Staff Analysis for Declaratory Statement Request DS2017-030

Issue: Petitioner seeks to determine if testing to TAS 201 would require impact testing at the structural silicone joint.

 

Background:

 

The Petitioner Angelo Rivera, Vice President of HVAC Designs Inc. and Petitioner’s Representative Shawn G. Collins, P.E. seeks a declaratory statement pertaining to testing standard TAS 201.  The petitioner feels that for testing to be compliant with TAS 201 and sections 1609.1.2, 1625.2.5 and 1626.2.5.2 of the 5th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Building, and large missile impacts testing is required at the structural silicone joint.

 

The Petitioner’s representative served as the “witnessing engineer” as required for the frameless impact curtain wall system, herein SLIMPACT®, which is documented under Florida Product Approval FL 15533.1 (non-HVHZ) and FL 15533.2 (HVHZ).  The Product is applied under R61G20-3.001, section (1) subsection (a), panel walls. The product was tested to applicable test protocols for HVHZ compliance and the product approval’s third revision was approved on August 8th, 2016.  The testing for the SLIMPACT® product was performed to the applicable test protocols for HVHZ compliance and documented on test report D2758.01-401-18 (available upon request). (2) Two impacts were made to each lite of glass and to the structural silicone joint (see clarification below) to satisfy the provisions set forth in TAS 201-94, sections 1626.2.5 and 1626.2.5.2. The structural silicone joint was impacted at 1/2 of the span and deemed applicable, to satisfy the language found in section 1626.2.5.2 "thinnest section of the assembly." Moreover, section 6.3.2.2 of TAS 201-94 dictates any specimen containing "more than one component" have additional impacts at one half of the span at each component. This interpretation is further reinforced by the potential failure of this joint, as defined in section 1626.3.8, while undergoing cyclic wind pressure loading in accordance with TAS 203-94.

 

Petition states that testing protocols are an integral part of the approval process for all fenestration products to provide standardized testing for similar product offerings. Standardized testing for products located in wind-borne debris regions are of paramount importance as they prove the ability of products to perform in wind-borne debris events promoting life and property safety.

 

Question(s):

 

For future testing to be compliant with TAS 201 and sections 1609.1.2, 1625.2.5 and 1626.2.5.2 of the 5th Edition (2014), Florida Building Code, Building, is large missile impacts required at the structural silicone joint?

 

Petitioner and Petitioner's Representative respectfully believe that in the interest of life and property safety that large

missile impacts are required on this joint, as it is the weakest component of the system. Thus, this component should be

impacted to satisfy the test protocols, the spirit of the code and to promote life and property safety.

 

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REFERENCES:

 

Florida Administrative Code

Rule 61G20-3.001 Scope.

(1) Products in the following categories as defined by subcategories of subsection 61G20-3.002(33), F.A.C., shall be available for approval by the Commission pursuant to Rule 61G20-3.007, F.A.C., for use in the state:

(a) Panel Walls;

(b) Exterior Doors;

(c) Roofing Products;

(d) Skylights;

(e) Windows;

(f) Shutters;

(g) Structural Components; and

(h) Impact Protective Systems.

(2) This rule applies to approval of products and systems, which comprise the building envelope and structural frame, for compliance with the structural requirements of the Florida Building Code.

Rulemaking Authority 553.842(1) FS. Law Implemented 553.842(5) FS. History–New 11-22-06, Formerly 9B-72.005, 9N-3.001, Amended 4-1-14.

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5th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Building

Section 1609.1.2 Protection of openings.

In wind-borne debris regions, glazed openings in buildings shall be impact resistant or protected with an impact-resistant covering meeting the requirements of SSTD 12, ANSI/DASMA 115 (for garage doors and rolling doors) or TAS 201, 202 and 203, AAMA 506. ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886 referenced herein, or an approved impact-resistant standard as follows:

 

 1. Glazed openings located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of grade shall meet the requirements of the large missile test of ASTM E 1996.

 

 2. Glazed openings located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above grade shall meet the provisions of the small missile test of ASTM E 1996.

 

 3. Storage sheds that are not designed for human habitation and that have a floor area of 720 square feet (67 m2) or less are not required to comply with the mandatory windborne debris impact standards of this code.

