. Industry Affairs. “To help make the document a little easier to use, the tests have been placed into a table that provides a logical sequence for the testing to be conducted and highlights required tests and optional tests.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
New York City files criminal charges on owner for deadly building façade accident
The owner allegedly did not heed warning about danger of the crumbling exterior.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2016
New York becomes the first city to adopt a target for energy storage
Mayor de Blasio also announces increased solar generation goals
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2016
New global residential floor space measurement standard unveiled
The new standards will produce better transparency and are said to benefit investors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2016
Dept. of Energy forecasts big jump in LED use, resulting energy savings
Big gains are expected in both commercial and residential markets.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
San Francisco commercial, multifamily regulations aim to reduce traffic volume
City planners will require design features to cut miles driven.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
Society of Landscape Architects releases guide to resilient design
The goal is to retrofit communities to better withstand extreme weather events.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2016
Washington State Energy Code updates include dedicated outdoor air system requirements
The updates will change design approach to HVAC.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2016
Construction firms pulling back from federal market due to new reporting rules
‘Subjective, very vague’ policies are said to create too much risk.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Airbnb presents legal liability for multifamily owners
How building owners can reduce risks.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners
Nationwide survey finds nearly three of four architects cite health impacts influencing design decisions
