Innovative Testing Approaches for
Modern Construction Services in UAE
ONSITE TEST
Water Hose Test
Hose testing utilizes a compressor to force a consistent flow of water through a nozzle, to produce a standard jet of water. The nozzle shape and the pressure of water entering it, determines the flow rate of the water passing to the façade.
This test is conducted using a nozzle (Type B-25 with a 1/2-inch FTP, as manufactured by Monarch Manufacturing Works) that will produce a solid cone of water droplets as per AAMA 501.2 -15 and CWCT international testing standards. The nozzle is used with a control valve and a calibrated pressure gauge between the valve and the nozzle.
The air supply and exhaust system comprise of a centrifugal fan and associated ducting and controls, to create positive and negative static pressure differentials. It provides a constant flow of air at the specified pressure for the period required by the tests.
onsite chamber 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.
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
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
A blower door is a machine used to perform a building air leakage test. It can also be used to measure airflow between building zones, to test ductwork airtightness and to help physically locate air leakage sites in the building envelope.
Whole Building Air Tightness Test
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.
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
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).
Gutter test checks the efficiency of the building drainage system in managing the movement of water and the prevention of water infiltration. This is done by simulating heavy rainfall and checking for any blockages, improper slopes, or installation defects. This test prevents excess water infiltration, foundation damage, and facade deterioration. Adequate gutter performance results in the enhancement of building durability and compliance with other industry standards.
Gutter Test
Peel Adhesion test
Peel adhesion measures the force required to remove a pressure sensitive adhesive from a testing plate or its own backing material. One industry standardized test to take these measurements as per international Standard Test Method for Peel Resistance of Adhesives (T-Peel Test).
The procedure in which a controlled amount of water is temporarily retained over a horizontal surface to determine the effectiveness of the waterproofing system
FLOOD TEST
Onsite and Factory Facade Installation Inspection
Onsite and Factory Facade Installation Inspection ensure facade systems are properly fabricated, transported, and installed. Inspections are done at the factory and on-site assessing whether these works have arrived at the minimum acceptable industry standards. A few main focuses of inspection include alignment, sealing, anchoring, and waterproofing for the prevention of defects. Early detection positively impacts the durability, weather resistance, and structural performance of the building or structure. This will deliver high-quality façade installations that ensure enduring reliability.
The spray rack discharges water uniformly across the surface, spraying at a rate of 5 gph/ft²for at least 15 minutes. Field technicians have the option to choose between ASTM E1105 procedures A and B, per site-specific requirements.
Spray Rack Test
Chamber Test –Air Infiltration Test
- Seal specimen with polyethylene sheet
- Measure leakage of chamber alone
- Remove polyethylene
- Measure leakage of specimen + chamber
- Subtract chamber leakage from total leakage
- Set water flow to required rate
- Adjust blower to correct
test pressure - Run test for 15 minutes
- Record any leaks
Chamber Test –Water Penetration Test
Chamber Test –Structural Load Test
- Install deflection gauges or transducers
- Increase pressure to half Design Load
- Return to zero, rest, record initial readings
- Increase pressure to full Design Load
- Return to zero, record maximum and residual readings
- Check for adverse effects
- Repeat for opposite direction
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FACADE INSPECTION & TESTING LABORATORY (FACADE INSPECTION & TESTS)
Tests and Inspections
Onsite Factory Materials Inspections and Reporting
Onsite Factory Materials Inspections and Reporting ensures that facade materials comply with project specifications and industry guidelines before being installed. Inspections are conducted of glass, aluminum, sealants, gaskets, and fasteners to assess quality and compliance with project specifications, dimensional accuracy, mechanical strength, and physical surface characteristics. These onsite tests identifies material inconsistencies early, prior to installation in the field, which can help mitigate problems and effects that could cause installation issues or structural failure during the life of the façade. Factory test reports document all assessment findings and indicate any deviations that warrant corrective action, such as re-testing. Onsite factory materials inspection and reporting supports integrity in high-performance, durable and reliable facade systems.
Curtain Walls, Skylights, Doors, and Windows performance ensures structural stability, weather resistance, and energy efficiency.The performance of these systems is evaluated for air and water infiltration, wind load resistance, thermal insulation, and acoustic insulation. Quality and installing the right types of fixtures at the right places ensure there is no leak, loss of heat, or damage to structure.These onsite checks and tests find flaws early so things can still work well into the future. Buildings with high-quality facade components are safer, more energy efficient, and more sustainable.