 

 4. Openings in sunrooms, balconies or enclosed porches constructed under existing roofs or decks are not required to be protected provided the spaces are separated from the building interior by a wall and all openings in the separating wall are protected in accordance with Section 1609.1.2 above. Such spaces shall be permitted to be designed as either partially enclosed or enclosed structures.

 

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5th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Building

Section 1626

 

1626.2 Large missile impact tests.

 

1626.2.1

This test shall be conducted on three test specimens per test protocols TAS 201 and TAS 203. This test shall be applicable to the construction units, assemblies and materials to be used up to and including 30 feet (9.1 m) in height in any and all structures.

 

1626.2.2

The test specimens shall consist of the entire assembled unit, including frame and anchorage as supplied by the manufacturer for installation in the building, or as set forth in a referenced specification, if applicable. Fasteners used in mounting the test specimen shall be identical in size and spacing to what is used in field installations.

 

1626.2.3

The large missile shall be comprised of a piece of timber having nominal dimensions of 2 inches by 4 inches (51 mm by 102 mm) weighing 9 pounds (4.1 kg).

 

1626.2.4

The large missile shall impact the surface of each test specimen at a speed of 50 feet per second (15.2 m/s); 80 feet per second (24.38 m/s) for Risk Category IV— essential facility buildings or structures.

 

 

1626.2.5

Each test specimen shall receive two impacts, except as noted in Sections 1626.2.5.1 and 1626.2.5.2, the first within a 5-inch (127 mm) radius circle having its center on the midpoint of the test specimen and the second within a 5-inch (127 mm) radius circle in a corner having its center in a location 6 inches (152 mm) away from any supporting members.

 

1626.2.5.1

For window, glass block, fixed glass and skylight assemblies, both impacts shall be to glass or other glazing infill. For test specimens with more than one light of glass, a single light closest to the center of the assembly shall be selected and impacted twice in accordance with Section 1626.2.5. If a light of glass is sufficiently small to cause the 5-inch (127 mm) radius circle to overlap, two separate lights shall be impacted, one time each.

 

1626.2.5.1.1

For window, fixed glass and skylight assemblies comprised of different glass thickness, types of glass or different types of glazing infill, each separate thickness or type shall be impacted twice in accordance with Section 1626.2.5.

 

1626.2.5.2

For doors, wall cladding and external protection devices, both impacts shall be to the thinnest section through the assembly. For doors, wall cladding and external protection devices with horizontal and/or vertical bracing, both impacts shall be within a single area that is not reinforced and shall be in accordance with Section 1626.2.5.

 

1626.2.5.2.1

For doors with glass, the glass shall be impacted twice and the thinnest section through the assembly that is not glass shall be impacted twice in accordance with Section 1626.2.5.

 

1626.2.7

If air leakage through the test specimen is excessive, tape may be used to cover any cracks and joints through which leakage is occurring. Tape shall not be used when there is a probability that it may significantly restrict differential movement between adjoining members. It is also permissible to cover both sides of the entire specimen and mounting panel with a single thickness of polyethylene film no thicker than 0.050 mm (2 mils). The technique of application is important in order that the full load is transferred to the specimen and that the membrane does not prevent movement or failure of the specimen. Apply the film loosely with extra folds of material at each corner and at all offsets and recesses. When the load is applied, there shall be no fillet caused by tightness of plastic film.

 

 

1626.2.8

A particular system of construction shall be deemed to comply with this test if three test specimens reject the small missile impacts without penetration and resist the cyclic pressure loading with no crack forming longer than 5 inches (127 mm) and 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) in width through which air can pass.

 

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5th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Test Protocols

TAS 201-94, Section 6.3

 

5. Test Specimen:

 

5.1 Test specimen - All parts of the test specimen shall be full size, using the same materials, details, methods of construction and methods of attachment as proposed for actual use. The specimen shall consist of the entire assembled unit attached to a given type of structural framing of the building, and shall contain all devices used to resist wind forces and windborne debris. When testing glazed products, the material used to make such glazed product windborne debris resistant (i.e., fillers, film and similar) shall be an integral part, factory applied, of such glazed product.

 

In the case of windows, doors, and sliding glass doors, a pressure treated nominal 2 × 4 wood buck #3 Southern Pine shall be used for attachment of the specimen to the test frame/stand/chamber. Such wood buck will become part of the approval.

