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AAMA/NWWDA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 Structural Performance Testing
INTRODUCTION:
The AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.-2/A440
Standard/Specification is a result of the joint efforts of the three
organizations to produce a single set of specifications.
The AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 standard/specification
defines five classes of windows and glass doors. The classes are:
Residential (R), Light Commercial (LC), Commercial (C), Heavy
Commercial (HC), and Architectural (AW). Each class has minimum
requirements for size and design pressures that must be met. In addition,
the specification contains a section for optional performance grades, which may
be desirable for a specifier where severe weather conditions or wind loadings
are encountered.
It should be noted that work is being done to the current document that may reduce the number of classes to four, namely (R), (LC), (CW), (AW).
What is AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 Structural Performance Testing?
Why should I have Structural Testing performed on my windows?
What do I as the manufacturer have to do?
What happens after my sample has been tested?
What is AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 Structural Performance Testing?
Structural Performance Testing consists of a series of tests, which are conducted in a specific sequence.
The test sequence is: Operating Force (sliding products), Air Infiltration Test , Water Resistance Testing , Uniform Structural Load Tests , Forced Entry Resistance and Deglazing Test . Additional tests may also be required, depending on operator type and class designation. Please feel free to give us a call or email us at info@qtitest.com with any questions you may have.
Why should I have Structural Testing performed on my windows?
It is important to know how well your sample will perform. Building height and predicted weather conditions are all important factors when determining your product’s suitability for specific installations. So, by having your windows tested, it will give you a pretty good idea of how well your particular design will perform. In some cases you will have an architect give you job specific requirements. Quality Testing Inc. is able to test your window to any job specific requirements you may have.
What do I as the manufacturer have to do?
It is important that the test sample you submit meets the size requirements according to AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S. 2-97. This is critical to the class requirements of your product. On many occasions a test sample is submitted half an inch too small because the order is sent down to the manufacturing floor and they automatically reduce the size for installation purposes. The sizes listed are net minimum sizes.
What happens after my sample has been tested?
Quality Testing Inc. prides itself on providing you with honest and accurate test results. Once all testing has been completed, the sample will be cut up and corner samples and construction samples will be verified against a Bill of Materials, Cross Sectional Drawings and Die Drawings of each individual component. These drawings will be included with a full detailed report including a complete description of the tested sample, all test results and the drawing packet. A copy of the report is then sent to your inspection agency, which will review the report and issue you with a Notice of Product Certification for your window. The following is the type of information that will appear on your report and label. As you can see, there is a lot of very useful information on this one line
AAMA Label
HS LC25 48 X 72
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| |_ Maximum Size Tested
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|_Performance
Grade
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|_Performance Class
|_Product Type
Most Current Versions of ASTM Specifications Used:
The following is a partial list of the test
methods used during performance testing.
"Test Method for Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen."
"Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference."
"Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference."
"Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference."
"Forced Entry Resistance Tests for Windows."
“Forced Entry Resistance Tests for Sliding Glass Doors.”
"Test Methods for Resistance of Window Assemblies to Forced Entry Excluding Glazing."
"Test Methods for Measurement of Forced Entry Resistance of Horizontal Sliding Door
Assemblies."
"Standard Test Methods for Deglazing Force of Fenestration Products."
Definitions…..
The Air Infiltration of a test sample is determined in basically the same manner as weighing a truck empty and then weighing it full to figure out the weight of the load. The entire sample is sealed using masking tape and the air pressure is applied, this is known as the sealed flow. The purpose of this is to test the booth for any air leakage (Empty Truck). Once this reading has been taken, the sample is then unsealed and the air pressure is applied again (Full Truck). The difference between the two readings after factoring in the barometric pressure and the temperature of the air flowing into the booth will give you the total air infiltration. This result is then divided by the square footage of the sample to give you a rate in cubic feet per minute per square foot (CFM/ft2). The air infiltration is rated on a Pass/Fail basis for the 101/I.S.2-97 standard. The maximum allowable air infiltration rate through the test sample is 0.3 CFM/ft2. .
The ASTM E 547 Water Resistance Test consists of four test cycles. Each cycle consists of five minutes with pressure applied and one minute with pressure released, during which the water spray is continuously applied.
The ASTM E 331 Water Resistance Test consists of one 15 minute cycle, meaning both the water and the air pressure is applied for 15 minutes continuously.
Both of the above tests check the products ability to resist water penetration. The components of the product that are being tested include: The weather seals , the water drainage system (including any weep slots), and the joint construction including any sealant.
All test samples receive the required water application of at least 5 gallons per square foot per hour(equal to an 8 inch per hour rainfall). The definition of failure during a water test is when water penetrates past the innermost plane of the product or when water penetrates into the wall cavity.
The Uniform Load Structural Test is designed to test the strength of the test sample, so construction, reinforcement, glass thickness and glass quality are all critical players during the Positive and Negative Loads. All structural loads are stabilized and maintained for 10 seconds. QTI uses dial indicators to measure deflection and permanent set readings. All samples with an intermediate member are allowed a maximum permanent set. This is determined by measuring the length of the intermediate member and multiplying that by 0.4%. Three dial indicators are used for each member under test. One is positioned at one inch from each end and the third indicator is positioned at the midpoint. The endpoint readings are added together and divided by two and subtracted from the center measurement to give you a true permanent set or deflection reading. There shall be no glass breakage, permanent damage to components, or any other damage which causes the product to be inoperable. Also, the product can not exceed the maximum allowed permanent set.
CAWM 301-90—CAWM 300-96--ASTM F 588--ASTM F 842
The Forced Entry Resistance Test is designed to test your samples locking mechanisms. The test begins with a five minute disassembly sequence, meaning any snap bead, weep hole covers and Phillips or Flat screws are removed from the exterior side of the sample within the allotted five minute period. If your sample is going to have any screws on the exterior of the sample, it is recommended that they be anything other that straight or Phillips head screws. The next test is the hand and tool manipulation test, where the technician gets five minutes to try and manipulate the locking mechanism by hand and with a wire and a putty knife. Using a dynamometer, the sample is then subjected to the series of pulls dependent upon the sample and the grade level desired. If the lock breaks during the 3rd pull, then the lock can be replaced and the test can be redone, but the sequence has to start from the very beginning.
The deglazing test is performed on the operable sash of any sliding or hung product. All snap bead is removed and the 70 lbf is applied to the interlock and opposite member and 50 lbf is applied to the stiles. Like the air infiltration test, the deglaze test is also rated on a Pass/Fail basis, meaning that as long as the glass does not completely deglaze from the frame, it is considered passing.
Certain products require additional testing which is specific for the product type and/or the class desired.
ã Quality Testing,Inc.2000
Quality Testing Inc. Updated 06/12/2007
3310 Hill Ave WEBMASTER
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: 425-259-6799
Fax: 425-259-4936
e-mail: Quality Testing