Empowering Construction with Reliable Testing Expertise Services in India
1.Lab Test
a) PMU Test (Curtain Wall)
c) Glass Test
b) PMU Test (Doors & Windows)
d) Balustrade/Railing
Impact test
Impact test determines the amount of energy absorbed by a material during fracture. This absorbed energy is a measure of a given material’s toughness and acts as a tool to study temperature-dependent brittle-ductile transition. It is to determine whether the material is brittle or ductile in nature
The most common impact tests use a swinging pendulum to strike a notched bar; heights before and after impact are used to compute the energy required to fracture the bar (see strength of materials).
- To verify the structural integrity of the hold open arm/stay bar assembly when the vent is in the fully extended cleaning position.
- Load setup shall be connected to specimen with load cell.
- Required load shall be applied and maintained for minimum 10 seconds.
- Release the load and check the condition of open arm and operation of window.
Window Misuse Test – AAMA 910-16
Skylight Fragility Test – CWCT TN 66 & 67
This test is aimed specifically at glazed roofs which are not accessible by the public but where people carrying out maintenance to the roof, or to other equipment mounted on the roof, may walk, fall or drop objects onto the glazed part of the roof.
The safety issues concern the safety of people below the roof and people who may be on the roof. People below the roof may be affected if the glass breaks and falls or if objects fall through the glass. People on the roof may fall onto the glass and be injured by contact with the glass or by falling through the glass.
Fragility test sequence has been devised to provide a standard industry approach to the testing of glazed roofs. The test sequence includes the following elements
- A soft body impact test to represent impacts from people.
- A hard body impact test to represent impacts from tools and equipment.
- A static load test to demonstrate residual strength of the glazing if the glass breaks.
2.On Site Test
A smoke test on a facade system typically refers to a preliminary assessment aimed at verifying the basic functionality and integrity of the facade. In this context, it can involve checking for:
- Air Leakage: Ensuring that the facade system effectively limits air infiltration and exfiltration. Smoke can be introduced to identify any leaks or drafts.
- Water Resistance: Testing to confirm that the facade prevents water penetration, often simulating rain conditions.
- Structural Integrity: Ensuring that the facade components are installed correctly and can withstand environmental stresses.
- General Functionality: Checking that any movable elements, such as windows or vents, operate as intended.
Smoke Test
Balustrade Load Test
Balustrade load tests are often required to validate design calculations, demonstrate the quality of the installation, or confirm the safety and suitability of barriers.
cylinders with pumps and connected pressure gauge are used to apply the load on the glass balustrade and deflection of the system is calculated.
Anchors pull testing is usually performed with an objective to measure the performance of the anchor installation and to verify whether it can pull out forces or not. In simpler terms, it establishes the load capacity strength of fixings that have been installed or fitted into slabs, walls, soffits etc.
Pull out Test
Thermography test
A thermography test on a facade system involves using infrared thermography to assess the thermal performance of the building’s exterior. This non-destructive testing method helps identify issues related to heat loss, insulation deficiencies, moisture intrusion, and structural problems.
- Equipment: An infrared camera is used to capture thermal images of the facade. These cameras detect heat emitted from surfaces, allowing for the visualization of temperature variations.
- Purpose:
Heat Loss Detection: Identify areas where heat is escaping, indicating poor insulation or gaps.Moisture Detection: Spot potential moisture issues by identifying cooler areas that may suggest water intrusion.
Structural Integrity: Assess the condition of materials and components, as differences in temperature can indicate deterioration or damage.
- Procedure:
Preparation: Ensure the building is at a stable temperature, ideally with a significant difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures for better results.Scanning: Move the infrared camera along the facade, capturing images of the surface temperatures.
Analysis: Review the thermal images to pinpoint anomalies that require further investigation or remediation
Whole Building Air Tightness Testing is specifically designed to ascertaining the air tightness of a building envelope. This test essentially tracks unintentional introduction of air through the outside envelope of a building from any of its structural components like
- Walls
- Windows
- Doors
- Roofs
Other Structural Elements
By detecting and quantifying its air leaks, we assist in ensuring that the building stands up to the highest levels of energy efficiency, sustainability, and performance.
Air Tightness Testing
Impact test
Impact testing for facade ensures the resistance of facade materials to sudden impacts. It simulates real-world hazards like flying debris, accidental collisions, or vandalism, helping to identify weaknesses and improve design.
Standards: BS EN 14019
Acoustic Testing helps to know the acoustic performance of the facade which shall helps to eliminate the unwanted noisy sounds. This test is important to reduce noise that may damage human’s health and also to ensure sound is transmitted and spread at optimal levels. Controlling how sounds move throughout any building can help promote the best environments within buildings and workspaces. A building envelope typically comprises different types of building elements that offer varying noise reduction. Façade glazing offers lesser sound reduction when compared to more robust constructions such as masonry. A good façade acoustic design can identify and address the acoustical problems.
Acoustic Testing
Spray Bar Test
Spray bar test as per BS EN 13051 or CWCT Section 10.
Test Procedure
- Turned on the water supply and adjusted to provide a constant flow for 30 minutes,
equivalent to 5 l/min per meter length of spray bar. - Inspected the inside of the specimen, once test was started.
- After completion of the test continued to inspect for water leakage for 30 minutes.
- Inspection for water leakage was done and recorded it.
Air Infiltration/Exfiltration test helps determines the amount of air leakage, which directly impacts a building’s energy efficiency and overall performance. Air infiltration can significantly reduce a building’s energy efficiency by allowing conditioned air to escape through leaks in the building envelope, increasing heating and cooling costs. Testing helps identify these leaks and allows for corrective actions to minimize energy loss. Air leakage can draw in pollutants from outside, impacting indoor air quality and occupant comfort.
Standards: ASTM E 283, BS EN 1026, BS EN 12153, CWCT Section 5, AS/NZS 4284, IS 18472, AS 4420.1
Air Infiltration / Exfiltration Test
Static Water Penetration Test
Static water penetration test for a facade is conducted to check its ability to resist water infiltration under controlled, static conditions. This helps ensure the building’s envelope is adequately protected from moisture, preventing damage and potential issues. The test simulates real-world conditions by applying water pressure and observing for leakage, allowing for identification of weaknesses in the facade’s design or installation. The test verifies that the facade system, including materials, joints, and seals, effectively prevent water from entering the building.
Standards: ASTM E 331, BS EN 1027, BS EN 12155, CWCT Section 6, AS/NZS 4284, IS 18459, AS 4420.1
Cyclic water penetration test for a facade to evaluate and validate its ability to withstand water infiltration under various simulated conditions, including cyclic pressure changes and wind-driven rain.
Standards: ASTM E 547, AS/NZS 4284
Cyclic Water Penetration Test
Dynamic Water Penetration Test
Dynamic water penetration test for a facade is to check its resistance to water intrusion under real-world conditions, simulating wind-driven rain. This test mimic how water and wind interact with a building’s exterior under various pressures and spray rates. By applying controlled water spray and wind pressure, the test identifies any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the facade’s sealing, detailing, and overall construction that could lead to water leakage.
Standards: AAMA 501.1, CWCT Section 7
Structural performance test ensures the accuracy, structural capacity and suitability of the facade design for the specific project. It is a proactive measure to ensure a safe, durable, and high-performing building envelope, ultimately benefiting the safety of occupants and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Following structural performance test, repeat air infiltration and static water penetration shall be conducted to evaluate the performance post design wind pressure application.
Standards: ASTM E 330, BS EN 12211, BS EN 12179, CWCT Section 11, CWCT Section 12, AS/NZS 4284, IS 18473, AS 4420.1
Structural Performance Test& Proof Load Test
Seismic Test& Vertical Displacement Test
Seismic testing / vertical displacement testing verifies that the façade can accommodate the movements caused by earthquakes, differential settlement, live load and ensuring the safety of occupants and the public. It is essential for understanding the seismic strength of a particular façade design and construction. These testing process involves measuring how well a structure can resist structural movement caused by a variety of factors. This tests helps to determine if the facade’s components (like glazing, sealants, and connections) can withstand the stresses of building movements without failure.
Standards: AAMA 501.4, AAMA 501.7, CWCT Section 17, AS/NZS 4284
Thermal cycling tests simulate the temperature fluctuations a facade will experience throughout its lifespan, verifying its ability to withstand these conditions and meet intended performance requirements. Thermal cycling tests help determine how different materials used in the facade interact with each other under temperature changes, identifying potential compatibility issues that could lead to failure.
Standards: AAMA 501.5,CWCT Section 18
Thermal Cycling Test
Seal Degradation Test
Seal Degradation test involves removing portions of seals and gaskets during testing, engineers can assess how the facade’s performance changes when seals fail or degrade. This helps determine the potential impact of seal failure on water penetration.
Standards: AS/NZS 4284
BMU pull out test verify that the BMU restraint pin can withstand the loads and stresses it will encounter during routine use, including those from wind, worker weight, and equipment. The pull-out test helps identify any weaknesses in the BMU’s components, such as the cradle restraint system, pins, or cables, ensuring they can securely hold the system in place during operation.
Standards: AS/NZS 4284