The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently released a new document that provides a standard laboratory procedure for exterior shading devices and the project-specific evaluation of downward static ice and snow loads and impacts from falling ice or snow.
AAMA 514-16, the Standard Test Method of Static Loading and Impact on Exterior Shading Devices, uses sandbags to simulate downward loads from ice and snow to test shading devices.
“AAMA 514 was created to provide design professionals with a consistent, repeatable, test method to help in assessing the effects of snow build-up and ice impact on exterior shading devices,” said Greg McKenna, Co-Chair of the APG Shading Device Task Group. “Accretion and release of a certain amount of ice and snow should be considered inevitable in most U.S. climates.”
Following AAMA 514 will help to ensure that the specified sun shade product has been properly designed and tested to meet the anticipated loads during its service life, McKenna said.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2018
New standard supports community resilience
ASTM International guidance supports cost-effective ways to withstand and recover from disasters.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2018
Lessons learned from decades of Superfund cleanups guide contaminated land reuse
Sites repurposed for residential, commercial use, and solar energy generation.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2018
Vibrant downtown core the key for urban multifamily development
Nighttime activity makes the difference.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2018
ILFI launches new Zero Carbon Certification
Offers greater flexibility around project fuel types and offsetting renewables.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2018
New Green Globe pilot program launched
Precursor to revised Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings.
Codes and Standards | Apr 17, 2018
Contractor charged with fraud in winning $200 million in federal contracts
Accused of falsely claiming veteran- and minority-owned business status.
Codes and Standards | Apr 16, 2018
Wide variations in adoption of National Electric Code could jeopardize safety
An NFPA report found that code adoption is under heavier political scrutiny, leading to delays and decisions motivated by factors other than safety concerns.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2018
Corruption in New York City construction industry is common
Scale of projects, number of players involved contributes to problem.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2018
Urgent need for government to make communities, infrastructure more resilient
More than 350 people died from extreme weather events in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Apr 10, 2018
Boosting energy efficiency helps reduce health risks
Cleaner air results in fewer heart attacks, respiratory disease, and premature deaths.