~~ American Architectural Manufacturers Association Test Method For Thermal Cycling Of Exterior Walls AAMA 501.5-98 wan net er~N ‘TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. SCOPE . 1.1 Objectives and Limitations. 1.2 Exterior and Interior Temperatures. 1.3 Duration and Number of Cycles. 1.4 Temperature Controls and Tolerances. 2, SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD 3. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE. 4, REFERENCED STANDARDS . 5. APPARATUS, 5.1 Suitable Apparatus... 5.2 Portion of Mock-Up to be Tested. 5.3 Temperature Control. 5.4 Indoor Humidity . 5.5 Air Cirewlation os 5.6 Temperature Measuring Equipment 6. TEST SPECIMENS .. seen 7, SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. 8, PROCEDURE... 9, PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS. 10, TEST REPORT ——— "The Source of Performance Standards, Product Certification ‘and Educational Programs for the Fenestration Industry. Se ‘This voluntary specification was developed by representative members of AAMA as advisory Ieformation and published as & public service. AAMA diselaim all Iisbllity forthe use, application oF adaptation of materials published herein, © Copyright 2001 ‘American Architectural Manufactarers Association 1827 Walden Office Square, Suite $50, Schaumburg, IL 60173, ah nto \yBRns WY ATLAAMA documents may be ordered at our web site ip the ‘Publications Store RAMA 5015.98 Page ii. SCOPE TO 1.1 OBJECTIVES AND LIMITATIONS ‘This test method provides a standard laboratory procedure for evaluation of thermal cycling effects on latge exterior ‘wall mock-ups, components, and cladding. This test ‘method utilizes convective hot air to achieve the exterior air temperature setpoint. The convestive hot air exponire method usually provides more severe test than infrared radiation methods because it elevates the exterior air temperature to levels that are not obtainable in real world ‘conditions. This method is not intended for the evalustion of individual components such as windows and doors ‘Thermal cycling is conducted to evaluate an exterior wall system's ability to maintain acceptable performance characteristics after being subjected to a specified number ‘and range of thermal cycles. The primary performance ‘evaluations to determine the effects of thermal cycling ae measured by testing air leakage (ASTM E 283) and water penetration (ASTM E 331) defore and after thermal cycling. Other tests may be used to characterize the system performance, but they must be specified in the contact documents Condensation resistance performance and measurement is not a part of this test method due 10 many uncontrollable variables that prevent standardization and reproducibility Variables that affect air Jew and ambient air conditions needed to reproduce standard exterior and interior air films ate difficult to control in multi-story mock-ups. ‘Ambient temperatures within a #3°C (45°F) range may result in surface temperanures with @ simiJar range. Consequently, the thermal cycling tests reaults will not have the accuracy or reproducibility of AAMA 1503. This limitation does not affect the overall validity of this ‘method for evaluating thermal eycling performance, 1.2 EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR TEMPERATURES, ‘The specifier shall determine the extreme design temperatures for the project, including exteriot surfice temperature due to solar radiation. Note: If no temperatures are specified the default values ‘ouilized in Section 6.4 shall be utilized. 1.3 DURATION AND NUMBER OF CYCLES ‘The specifier shall consult with the testing laborstory regarding any unusual construction, Metal and glass walls may reach equilibrium in a relatively short time, Walls containing masonry and concrete elements may require longer periods to reach stabilized heat trnefer conditions. Unless otherwise specified, the mininmm number of complete thermal cycles chal be thre. 14 TEMPERATURE CONTROLS AND TOLERANCES ‘The testing laboratory must have experience in thermal testing and control as required to provide a range of interior and exterior temperatures that can be maintained within the specified wolerance. A tolerance of +3°C (45°F) shall be acceptable 2. SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD 21 THIS TEST METHOD consists of sealing a test specimen into the opening of a structural test chamber. The ‘outdoor side of the specimen is enclosed with an insulated chamber which is equipped with a means to lower end elevate the ambient temperature. The indoor side is ‘equipped with a means to monitor zelative humidity and temperanare. The thermal eycling testis conducted after xir infitravion and water resistance tests on, and visual ‘examination of the mock-up have been’ successflly ‘completed. Ad@hional air infiltration and water resistance tests, and visual examination, are conducted after thermal cycling to determine if any temperature related degradation has occured. 