ASTM E1886-13a

5.1 Structural design of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact protective systems is typically based on positive and negative design pressure(s). Design pressures based on wind speeds with a mean recurrence interval (usually 25 to 100 years) that relates to desired levels of structural reliability and are appropriate for the type and importance of the building (1).⁶ The adequacy of the structural design is substantiated by other test methods such as Test Methods E330 and E1233 which discuss proof loads as added factors of safety. However, these test methods do not account for other factors such as impact from windborne debris followed by fluctuating pressures associated with a severe windstorm environment. As demonstrated by windstorm damage investigations, windborne debris is present in hurricanes and has caused a significant amount of damage to building envelopes (2-7). The actual in-service performance of fenestration assemblies and impact protective systems in areas prone to severe windstorms is dependent on many factors. Windstorm damage investigations have shown that the effects of windborne debris, followed by the effects of repeated or cyclic wind loading, were a major factor in building damage (2-7).

5.2 In this test method, a test specimen is first subjected to specified missile impact(s) followed by the application of a specified number of cycles of positive and negative static pressure differential (8). The assembly must satisfy the pass/fail criteria established by the specifying authority, which may allow damage such as deformation, deflection, or glass breakage.

5.3 The windborne debris generated during a severe windstorm varies greatly, depending upon windspeed, height above the ground, terrain, surrounding structures, and other sources of debris 5.4 To determine design wind loads, averaged wind speeds are translated into air pressure differences. Superimposed on the averaged winds are gusts whose aggregation, for short periods of time (ranging from fractions of seconds to a few seconds) may move at considerably higher speeds than the averaged winds. Wind pressures related to building design, wind intensity versus duration, frequency of occurrence, and other factors are considered.

1.1 This test method covers the performance of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact protective systems impacted by missile(s) and subsequently subjected to cyclic static pressure differentials. A missile propulsion device, an air pressure system, and a test chamber are used to model some conditions which may be representative of windborne debris and pressures in a windstorm environment. This test method is applicable to the design of entire fenestration or impact protection systems assemblies and their installation. The performance determined by this test method relates to the ability of elements of the building envelope to remain unbreached during a windstorm.