Journal Published Online: 05 January 2009
Volume 6, Issue 2

An Investigation of Climate Loads on Building Façades for Selected Locations in the United States

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

The ability of a wall assembly to manage rainwater and control rain penetration depends on the assembly configuration, including interface details for penetrations, and on the rain loads to which the wall is subjected. There are a variety different protocols for evaluating the ability wall systems to resist water intrusion. Generally they involve spraying varying amounts of water while maintaining a pressure difference across the specimen. Across the conterminous United States hourly weather data for extended periods (climatic data) is available for many locations. From this climatic data estimates of wind-driven rain loads can be determined. We answer the question of how often these combinations of rainfall intensities and pressure are likely to present a problem with respect to moisture management of the assembly and how often these are likely to occur over the expected life of the wall assembly. Climate information related to rainfall and wind-driven rain for Boston, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and Seattle are provided. A methodology for generating rates of water spray impinging on and pressure differences acting across the wall assembly is also developed. Although the methodology was primarily developed to select the proper testing criteria and test conditions to mimic real events, it can also be used by designers and practitioners to: (i) determine the response of the wall assembly to the effects of wind-driven rain; (ii) estimate design loads below which adverse effects on the assembly are minimized; (iii) assess the likelihood and degree of damage to the assembly when design loads are exceeded; (iv) estimate the long-term performance of the wall assembly based on watertightness and moisture management the wall assembly.

Author Information

Cornick, S.
Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON
Lacasse, M.
Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON
Pages: 22
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JAI101210
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101210