TECHNICAL | WINDOWS
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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.
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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.
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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