ASTM C1394-03(2008)
(Guide)Standard Guide for In-Situ Structural Silicone Glazing Evaluation
Standard Guide for In-Situ Structural Silicone Glazing Evaluation
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Guidelines are provided for the procedures to evaluate existing SSG installations, including two- and four-sided installations. Due to the unlimited range of materials that may be used in a particular building, the information contained in this guide is general in nature. For a discussion of new SSG installations, refer to Guide C 1401.
Typical conditions are listed that might be discovered during, or suggest the need for, such evaluations. Guidelines are also suggested for times to perform evaluations. These guidelines are also necessarily general. Professional judgment of a qualified person should be used in determining the appropriate time to perform an evaluation on a particular building.
This guide should not be the only reference consulted when determining the scope of a proposed evaluation. For example, the local building code and the manufacturers' product literature for the actual materials used (if known) should also be considered.
This document is not a substitute for experience and judgment in assessing the condition of the specialized types of construction discussed.
SCOPE
1.1 It is recommended to periodically evaluate the existing condition of structural sealant glazing (hereinafter called SSG) installations in situ to detect problems before they become severe or pervasive. Evaluation of existing SSG installations are required by certain building codes and local ordinances. This guide provides a program to evaluate the existing conditions, lists typical conditions, which might be found, and suggests times when such evaluations are appropriate. The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by any other organizations.
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Designation: C1394 − 03(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Guide for
In-Situ Structural Silicone Glazing Evaluation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1394; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
SSG is popular because of its unique method of retaining glass or other panels in smooth exterior
walls, interrupted only by narrow sealant joints. The first four-sided SSG in commercial construction
is on the former corporate headquarters building of SHG Incorporated (formerly known as Smith,
Hinchman & Grylls) in Detroit, MI, built in 1971. Since then, buildings containing two- or four-sided
(or, occasionally, other numbers of sides of nonrectangular-shaped panels) SSG walls have been
constructed within most cities, some as tall as 80 stories.
While SSG popularity increases, the sealant industry remains concerned over potential failures due
to the increasing number of buildings containing structural glazing that are aging; unknown structural
sealant durability; and the level of understanding of the principles of SSG by glazers. This guide
addresses these concerns by providing suggestions for in situ evaluations of completed installations of
any age.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:The definitions of the following terms used
1.1 It is recommended to periodically evaluate the existing
inthisguidearefoundinTerminologyC717:structuralsealant;
condition of structural sealant glazing (hereinafter called SSG)
structural sealant glazing; two-sided structural sealant glazing;
installations in situ to detect problems before they become
four-sided structural sealant glazing; fluid migration.
severe or pervasive. Evaluation of existing SSG installations
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
are required by certain building codes and local ordinances.
3.2.1 qualified person—one with a recognized degree or
This guide provides a program to evaluate the existing
professional registration and extensive knowledge and experi-
conditions, lists typical conditions, which might be found, and
ence in the field of structural sealant glazing, and who is
suggests times when such evaluations are appropriate. The
capable of design, analysis, evaluation, and specifications in
committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of
the subject.
any comparable standards published by any other organiza-
tions.
4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Guidelines are provided for the procedures to evaluate
existing SSG installations, including two- and four-sided
2.1 ASTM Standards:
installations. Due to the unlimited range of materials that may
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
be used in a particular building, the information contained in
C1392 Guide for Evaluating Failure of Structural Sealant
this guide is general in nature. For a discussion of new SSG
Glazing
installations, refer to Guide C1401.
C1401 Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing
4.2 Typical conditions are listed that might be discovered
during, or suggest the need for, such evaluations. Guidelines
are also suggested for times to perform evaluations. These
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuildingSeals
guidelines are also necessarily general. Professional judgment
and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10 on
Specifications, Guides and Practices.
of a qualified person should be used in determining the
Current edition approved May 1, 2008. Published June 2008. Originally
appropriate time to perform an evaluation on a particular
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as C1394–03. DOI:
building.
10.1520/C1394-03R08.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.3 This guide should not be the only reference consulted
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
when determining the scope of a proposed evaluation. For
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. example, the local building code and the manufacturers’
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1394 − 03 (2008)
product literature for the actual materials used (if known) 6.1.2 Air or water infiltration—If air or water migrates
should also be considered. through or to the structural sealant joint, then it must also have
lost its structural function—at least for part of its length.
4.4 This document is not a substitute for experience and
Symptoms of air or water leakage include:
judgment in assessing the condition of the specialized types of
6.1.2.1 Visible accumulation of liquid water during or
construction discussed.
following storms;
5. Reasons to Perform an Evaluation 6.1.2.2 Wet insulation;
6.1.2.3 Organic growth;
5.1 There are numerous reasons that a building owner or
6.1.2.4 Water stains or salt deposits;
manager (hereinafter “owner”) may choose to evaluate an SSG
6.1.2.5 Audible rattle or whistle;
system, whether discretionary or to comply with an ordinance.