 

 

5th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Test Protocols

TAS 201-94, Section 6.3

 

6.3.2.1 LARGE MISSILE - The large missile shall be a solid S4S nominal 2×4 #2 surface dry Southern Pine. The weight of the missile shall be as specified in Section 1626.2.3 of the Florida Building Code, Building and shall have a length of not less than 7 feet and not more than 9 feet. The missile shall be marked/ticked in dark ink at one inch intervals on center, and congruently numbered every three inches. A sabot shall be attached to the trailing edge of the missile to facilitate launching. The weight of the sabot shall not exceed 1/2 lb. The combined weight of the timber and sabot, which constitutes the missile, shall be between 9 lb and 9.5 lb. The missile shall be propelled through a cannon as described in Section 6.3.3 of this protocol.

 

 6.3.2.2 When testing any specimen with more than one component, in addition to complying with the impacts required by Section 1626.2 of the Florida Building Code, Building the framing member connecting these components shall be impacted at one half the span of such member with the large missile at a speed indicated in Section 1626.2.4 of the Florida Building Code, Building.

 

 6.3.2.3 Any specimen that passes the large missile impact test need not be tested for the small missile impact test if the specimen has no opening that a 3/16 inch sphere can pass through.

 

 6.3.3 LARGE MISSILE CANNON - The large missile cannon shall use compressed air to propel the large missile. The cannon shall be capable of producing impact at the speed specified in Section 1626.2.4 of the Florida Building Code, Building. The missile cannon shall consist of four major components: a compressed air supply, a pressure release valve, a pressure gauge, a barrel and support frame, and a timing system for determining the missile speed. The barrel of the missile cannon shall consist of a 4-inch inside diameter pipe and shall be at least as long as the missile. The barrel of the large missile cannon shall be mounted on a support frame in a manner to facilitate aiming the missile so that it impacts the specimen at the desired location. The distance from the end of the cannon to the specimen shall be 9 feet plus the length of the missile.

 

 6.3.4 SMALL MISSILE - The missiles shall be propelled through cannon as described in Section 6.3.5 of this protocol. The small missile shall be launched in such a manner that each specimen shall be impacted over an area not to exceed two square feet per impact as described in Section 1626.3.5 of the Florida Building Code, Building.

 

 6.3.5 SMALL MISSILE CANNON - A compressed air cannon shall be used that is capable of propelling missiles of the size and speed defined in 1626.3.3 and 1626.3.4 of the Florida Building Code, Building. The cannon assembly shall be comprised of a compressed air supply and gauge, a remote firing device and valve, a barrel, and a timing system. The small missile cannon shall be mounted to prevent movement of the cannon so that it can propel missiles to impact the test specimen at points defined in 1626.3.5 of the Florida Building Code, Building. The timing system shall be positioned to measure missile speed within 5 feet of the impact point on the test specimen. When testing any specimen with more than one component, in addition to complying with the impacts required by Section 1626.2 of the Florida Building Code, Building the framing member connecting these components shall be impacted at one half the span of such member with the large missile at a speed indicated in Section 1626.2.4 of the Florida Building Code, Building.

 

12. Additional Testing:

 

 12.1 Following successful completion of this test, all specimen must then be successfully tested as per TAS 203-94.

 

 12.2 Any product, when installed that is subjected to weathering, where such weathering can affect the integrity of the product, the manufacturer shall contact the Authority Having Jurisdiction for additional testing requirements such as but not limited to moisture, U.V., accelerated aging, and other similar tests.

 

 12.3 The Authority Having Jurisdiction reserves the right to require any additional testing necessary to assure full compliance with the intent of the Florida Building Code, Building.

 

 12.4 Some products, such as, but not limited to exterior doors, exterior windows, skylights, and wall cladding shall be required to be successfully tested under TAS 202-94 prior to conducting tests under this protocol

 

Staff Analysis:

 

 Question:

 

For future testing to be compliant with TAS 201 and sections 1609.1.2, 1625.2.5 and 1626.2.5.2 of the 5th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Building, are large missile impacts required at the structural silicone joint?

 

Answer:

 

Yes, as per Sections 1626.2.5 and 1626.2.5.2 of the 5th Edition (2017) Florida Building Code, Building, large missile impacts are required on the structural silicone joint, as it is the weakest component of the system.