Spring Meeting Features Updates on Glass, Hurricane Testing and Web Features
September 2, 2010The AAMA Southeast Region Spring Meeting, held March 30-31 in San Antonio, Texas, drew attendees from a variety of companies and brought together industry experts to provide information and education on important issues.
Dr. Scott Norville, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Texas Tech University, began the meeting with a presentation about the upcoming changes to architectural glass design using ASTM E 1300-09a, Standard Practice for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in Buildings.
John Waskow, P.E. (Architectural Testing, Inc.), discussed the various test failure modes of insulating glass (IG) units. The process and apparatus used for the following test methods were examined:
- ASTM E 2190 Specification for IGU performance and evaluation
- ASTM E 2188 Seal durability test method (uses ASTM E 546 [or E 576] for frost point)
- ASTM E 2189 Volatile fog test method
- ASTM E 2649 Argon fill level testing
Waskow proceeded to review the typical ASTM E 2188 and E 2189 test failure modes and their typical causes.
David Pate (TBM Consulting Group) discussed the possibilities for rapid operational improvement, new competitive advantages and sustained growth through the principles of lean manufacturing.
An update was given on regional state codes and a preview of a new AAMA website feature was presented in which each state included in the Southeast Region will have its own dedicated Web page in the Members Only section. Many companies rely on current information about state codes, and the state-by-state code pages will ensure that relevant news is accessible to AAMA members. This information will be complete in September.
An update was given regarding the efficacy of the AAMA sponsored Precipitation Imaging Probe (PIP) and portable wind monitoring stations, developed by Dr. Forrest Masters at the University of Florida, as deployed during Hurricane Ike. Preliminary findings after exposure to the 2008 hurricane that hit the upper Texas coast, included:
- The rain “tracking” system performed well during hurricane passage (including eyewall passage)
- Short duration rainfall intensity is two times the average value
- It was confirmed that the weather radar precipitation estimation works well in high winds
- The raindrop size was observed to be smaller than those observed in eyewall
An update on the development of the AAMA Green Certification Program was provided by Tracy Rogers (Edgetech I.G.), Chair of the AAMA Green and Sustainability Specification Development Task Group.
Scott Warner (Architectural Testing, Inc.) provided a summary of development of the 2011 update of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-08, NAFS - North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights.
Brad Schultz (Associated Laboratories, Inc.) and John Waskow conducted a review of AAMA 506 and ASTM E 1886 impact testing protocols, with a discussion of implications for future developments.
Dr. Paul Bove (Texas Department of Insurance) gave an overview of the TDI evaluation report system and what manufacturers can do to help expedite their applications.
Pat Robison (Simonton) gave a brief update on the Florida Building Code’s Building Code Information System (BCIS). The critical message is that Florida is considering implementation of a streamlined application process for products going through a certification agency that would provide approval within 10 days of submittal.
American Architectural