Methodological Proposal for On-Site Watertightness Testing with Wind Pressure on Facade Windows
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 32, Issue 2
Abstract
The watertightness of facade windows is a key aspect for guaranteeing habitability requirements in buildings. However, given the difficulty in reproducing atmospheric stress conditions outside the laboratory, no consolidated method exists for applying the test to facades in use. This study proposes an innovative method to test on-site the watertightness of facade windows simulating the impact of rain and wind. This was achieved by means of depressurization using the blower door test in interior rooms combined with the projection of exterior water. The use of nondestructive testing techniques supported by practice yielded an effective method of control and diagnosis capable of determining critical points susceptible to water leakage for windows on site.
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Acknowledgments
This study has been funded by the 5th University Research Plan (V Plan Propio de Investigación) of the University of Seville. The authors would like to thank the holder of a Doctorate in Architecture, Débora Serrano García, and the architect Israel Brioso Palmero, of the Spanish company Arquiges Peritaciones S.L.P., for their contributions and critical support in the development of this study.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 32 • Issue 2 • April 2018
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 10, 2017
Accepted: Aug 28, 2017
Published online: Dec 29, 2017
Published in print: Apr 1, 2018
Discussion open until: May 29, 2018
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