Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/71917
AAMA 512 "AAMA 512 is specifically targeted at glazed windows, doors and curtain walls and provides a system for rating their ability to withstand impact, pressure cycling and water pene- tration generally associated with tornado conditions," says McKenna. The goal in creating AAMA 512 was to develop a roadmap that clearly defines testing protocols, performance levels and appropriate qualifications for manufacturers, test laboratories and specification writers to reference in the development of tornado-mitigating products, says Kelly. Although AAMA 512 drew from the testing parameters, Protection Levels and geographical wind zones described by ICC 500 and FEMA 361 tornado wind zone charts, it is appli- cable to the fenestration of any building for which maximum practical tornado protective design is specified. As a prerequisite, any product seeking an AAMA 512 rating must first satisfy the requirements for a minimum AW60 rating in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, NAFS—North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights. Curtain wall, storefront and sloped glazing, which are outside the scope of NAFS, also may be tested to AAMA 512 requirements as long as they have met the requirements of the project specifications per ASCE-7, Minimum Design Loads of Buildings and Other Structures, or the minimum requirements of AAMA 501, Methods of Test for Exterior Walls. Composite thermal barrier profiles as well as mulled assemblies and products with true or applied muntins also can be tested per AAMA 512. Once the prerequisite performance requirements are achieved, impact testing is then conducted as outlined in ASTM E1996, Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes. This involves impelling a 15-pound two-by-four lumber into a test window at up to 100 mph. For products that will be used in hurricane-prone zones, pressure cycling resistance is tested per ASTM E1886, Stan- dard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials and ASTM E1996. Two-part Rating Code FEMA designates two Protection Levels: • Level 1 (Operational): The facility is essentially undamaged and can be immediately operational. Level 1 water penetration testing is exclusively for the installation method tested. Complete Range of Motors, Controls and Automation for Rolling Shutters SIMU-Hz radio solutions offer: Quick and easy installation Ease of use Energy saving benefits SIMU Celebrates 60 Year Anniversary, 1952-2012 www.simu.com 2012 FORECAST / STORM&SecURITy PROTecTION 15