Page 475 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

ENVELOPE TESTING 12.15

FIGURE 12.13 Spray nozzles equally spaced in
preparation for dynamic pressure water test.
(Courtesy of Architectural Testing, Inc.)

TABLE 12.2 Mock-Up Testing Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages
Allows testing of designs and review of problems May not incorporate sufficient termination
before actual construction and transition details
Involves all project participants in reviewing Often does not simulate exact job-site
design and offering suggestions for review structural conditions
Can create conditions beyond the worst expected Does not account for testing after thermal
at actual project site movement and structural settlement
changes in actual envelope construction

JOB-SITE TESTING

Tests done at a job site can be as simple or as scientific as required by immediate concerns.
Simple water testing using a garden hose and water source is probably the most frequently
used means of job-site testing on both new and existing envelopes. Static and dynamic
pressure testing can also be accomplished at project sites by laboratories or consulting
firms that can provide portable equipment to complete these types of tests, (Fig. 12.16).