Performance of curtain walls, skylights, doors, windows
Onsite Air Permeability Testing (ASTM E783 ASTM 283, AAMA 502, AAMA 503, CWCT, BS EN)
Onsite Air Permeability Testing (ASTM E783, ASTM 283, AAMA 502, AAMA 503, CWCT, BS EN) ensures that curtain walls, windows, doors and skylights meet airtightness standards. This onsite test determines the amount of air leaking through the various facade elements under controlled pressure conditions. Conducted in accordance with ASTM, AAMA, CWCT, and BS EN standards, it helps identify defects in sealing, joints and construction. When a building has a proper air permeability performance , it improves its thermal insulation and reduces its energy consumption. It is vital to comply with these standards in order to have performance building envelope.
Onsite Pull-Out Test for Embeds and Anchors (ASTM E3121, BS 8539) ensures the strength and reliability of anchors , fixings and embedded components strength and reliability in facade systems. This test evaluate the load-bearing capacity and pull-out resistance of anchors under tension to verify compliance with ASTM E3121 and BS 8539 standard. It helps identify problems with installation, material quality, or bonding with the substrate. Properly conducting tests ensures structural stability, safety, and durability of curtain walls, cladding and other facade parts. Onsite pull tests on anchors help in failure prevention and compliance with engineering.
Pull out test for embeds and anchors (ASTM E3121, BS 8539)
Onsite Static water penetration (ASTM E1105, AAMA 502, AAMA 503, CWCT, BS EN)
Onsite static water penetration test (ASTM E1105, AAMA 502A, AAMA 503, CWCT, BS EN) measures the water leakage resistance of curtain walls, windows, doors and skylights. The test involves applying water on one side of the product while maintaining a controlled air pressure differential on the other side. This onsite test is done in accordance with (ASTM, AAMA, CWCT, BS EN) to reveal leaks, defective seals and bad installation. When water can’t penetrate through a building’s skin into undesirable areas, they last longer and work better. This onsite test is important to check compliance with performance requirements of the industry.
Onsite wind resistance tests (ASTM E330, CWCT, BS EN) determine the structural performance of curtain walls, windows, doors and facade systems under wind load. The test uses positive and negative pressure to simulate wind and thereby tests compliance with the ASTM, CWCT and BS EN standards. It assesses how well the facade components can withstand strong winds and storms. Proper wind resistance performance prevents glass breakage, structural damage, and safety hazards For the stability and reliability of building envelopes, this onsite test is very important.
Onsite Wind resistance tests (ASTM E330, CWCT, BS EN)
Inspection of facades & claddings
Inspection of facades and claddings is an essential process in building maintenance and safety. It involves evaluating the exterior elements of a structure to ensure that they are secure, intact, and functioning as intended. Here’s an overview of what the inspection process typically involves:
Structural Integrity: Ensures the building’s exterior is stable and safe, with no potential hazards like loose panels or materials.
Waterproofing & Weatherproofing: Checks for any cracks, gaps, or damaged seals that could allow water infiltration or expose the structure to the elements.
Aesthetic Considerations: Assesses the condition of the facade and cladding materials for aesthetic purposes, such as discoloration, cracking, or fading.
Energy Efficiency: Identifies areas where insulation or thermal efficiency might be compromised, helping to reduce energy costs.
Spray Rack Test is a standard procedure used to assess the water resistance and performance of façade systems and roof claddings. This test simulates the effects of wind-driven rain on the building’s exterior to evaluate how well the materials and systems prevent water infiltration. It is commonly used in the building industry to verify the performance of cladding systems before installation or during periodic maintenance checks.
Water Resistance: The primary objective of this test is to determine whether the façade or cladding system is impermeable to water under simulated weather conditions.
Evaluate Joints and Seals: The test helps to identify any issues with the joints, seams, or seals that might allow water to penetrate the building envelope.
Performance Under Real-World Conditions: It simulates how the building will perform during heavy rainstorms, especially in areas exposed to wind-driven rain.
Spray Rack Test for Facade systems & Roof claddings
Hose water penetration test (AAMA 501.2, CWCT)
Hose Water Penetration Test is a standard method used to evaluate the water resistance of exterior building materials, particularly curtain walls, windows, and cladding systems. It simulates real-world rainfall conditions to test whether water will penetrate the building’s exterior under specific pressure and volume conditions.
Water Resistance: It ensures that the exterior cladding or curtain wall systems can resist water penetration when exposed to a water spray similar to real-world rain conditions.
Joint Performance: The test helps evaluate how well joints, seals, and penetrations in the façade systems prevent water infiltration.
Durability and Performance: It helps verify that a façade system maintains its ability to resist water penetration throughout its lifespan, especially after installation or during maintenance inspections.
Smoke testing for curtain walls is a method used to assess the effectiveness of the smoke barrier and containment properties of curtain wall systems. Curtain walls are non-structural cladding systems typically installed on the exterior of buildings, and their main function is to provide an aesthetic outer layer while protecting the building from environmental factors like weather.
Prevents the passage of smoke between different compartments of the building.
Maintains its integrity in the event of a fire by not allowing smoke to spread beyond the area of origin.
Identifies potential failure points in the design or installation of the curtain wall system, such as gaps, faulty seals, or improper installation that could allow smoke to penetrate.
Smoke testing for slab smoke seals
Barriers / balustrades / railings (ASTM E935, ASTM E2353)
Testing barriers, balustrades, and railings is crucial to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. These components are typically installed in locations such as staircases, balconies, terraces, and walkways, where they serve as fall protection and provide support.
Testing ensures that they are safe, structurally sound, and capable of withstanding the stresses they might encounter over time. Several tests are performed based on standards such as ASTM E935, ASTM E2353, BS EN 1991, BS6180and others.
Pull-out tests on anchorages, cast-in channels, and similar systems are essential for verifying the load-bearing capacity and performance of anchors used to secure structural elements in buildings and other infrastructure. These tests ensure that the anchors, cast-in channels, and similar devices are capable of withstanding the forces they are designed to resist, such as tension and shear forces.
One of the key standards for testing anchorages in construction is BS 5080. This British Standard outlines the requirements and testing methods for the performance of anchorages and fixings used in concrete and masonry. It is particularly relevant for pull-out testing, which is used to assess the bond between the anchorage system and the base material.
Pull out Load tests on anchorages, cast-in channels
Impacts tests on cladding / glass / framing (CWCT, BS 8200)
Impact tests on cladding, glass, and framing systems are crucial to assess the durability, safety, and performance of these materials under forceful impacts. They simulate real-world conditions where cladding systems might be exposed to accidental impacts, such as from falling objects, debris, or environmental forces like wind-blown debris. Standards like CWCT (Centre for Window and Cladding Technology) and BS 8200 provide methodologies for conducting impact tests and evaluating the resilience of cladding and glazing systems.
Fragmentation tests for glass, as specified in BS EN 12150, are critical for ensuring the safety of glass products, particularly in applications like building facades, windows, and doors where the risk of breakage must be managed to prevent injury. The tests assess how safety glass behaves when subjected to impact, ensuring that it doesn’t break into sharp, dangerous fragments that could harm people.
Fragmentation tests for glass (BS EN 12150)
Adhesion testing on coatings and other surfaces
Adhesion testing on coatings and other surfaces is essential to evaluate the bond strength between a coating (such as paint, varnish, or protective films) and the underlying substrate (such as metal, glass, concrete, or wood). Proper adhesion ensures the durability, effectiveness, and longevity of coatings, especially in harsh environments conditions. There are various methods used to test the adhesion of coatings and surface treatments, and several standards are used globally to ensure the correct performance of coatings in different applications.
Quality control: Ensuring that coatings adhere properly to the substrate.
Durability: Verifying that the coating can withstand environmental stresses like temperature changes, moisture, and abrasion without peeling or delaminating.
Safety and Aesthetics: Coatings used in areas like buildings, automotive, or appliances must remain intact, especially in situations where failure could pose safety risks or affect the appearance.
Flood testing for gutters and waterproofing installations is a crucial method used to verify the performance and integrity of gutter systems and waterproofing membranes. The test simulates a flood-like scenario to ensure that these systems can handle significant amounts of water without leakage or failure. This is especially important for ensuring that buildings are protected against water damage, structural degradation, and potential mold or mildew issues.
Flood testing is performed to:
Verify the waterproofing system’s effectiveness: Ensure that gutters, waterproofing membranes, or similar systems can handle expected water loads.
Identify potential weak spots: Detect any areas where water may leak or seep through, allowing for timely repairs before the system is put into full service.
Prevent future damage: By conducting flood testing during the construction phase, it ensures that water-related damage is minimized or avoided.