Mechanical properties

Tested building products:

The main products or building systems tested for mechanical resistance are:
- Windows & doors
- Shadings & shutters
- Curtain walling

 

Test procedure:

- Resistance to vertical load - racking:
The test aims to study the behavior of the tested body: on the leaf at maximal opening position or at 90° maximum, are applied blockage on a point of a corner furthest from the axis of rotation and load by increments, at the corner furthest from adjacent the axis of rotation. The deformation is measured and the general status of the window is reviewed.

- Resistance to static torsion:
The test aims to study the behavior of the tested body: on the leaf at maximal opening position or at 90° maximum, are applied blockage on a point of a corner furthest from the axis of rotation and load by increments perpendicular to the leaf, at the corner furthest from adjacent the axis of rotation. The deformation is measured and the general status of the window is reviewed.

- Bearing capacity of safety devices:
The test aims to study the behavior of the tested body: application on the leaf of load of 35 kN for 60 s as the worst case

- Operating forces:
Measurement of the efforts for movements of all hardware of the leaf.

- Soft-impact tests:
The test aims to determine the ability of the tested body to absorb shock and to ensure the safety of people and to show resistance to forced entry.

 

Test facilities:

Stemfor static loading and launched impactorfor shock tests.
Force sensors (Fmax = 500 daN) and torque (Cmax = 10 Nm).

 

Reference documents (standards, norms) & classification:

Windows & doors
P 20 501 : 2008 Test methods for windows
EN 14609 :2005 Windows - Determination of the resistance to static torsion
EN 12046-1 :2004 Operating forces - Test method - Windows
EN 14608 :2004 Windows - Determination of resistance to racking
EN 13115 :2001 Windows. Classification of mechanical properties. Racking, torsion and operating forces
EN 12046-2 :2000  Operating forces - Test method - Doors
EN 1192 :2000 Doors. Classification of strength requirements
EN 947 :1999 Hinged or pivoted doors - Determination of the resistance to vertical load
EN 948 :2000 Hinged or pivoted doors - Determination of resistance to static torsion
EN 514 :2000 Unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors. Determination of the strength of welded corners and T-joints
EN 949: 1999 Windows and curtain walling, doors, blinds and shutters - Determination of the resistance to soft and heavy body impact for doors
EN 13049 :2003 Windows - Soft and heavy body impact - Test method, safety requirements and classification

Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates
EN 12605 :2001 Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates - Mechanical aspects -Test methods
EN 12604 :2001 Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates - Mechanical aspects -  Requirements

Shutters and blinds
EN 13527 : 1999 Shutters and blinds - Measurement of operating force - Test methods
EN 12194 : 2000 Shutters, external and internal blinds. Misuse - Test methods
EN 13561 : 2004 & NF EN 13561+A1 : 2008 External blinds - Performance requirements including safety

Curtain walling
EN 14019 :2004 Curtain walling - Impact resistance - Performance requirements

Regulation :
EN 14351-1:2006  Windows and doors - Product standard, performance characteristics -  Windows and external pedestrian doorsets without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics.