Schaumburg, Ill. -- As tornado season escalates and increased tornado activity has devastated parts of the Midwest and the South during the past few weeks, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has released a voluntary specification for testing and rating building components that will be exposed to tornados and similar extreme wind and rain conditions.
AAMA 512-11, Voluntary Specifications for Tornado Hazard Mitigating Fenestration Products, uses existing test methods and other procedures to qualify windows and other glazed fenestration products for tornado hazard mitigation. The newly released document provides a system for rating the ability of windows to withstand impact, pressure cycling and water penetration, which are generally associated with tornado conditions.
AAMA 512 is a voluntary specification that was developed by the AAMA Tornado Hazard Mitigation Task Group and is recommended for buildings heavily affected by tornados.
“The National Climatic Data Center estimates that a series of tornados in the Southeast and Ohio Valley in February 2008 caused $1 billion in damages,” says Gantt Miller (Winco Manufacturing) who chaired the Task Group that created the Specification. “In creating this specification, the intent is that injury, loss of life and damages resulting from tornados and severe weather can be prevented or greatly lessened.”
The specification outlines that different levels of protection apply to different buildings such as, but not limited to, hospital emergency rooms, community shelters, and police/fire headquarters. These levels of protection are specified based on requirements of the authority having jurisdiction, and each level corresponds to different testing requirements. The level of testing required for each of these types of facilities also depends on the FEMA performance zone where the building is located, as the weather conditions and likelihood of a tornado varies depending on the part of the country.
The Testing and Performance Requirements section of the specification outlines the necessary test conditions for adhering to AAMA 512. According to the specification, test specimens should be tested for anchorage, missile impact, water testing and cycling (for windows used in hurricane-prone zones only).
AAMA 512-11, Voluntary Specifications for Tornado Hazard Mitigating Fenestration Products is available to AAMA members at a cost of $15 for download, $30 for a paper copy and $35 for a CD. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $45 for download, $90 for a paper copy and $96 for a CD. To order AAMA 512-11, visit the AAMA Online Publication Store. AAMA 512-11 is also available to AAMA Category 1 members through the Publication Licensing Program.
Related Stories
| Apr 5, 2012
5 tips for a successful door and window retrofit
An exclusive tip sheet to help the Building Team manage door and window retrofits successfully.
| Apr 4, 2012
Bald joins the Harmon glazing team
Bald has 13 years of experience in the glazing industry, coming to Harmon from Trainor where he was the regional manager of the Mid-Atlantic region.
| Apr 3, 2012
Blaine Brownell on innovative materials applications in architecture
Brownell, who was named a BD+C 40 Under 40 in 2006, provides insight regarding emerging material trends and the creative implementation of materials.
| Apr 3, 2012
AGC Glass to reopen shuttered plant
Shuttered since 2008, the plant produces clear and tinted float glass serving architectural glass markets.
| Apr 2, 2012
TGP launches new fire-rated glazing website
Website offers online continuing education courses registered with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), BIM 3D models, and rapid-response quoting, among other support tools.
| Mar 29, 2012
Roller shade operating system wins IF Product Design Award
Design experts in the iF jury recognized the engineering invested in the RB 500 Roller Shade, including a metal clutch with a patented construction, a durable zamac housing with polished finish, and a chain drive unit that excels in maximum operating comfort.
| Mar 16, 2012
Marvin Windows and Doors accepting entries for fourth-annual myMarvin Architect’s Challenge
Architects in U.S. and abroad offered the chance to showcase their very best work.
| Mar 13, 2012
Commercial glazer Harmon expanding into Texas
Company expanding into the Texas market with a new office in Dallas and a satellite facility in Austin.
| Mar 1, 2012
AIA: A clear difference, new developments in load-bearing glass
Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam.
| Feb 29, 2012
Report says BIPV glass market to reach $6.4 billion by 2016
The report analyzes the opportunities for BIPV glass products using c-Si, thin-film and OPV/DSC materials and provides eight-year forecasts in terms of MW and square footage shipped as well as forecasts of revenue generated.