6.1.2.6 Discoloration of laminated glazing;
The recommended evaluation levels, as discussed in Section 7,
are referenced for each situation. The findings from one level 6.1.2.7 Condensation or frost on glazing;
of investigation may trigger the need for a more in-depth 6.1.2.8 Fogging of insulated glass units;
investigation. At a minimum, it is recommended that an
6.1.2.9 Opacifier failure on spandrel glass—Moisture is a
existing SSG installation be evaluated when triggered by any factor in the failure of some opacifiers, and may indicate water
of the following events:
infiltration; and
5.1.1 Afteranaturaldisaster,suchasanearthquakeormajor
6.1.2.10 Visible sealant failures— Sealant failures may be
wind storm, or a man-made disaster such as a bomb blast,
observed from inside or outside, depending on the design, and
Level 2;
may involve the weather-seal joint as well as the structural
5.1.2 After a recall or published concern over a specific
joint. Visible manifestations of sealant failures include:
product or system, Level 1;
(1) Intermittent loss of adhesion—Nonadheredsealantmay
5.1.3 Upon a change of property ownership, Level 1;
differ in iridescence or reflectivity compared to adhered sealant
5.1.4 Before repeating a new design, Level 1;
when viewed through the glass;
5.1.5 As dictated by government regulations, Level 1 or 2;
(2) Fluid migration or exudation—The accumulation of a
or fluid residue on the sealant or glass may indicate a chemical
5.1.6 When distress is discovered (see Section 8), Level 2,
reaction between the sealant and an incompatible adjacent
or, if prevalent distress is found, Level 3.
material;
(3) Discoloration of the sealant—A color change may
5.2 In addition to event-triggered evaluations, it is recom-
indicate a chemical reaction between the sealant and an
mended that proactive owners also perform periodic evalua-
incompatible adjacent material;
tions at the following intervals: (Note that some of these
(4) Cohesive failure—Although difficult to observe from
periodsmayoverlap.Ifdistressisfoundduringanyevaluation,
inside or outside, cohesive failure could indicate overstressing
then more frequent and more in-depth evaluations should be
of the sealant;
considered.)
6.1.2.11 Disengaged or nonaligned lites, or displaced spac-
5.2.1 When convenient, such as in conjunction with occa-
ers or setting blocks, which may indicate glass displacement;
sional glass replacement, or when access is available, Level 1;
and
5.2.2 Immediately after installation of a new system, Level
6.1.2.12 Poor dimensional control of a structural sealant
2;
joint—When viewed from inside or outside, the structural
5.2.3 Just before expiration of the warranty period, Level 2;
sealant should have uniform dimensions and full joints. Vary-
5.2.4 Between 1 and 2 years after substantial completion,
ing dimensions may indicate poor original installation
Level 1;
practices, or improper/inadequate cure of the sealant.
5.2.5 After 5 years, Level 1;
5.2.6 After 10 years, Level 2;
7. Procedures for Evaluating Existing Conditions
5.2.7 After 15 years, Level 1 (if Level 2 was performed as
recommended after 10 years); and
7.1 The following evaluation procedures are recommended
5.2.8 After 20 years, and each successive 10 years, Level 2.
to be performed in determining the condition of an SSG
installation.Dependingonthereasonfortheeva
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:C1394–98 Designation: C 1394 – 03 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Guide for
In-Situ Structural Silicone Glazing Evaluation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 1394; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
SSG is popular because of its unique method of retaining glass or other panels in smooth exterior
walls, interrupted only by narrow sealant joints. The first four-sided SSG in commercial construction
is on the former corporate headquarters building of SHG Incorporated (formerly known as Smith,
Hinchman & Grylls) in Detroit, MI, built in 1971. Since then, buildings containing two- or four-sided
(or, occasionally, other numbers of sides of nonrectangular-shaped panels) SSG walls have been
constructed within most cities, some as tall as 80 stories.
While SSG popularity increases, the sealant industry remains concerned over potential failures due
to the increasing number of buildings containing structural glazing that are aging; unknown structural
sealant durability; and the level of understanding of the principles of SSG by glazers. This guide
addresses these concerns by providing suggestions for in situ evaluations of completed installations of
any age.
1. Scope
1.1 It is recommended to periodically evaluate the existing condition of structural sealant glazing (hereinafter called SSG)
installations in situ to detect problems before they become severe or pervasive. Evaluation of existing SSG installations are
required by certain building codes and local ordinances. This guide provides a program to evaluate the existing conditions, lists
typical conditions, which might be found, and suggests times when such evaluations are appropriate. The committee with
jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by any other organizations.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C 717 Terminology forof Building Seals and Sealants
C 1392 Guide for Evaluating Failure of Structural Sealant Glazing
C 1401Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing
E122Practice for Choice of Sample Size to Estimate a Measure of Quality for a Lot or Process Guide for Structural Sealant
Glazing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: The definitions of the following terms used in this guide are found in Terminology C 717: structural sealant;
structural sealant glazing; two-sided structural sealant glazing; four-sided structural sealant glazing; fluid migration.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 qualified person—one with a recognized degree or professional registration and extensive knowledge and experience in
the field of structural sealant glazing, and who is capable of design, analysis, evaluation, and specifications in the subject.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Guidelines are provided for the procedures to evaluate existing SSG installations, including two- and four-sided
installations. Due to the unlimited range of materials that may be used in a particular building, the information contained in this
guide is general in nature. For a discussion of new SSG installations, refer to Guide C 1401.