22 REUSABLE INSULATED CHAMBERS may be constucted to enclose smaller mockupa. Insulated temporary walls may be required for very large mockeups and mock-ups of special geometry. In either event, the ‘esting laboratory must provide temperature measurement and controls to prevent local cold or hot spots on the exterior and interior of the mock-up. 3. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3. THIS TEST METHOD PROVIDES « proceduce which archicects and specifies may use for evaluation of possible detrimental effects resulting ftom thermal eycling of extetior walls, particulary as these effects may relate to sir and water infiltration performance, 32. TESTING ORGANIZATIONS using this test ‘method shell have personnel knowledgeable in heat transfer, uid mechanics, insmumentation, and other specific reavirements for’ the range of test methods referenced. Testing personnel shell hava knowledge of the exterior wall systems being tested, 33 THIS TEST METHOD 18 LIMITED to temperature cycling factors which affect the performance of exterior wall systems. This test method is recommended for products ancVor materials which may be sensitive to the temperatures specified herein 34 CURRENTLY, NO CORRELATION DATA. EXISTS relating this test method to field performance. However, it is intended ro simulate in a given period of BAMA SOT S38 Fagettime the maxima temperature range the wall may ‘experience. 3 IN THIS TEST METHOD SPECIMENS 21 Subjected to only ove of any umber of laboratory temperature cycling conditions, Therefore the results are valid only for the conditions specified. REFERENCED STANDARDS AMERICAN ARCHITECTURAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (AMA) AAMA, 1503.1-88, Voluntary Test Method for Thertnal ‘Transmittance and Condensation Resistance of Windows, Doors, and Glazed Wall Sections. AMA TIR A8-90, Structural Performance of Poured and ‘Debridged Framing Systems AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM) ASTM E 230-96, Tewpersture-Electromotive Force (EME) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples (14.03) ASTM E 283-91, Test Method for Determining the Rate of ‘Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen (4.07) ASTM E 331-93, Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Unifosn Static Air Pressure Difference. (4.07) ASTM E 631-92, Temnnology of Building Constructions Gon AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING ENGINEERS (ASHRAE) ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals 5. APPARATUS 5.1 SUITABLE APPARATUS. ‘The description of the apparatus in this section is general, Any suitable arrangement capable of maintaining the required test conditions and tolerances is persed, 52 PORTION OF MOCK-UP TO BE TESTED ‘Thermal cycling tests are often performed on. Targe fulle scale curtain wall mockups. The mock-ups are usually ‘multi-story and require test chambers which simulate the structure and floor edge conditions of the project. It is intended to have a thermal cycling chamber of suffisient size to enclose the entire performance mock-up. However, ‘on extremely large mock-ups (nominally larger than Gm x 10m (20° x 32')) the available thermal test chamber may rot fully enclose the entire performance mock-up. In auch instances, the testing facility will consult with the project design professional and the wall provider, wo identify 2 representative area of the mock-up to be the portion subjected to thermal cycling. Any subsequent air or water performance testing shall be evaluated over the entire perJommance mock-up unless otherwise specified. 53 TEMPERATURE CONTROL, ‘The test apparatus shall contuol the average temperature within + 3°C Gt 5*F) of the specified sespoints. The weather side may be cooled and heated in any manner dhat is capable of maintaining the required temperatures during the test, however precautionary measures need to be taken to avoid having abuonmally high glass surface temperanures, The test specimen shall be protected from direct exposure fo the heating and cooling medium. 5.4 INDOOR HUMIDITY ‘The indoor relative humidity levels are not specified. Note: High indoor relative humidity conditions should be avoided so 38 not to cause severe condensation, frost, and ice accumulation on the interior surface of the specimen which could affect the validity of the air and water tests, 58 AIR CIRCULATION Precise calibration of wind velocities are not required for the thermal cycling tests, Air circulation is required to minimize temperature stratification and fluctuation of temperatures, This may be accomplished by directing airflow either parallel or perpendicular to the specimen indoor and weather side surfaces. 5.6 TEMPERATURE MEASURING EQUIPMENT Exterior air and exterior surface as well as interior air temperatures shall be measured by thermocouples of wire not larger than 24 AWG gage and which meet or are calibrated in accordance with ASTM E 230. The suxface thermocouples shall be taped tightly to the surface with 32mm (1-1/4") long piece of aluminuta foil tape with a flat painted finish, Apply pressure to the tape unti itis evident the thenmocouple is in direct contact with the surface. Other surface temperature measuring methodology such as non cconcact pyrometers may be utilized as long as the accuracy ‘meets or exceeds that of a thermocouple. The test Iaboratory shall measure exterior surface temperatures at all typical ffaming members and glazing infill conditions. A parallel set of interior surface temperatures is not required for this test method but may be useful in the evaluation of the wall, The ambient air thermocouples shall be shielded fom radiation and be positioned at least three inches away KaMa 501.598 Page?from the wall specimen at locations as determined ty the test laboratory to be representative for the chamber being used, It is recommended that atleast three thermocouples ‘with one located at the low, mid, and high regions of the chamber be used to measure the chamber air temperature, The average of the weather side ambient air thermocouples shall be used for controlling and measuring the specified ‘est conditions, 6. TEST SPECIMENS 61 EXTERIOR WALL TEST SPECIMENS shall be of sulficient size to determine the performance of all ypical pins, incading comers if applicable, of the system, For curtain was or walls eonstrasted with prefabricated wis, the specimen width shal not be es than two pial units plu the coaaeetons and supporting elements at both sides, and of sufficient size to provide ful loading on a last one ‘typical vertical framing member, including end joints. The ‘height shall be not less than two full building story heights or the height of two fall panes, whichever is greater, and Shall include at least one joint accommodating vercal expansion, and all connections atthe top and bottom af the units. When the project assembly is less than two stories, the fal height shall be teste. 62 ALL PARTS OF THE WALL test specimen shall be fall size, using the same materials, details and methods of Construction, and anchorage as used on the actual building. 63. CONDITIONS OF STRUCTURAL SUPPORT shall simulate, as accurately as practical, the structural conditions of the actual building. Due to practical considerations embetments in concrete for sacharage support may be simulated by steel supports SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7A THIS TEST METHOD DOES NOT purport to address all of the safety problems associated wich its use. Tt is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish, appropriate safety and health practices, 72 EXTREME ELEVATED AND DEPRESSED TEMPERATURES will be encomterod in this test method. Access to variable temperature chamloers shall be resticted during the exposure cycles. 8 PROCEDURE 8.1 INSPECT THE TEST SPECIMEN for suitability for ‘thermal cycling. If moving elements are present in the test specimen, operate each sash or movable element through its complete cycle 5 times w ensure a representative specimen is submitted for testing, Securely close and lock, ‘each operable element prios to testing. 82 PRIOR TO THERMAL CYCLING the test specimen, the uncycled specimen shall be evaluated by conducting ASTM E 283 (sir leakage) and ASTM E 331 (water penevation) tests. Tae air leakage and water penetration tests shall be conducted at pressures specified for the project. After the air and water tests, conduct a visual examination of exposed surfaces to qualitatively determine their initial conditions 83 UPON COMPLETION of the air and water tess, the wweather-side of the specimen shall be sealed against an insulated chamber which is capable of tempersuxe ‘variation over a wide range to simulate outdoor conditions as described in 8.4 84 THE THERMAL CYCLING TEST temperatures shall be selected to meet expected job conditions bat if these ate not known, the standard test