Windstorm Resistance Test for Curtain Walls and Windows according to AAMA 501.1-05

AAMA 501.1-05: "Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Using Dynamic Pressure" (Test for Water Penetration of Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors using a dynamic pressure generated in the laboratory with an aircraft propeller).

The
AAMA 501.1-05 standard is a test method that defines the equipment and procedures to assess the water penetration resistance of windows, curtain walls, and doors under the effect of strong wind and high pressure, similar to those generated by a tropical cyclone (hurricane, typhoon, cyclonic storm, or cyclone).

While this topic is relatively new for the Italian market, for those operating in Great Britain and non-European countries, particularly in the United States, Dubai, and the Middle East, this test is a mandatory standard. It is driven by the need to use increasingly resistant products capable of protecting buildings from the severe weather conditions typical of these regions.

As highlighted in the UNICMI report preview at Expo 2015, the curtain wall sector has maintained its market position, unlike the window and door industry, which continues to struggle due to an ongoing price war. This intense competition led to significant losses even in 2014.
«The export share of curtain wall manufacturers' revenue," explains the association, "remains steadily between 35% and 40%. This internationalization process is relatively recent, having started about four years ago. Companies have pursued it rapidly to counteract the decline in domestic market demand and position themselves in markets with higher volumes and greater profitability, such as the French and British markets».
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The demand for additional testing according to American Standards is increasing in Italy as well.


The test
The test involves positioning an aircraft propeller in front of a curtain wall or window, powered by a motor capable of generating an artificial "pulsating dynamic wind."

While the motor is running, water is sprayed onto the facade. This subjects the specimen to dynamic pressure and vibrations, simulating severe working conditions.
These conditions are maintained for 15 minutes, after which a visual inspection is carried out to ensure that no water has penetrated during or after the test and that no breakages or permanent deformations have occurred.

The unique feature of the machine being developed by Istituto Giordano is the replacement of the traditional combustion engine with a high-power electric motor operated by a semi-automatic computerized system. This solution allows for precise modulation of the required power while also considering environmental sustainability.
 

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