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10 on Specifications,
Guides and Practices.
Current edition approved May 10, 1998. Published August 1998.
Current edition approved May 1, 2008. Published June 2008. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as C 1394–03.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 04.07.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C 1394 – 03 (2008)
4.2 Typical conditions are listed that might be discovered during, or suggest the need for, such evaluations. Guidelines are also
suggested for times to perform evaluations. These guidelines are also necessarily general. Professional judgementjudgment of a
qualified person should be used in determining the appropriate time to perform an evaluation on a particular building.
4.3 This guide should not be the only reference consulted when determining the scope of a proposed evaluation. For example,
thelocalbuildingcodeandthemanufacturers’productliteraturefortheactualmaterialsused(ifknown)shouldalsobeconsidered.
4.4 This document is not a substitute for experience and judgementjudgment in assessing the condition of the specialized types
of construction discussed.
5. Reasons to Perform an Evaluation
5.1 Therearenumerousreasonsthatabuildingownerormanager(hereinafter“owner”)maychoosetoevaluateanSSGsystem,
whether discretionary or to comply with an ordinance. The recommended evaluation levels, as discussed in Section 7, are
referenced for each situation. The findings from one level of investigation may trigger the need for a more in-depth investigation.
At a minimum, it is recommended that an existing SSG installation be evaluated when triggered by any of the following events:
5.1.1After a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or major wind storm, Level 2;
5.1.1 After a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or major wind storm, or a man-made disaster such as a bomb blast, Level
2;
5.1.2 After a recall or published concern over a specific product or system, Level 1;
5.1.3 Upon a change of property ownership, Level 1;
5.1.4 Before repeating a new design, Level 1;
5.1.5 As dictated by government regulations, Level 1 or 2; or
5.1.6 When distress is discovered (see Section 8), Level 2, or, if prevalent distress is found, Level 3.
5.2 In addition to event-triggered evaluations, it is recommended that proactive owners also perform periodic evaluations at the
following intervals: (Note that some of these periods may overlap. If distress is found during any evaluation, then more frequent
and more in-depth evaluations should be considered.)
5.2.1 When convenient, such as in conjunction with occasional glass replacement, or when access is available, Level 1;
5.2.2 Immediately after installation of a new system, Level 2;
5.2.3 Just before expiration of the warranty period, Level 2;
5.2.4 Between 1 and 2 years after substantial completion, Level 1;
5.2.5 After 5 years, Level 1;
5.2.6 After 10 years, Level 2;
5.2.7 After 15 years, Level 1 (if Level 2 was performed as recommended after 10 years); and
5.2.8 After 20 years, and each successive 10 years, Level 2.
6. Symptoms of Problems With SSG
6.1 Whether due to original construction mistakes or latent defects, SSG installations sometimes exhibit distress.The following
list summarizes conditions that may indicate poor original construction or a subsequent failure of the structural sealant, and
therefore require evaluation. This list may not be all-inconclusive.
6.1.1 Glass breakage from an unknown cause—Therearenumerouspotentialcausesofspontaneousglassbreakage;ifthecause
is unknown, then it should be investigated prior to glass replacement whether an SSG defect contributed to the failure.
6.1.2 Air or water infiltration—If air or water migrates through or to the structural sealant joint, then it must also have lost its
structural function—at least for part of its length. Symptoms of air or water leakage include:
6.1.2.1 Visible accumulation of liquid water during or following storms;
6.1.2.2 Wet insulation;
6.1.2.3 Organic growth;
6.1.2.4 Water stains or salt deposits;
6.1.2.5 Audible rattle or whistle;
6.1.2.6 Discoloration of laminated glazing;
6.1.2.7 Condensation or frost on glazing;
6.1.2.8 Fogging of insulated glass units;
6.1.2.9 Opacifier failure on spandrel glass—Moisture is a factor in the failure of some opacifiers, and may indicate water
infiltration; and
6.1.2.10 Visible sealant failures— Sealant failures may be observed from inside or outside, depending on the design, and may
involve the weather-seal joint as well as the structural joint. Visible manifestations of sealant failures include:
6.1.2.10.1 Intermittent loss of adhesion —Nonadhered sealant may differ in iridescence or reflectivity compared to adhered
sealant when viewed through the glass;
6.1.2.10.2 Fluid migration or exudation — The accumulation of a fluid residue on the sealant or glass may indicate a ch
...
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