conditions shall default: 1. High temperature (exterior ambient ait) = 82°C (180°) 2, Low temperature (ambient air) = -18°C (0°F) ‘8. Indoor side compartment = 24°C (75°F) Note: in lew of the default ambient exterior the specifier may require an exterior ambien ar temperature fo cause @ maximum exterior metal surface temperature of 180F (82°0) ora mininson of 12°F (49°C) depending on project Jfsh, esposure, and geographic location. For testing purposes the ambient air temperature is the contol Dporameter, however she exterior metal surface temperatures are measured and recorded. The purpose of higher than real world ambient air temperatures isto drive the metal surface temperature to the maximum predicted level. If the exterior ambient design temperatures are not Juown, the ASHRAE “Handbook of Fundamenials” is a goed source for ths information 85 THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLING equipment shall be activated to provide a variable weather side temperature cycle. Ajr circulation shall be used to prevent stil ir stratification Adjust indoor side femperamure to 24°C 43°C (75°F+5°F). Conduct the following sequence of thermal cycling after preconditioning the wall at 24°C (75°F) for one hour: Phase: During the first hour, increase the weather side conditions to the specified high tem- perature conditions. Maintain these condi- tions fora minimum of two hours. Phase: Adjust weather side temperature to 24°C (75°F) in a minimum of one hour. RAMA 301598 PagesPhase II: Lower weather side conditions to specified Jow temperature conditions over the next hour. Maintain these conditions for sainimum of two hours. Phase TV: Adjust weather side temperature to 24% (75°F) in a minioum of one hour. ‘See Figure I for graph of standard test conditions. Repeat this eycle a minimum of three times, 3 ‘Thermal Cycling Standard Test Conditions we i & Bec | g 5 | Esse] g- - G 2 12345678 <—_—- —> HOURS ONE CYCLE T 8.6 FOLLOWING THE THERMAL CYCLING test the ‘est specimen shall be visually inspected for any obvious changes, After allowing a minimum of 6 hours of stabilization at ambient temperatures, repeat the ai leakage (ASTM E 283) and water penetration (ASTM E 331) tests. Note: The weather-side compartment may need 0 be ‘moved away from the specimen while the air leakage and ‘water infiltration tests are being conducted. 9. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS ‘After completion of the chermal cycling test there shall be no permanent damage due to expansion and contraction ‘The test specimen should be able to comply with the project specified requirements for sir leakage and water resistance after the thermal cycling test. Note 1: The specifier ust establish air pressure difference and allowable rate of air leakage. AMA recommends an air pressure diference of 78 Pa (1:57 Pst) with a maximum allowable rate of air Teakage of Im'i’m? (0.06 cfu) for walls as being adequate for many buildings. A pressure difference of) 309 Pa (6.24 psf with an allowable rate of air leakage of I'M? (0.06 inf) is recommended for buildings in which greater control of ar leakage andior humidity is required. Note 2: The specifier must establish the maximum ar pressure difference at which no water leakage is allowed. ‘AAMA recommends an air pressure difference equal 10 20% of the positive design wind pressure with a minimum (of 300 Pa (6.24 af) and a maximum of 580 Pa (12.0 ps). 1 ‘TEST REPORT ‘The test report shall include: 10.1 THE NAME AND ADDRESS of the testing labocutory, location of test site, date when test was completed, and date of issuance of report. 10.1.1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE SPECIMEN(S) — ‘manufacturer, source of supply, dimensions, mod:) ‘number, type, materials of construction, color and finish of ‘framing, coded production number, and any other pertinent information, 10.1.2 DESCRIPTION of locking, operating mechanisms. 10.1.3 GLASS THICKNESS, glass type, and method of lazing. 10.1.4 TYPE, MATERIALS, and location of all sealing systems and devices, 10.1.5 TABULATION OF ALL SPECIFIC CONDITIONS utilized where test method conditions are variable, 10.1.6 TABULATION OF ALL CHARACTERIZATION TESTS evaluation, specified for 10.1.7 COMPLETE DESCRIPTION of test measurements and visual characterization of system and components both prior ro exposure to temperature cycles and after completion of specified cycles. 10.1.8 OBSERVATIONS by testing personnel during testing that may aid specifier in evaluation of effects of temperature cycling. 10.1.9 ELEVATION OF TEST SPECIMEN identifying inte ELEY ATION . Rh ww RAMA 5015-98 Pagea