WINDOWS Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 39

TECHNICAL | WINDOWS 02 03 05 04 06 QUICK FACTS • 80 per cent of claims in recently constructed buildings involve water damage. • In regions where the recorded wind speed was below 50 metres per second, 72 per cent of claims involved water damage without structural damage. • In regions where the recorded wind speed was in excess of 50 metres per second, most water damage involved envelope damage. 07 pressure test. Consequently, features of window designs that mitigate dynamic water pressures are not well understood. In response to these observations, James Cook University have commenced a research project to enhance understanding of the behaviour of wind-driven rain through windows and doors and have developed a pilot test designed to simulate these conditions. The pilot is currently operating on a small-scale to allow for rapid development of the testing methodology and will be scaled up once proof of the concept has been established. In collaboration with the Australian Window Association, the CTS propose to develop a rating system, under a voluntary industry standard for cyclone resistance, to provide further guidance for consumers, regulators and manufacturers on the performance characteristics of windows and glazed doors to resist debris impact and water penetration, providing: • A level playing field - apples-for-apples comparison of different materials/ systems. • Information and guidance on value-add and retro-fit solutions for existing homes. • Recommendations for appropriate solutions to mitigate cost and risk to life of the most common forms of damage – water penetration and wind-borne debris. • A rating scale showing potential improvements beyond minimum compliance criteria provided by the National Construction Code. • At well below design wind speeds, water ingress causes the majority of damage. 01 The AWA Technical Committee visit the Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University, Townsville. 02-03 Damage cause by debris impact during Cyclone Debbie. Images courtesy of James Cook University. 04 Technical Committee members Andy Nguyen and Matthew Leishman observe a model at the CTS. 05 Setting up a wind-borne debris test. 06 Wind driven debris test specimen. 07 Wind driven debris test rig. WINDOWS MAGAZINE 37