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
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Jun 7, 2018
Clear, fire resistive butt-glazed walls create transparent, connected and code-compliant stairwell
University of Wisconsin School of Business Grainger Hall’s east and west wings are now linked by a state-of-the-art Learning Commons that encourages collaboration through technology and design.
Sponsored | | May 29, 2018
Accelerate Live! sponsor talk: Debunking daylight myths
In this 10-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), SageGlass CEO Alan McLenaghan, PhD, debunks four common myths related to daylighting in commercial and institutional buildings.
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | May 29, 2018
A shape-shifting aesthetic and energy efficiency define Manhattan’s iconic VIA 57 West
An audacious residential structure in New York City preserves spectacular outdoor views while minimizing solar heat gain.
Sponsored | | May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! sponsor talk: The impact of new fire rated glazing technologies to design, performance, and the environment
In this 10-minute sponsor talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), Tim Nass, VP of Sales with SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Glazing Solutions, details emerging applications for fire rated glazing technology.
| Apr 27, 2018
SAFTI FIRST receives U.S. Patent for fire resistive glass floor system up to 2 hours
USA-made GPX FireFloor System receives U.S. Patent 9,926,709 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Apr 4, 2018
The benefits of well-designed spaces in today's public workplace
Combining today’s collaborative spaces with workers’ needs.
75 Top Building Products | Mar 22, 2018
101 Top Products: Glass + Glazing
Among the best glass + glazing products included in BD+C's Top 101 Products report are Guardian Industries' CrystalBlue Glass, SageGlass's Electrochromic Glass, and Technical Glass Products’ Fireframes TimberLine Series.
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Mar 20, 2018
'A sense of place': Connectivity and healing at ProMedica Health and Wellness Center
With 23 interconnected standard clinic modules, the center is designed for ease of movement for patients, staff and supplies.
Glass and Glazing | Mar 5, 2018
New $5 Billion Apple Headquarters Has a Glass Problem
The substantial use of glass on the interior of Apple Park has caused headaches for some employees, literally.