Curtain Wall Testing Requirements

In recent years, more and more people prefer custom curtain walls used in their buildings. However, designing your preferable custom curtain walls can be a complex task in a building project. The level of complexity is typically driven by your goals, constraints, and performance objectives. In practical applications, curtain walls are typically constructed using lightweight glass, along with other materials such as aluminum, stone, marble, or composite materials. They are designed with numerous factors in mind, such as minimizing air and water infiltration, managing wind pressure, and thermal control. In that regard, a standard curtain wall testing is crucial for a long-term functional and aesthetic value of your curtain walls over time.

As a rule, during the design and development stage of the curtain wall construction, all curtain wall systems should be tested for the leakage of air infiltration, water penetration, as well as for structural performance (including frame deflection limits) at the wind loads applicable for the building site. This is one of the most important parts of curtain wall specifications. Testing is the only way in which certain capabilities of the curtain wall, such as resistance to air leakage or water penetration, can be determined. The sequence of testing should be specified so the effect of exposure to test conditions on other performance parameters can be accurately assessed (for example, repeat water penetration resistance tests after subjecting the specimen to design loads). Any modifications to the design resulting from the testing must be communicated to all interested parties and fully documented to ensure it is incorporated fully into the design.

In addition, as for custom designs, a preconstruction mockup test should be scheduled well in advance of the final production schedule for curtain wall structures, affording ample opportunity to make corrections relatively easily and less expensive. If a mockup is deemed necessary, the guide specification provides optional language for specifying mockup testing including what parts of the system are to be represented and where the mockup is to be erected. Compliance with ASTM E2099, Standard Practice for the Specification and Evaluation of Pre-Construction Laboratory Mockups of Exterior Wall Systems, for procedures and documentation required for laboratory mockups should also be required.

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