Page 474 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

12.14 CHAPTER TWELVE

FIGURE 12.12 Eighteen-cylinder airplane engine used to create dynamic pressure
water testing. (Courtesy of Architectural Testing, Inc.)

conditions as severe as hurricane forces of 70 mph, plus winds and water at a rate of 8–10 in/hr,
are achievable. This is often the ultimate test for any envelope.
Mock-up testing summary
All three mock-up tests offer excellent previewing of a proposed envelope design. Cost
permitting, all three should be completed to accurately determine areas of potential prob-
lems. As previously discussed, areas of failure should not merely be sealed using sealants
that are not part of the original design. This defeats the purpose of testing, and problems
will recur in field construction when envelope watertightness is dependent on improperly
designed and applied sealant material.
When envelopes containing masonry walls that combine dampproofing, flashing, and
weep systems are tested, water will undoubtedly enter the envelope as designed. The water
entering must not exceed the capability of the backup systems to redirect all entering water
to the exterior.
Note that laboratory mock-ups can also be used for color and texture approval, limiting
the number of mock-ups required at job sites and lowering overall costs of laboratory test-
ing, (Fig. 12.15). (See Table 12.2.)