Page 464 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

12.4 CHAPTER TWELVE
materials are TT-S-227 for two-component sealant performance, TT-S-00230C for one-
component sealants, and TT-S-001543 for silicone sealants. Underwriter’s Laboratory
tests (UL) for fire endurance of specific materials include test UL-263.
Other independent laboratory analysis and testing include firms or organizations estab-
lished to test specific application or installation uses. These include the National
Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), which tests clear deck sealers used in
concrete construction in highway and bridgework.
Local government agencies, such as Dade County Building and Zoning Department’s
Product Approval Group, often establish their own minimum requirements and approve
independent laboratories to test materials and approve materials for use in local construc-
tion and renovation. This Miami-area public agency tests materials to ensure that products
will perform in the harsh environment of south Florida. Tests include ultraviolet and hur-
ricane weathering. Such agencies test individually manufactured materials in laboratory
conditions to ensure the adequacy of the material alone. They do not perform tests for com-
plete envelope systems but only for individual components.
This testing allows selection of individual materials that will function under an expected
set of conditions, including weathering and wear. For example, a deck-coating material is cho-
sen that will function under extreme ultraviolet weathering and heavy vehicle traffic. Testing
does not, however, determine the acceptability of transitions used between the deck coating
and deck expansion joints, or whether coatings will be compatible with curing agents used
during concrete placement. The tests allow proper selection of individual materials for use in
a composite envelope but do not test individual systems joined in the envelope construction.
Several private laboratories are available to complete testing of composite envelopes.

MOCK-UP TESTING

Independent laboratories are often used to test mock-ups or composite envelope systems.
These tests assume that individual components have been tested and will suffice for job-
site conditions including extended use and weathering. Independent laboratories test the
effectiveness of composite materials against water and wind infiltration. They can create
conditions that simulate expected weathering extremes at the actual building site.
These tests are limited, however, in that they do not recreate long-term weathering
cycles and temperature extremes and are rarely applied to the entire composite envelope.
Testing envelopes after weathering and movement cycles, particularly at the transitions
and terminations, is mandatory to ascertain the effectiveness of the details.
An envelope or curtain wall mock-up is constructed at the laboratory site using speci-
fied exterior envelope components. They are applied to a structural steel framework pro-
vided by the laboratory, or framing is constructed specifically for testing, (Figs. 12.1 and
12.2). This framework should include flashing and appropriate transition details if they
occur in the selected area to be tested, (Fig. 12.3). Testing is completed on a minimum
floor-to-ceiling segment height of the envelope, (Fig. 12.4).
Preferably, testing goes well beyond this minimum to allow testing of the most advanta-
geous and economically feasible portion of the entire envelope, (Fig. 12.5). Typically, test-
ing size is 20–25 ft wide to 30–40 ft high, (Fig. 12.6).