Modifications to the detection and classification of negative air pressure in curtain walls according to DIN EN 12153 and DIN EN 12152.
Curtain walls are complex building elements whose functionality must be proven through tests based on current standards. The changed inspection procedure means that the inspection certificate is no longer valid and the use of the correct CE marking according to construction law is no longer allowed. The updated standards DIN EN 12153 (Testing) and DIN EN 12152 (Classification) bring important changes to the testing and classification of air tightness.
Therefore, curtain wall manufacturers and curtain wall system suppliers should carefully check their inspection certificates to ensure that they comply with the new requirements and meet the changed requirements. These changes have been considered in ift Rosenheim's tests since 2000.
In December 2023, DIN EN 12153 (testing) and DIN EN 12152 (classification), two updated German standards for testing and classifying the air tightness of curtain walls, were published. This means that new standards must be adhered to in testing, classification, and CE marking. Among the curtain wall product standards, DIN EN 13830:2003, EN 12153, and EN 12152 are listed as "undated" according to paragraph 4.4. This means that the latest version of the CE marking must always be used to meet code and building law requirements.
Figure 1 Wind load testing of the façade at ift Rosenheim not only determines the deflection due to wind suction by DIN EN 12153 but also determines the airtightness due to wind suction.
Inquiries from manufacturers and system suppliers at ift Rosenheim indicate that both German and European market surveillance agencies are increasingly paying attention to these details. Therefore, manufacturers of curtain walls and curtain wall systems (system suppliers) should be aware of and comply with the relevant changes:
The test method in EN 12153 for determining air tightness under negative wind pressure (wind suction), which was previously only specified as an option, has now become mandatory. This is understandable as wind suction usually results in higher loads.
When describing the classification of category "AE" according to EN 12152, the maximum test pressure should be indicated; for example, if the air tightness of a curtain wall is determined at a maximum test pressure of 1,200 Pa, it may now be classified as AE 1200.
A new classification of air tightness under negative wind pressure (wind suction) is introduced, so the classification report no longer indicates only one, but four grades.
Therefore, manufacturers of curtain walls and curtain wall systems (system suppliers) should carefully check their inspection certificates to ensure that they comply with the new and higher requirements. However, in general, holders and users of ift inspection certificates do not need to carry out new tests, since at ift Rosenheim, since the publication of the first test standard in 2000, negative wind pressure has been determined according to this method. Air tightness. ift experts recommend checking the wind in advance as it gives a true picture of the load. This means that owners and users of ift inspection certificates do not have to worry and CE marking can be carried out correctly by construction law.
Formally, however, this requires a few steps: to be able to continue to use existing test results for CE marking, i.e. according to the "old standard", the manufacturer or system supplier must consult the notified body that carried out the testing, and performance assessment, This organization is also marked in the CE mark. The testing agency verifies changes to the standard and decides whether new product testing is required or, ideally, simplified procedures can be applied. This case falls into the evaluation of existing (historical) detection data. If possible, a corresponding assessment document will be prepared, including a new classification report. For this verification, ift Rosenheim can draw on an extensive database of standards and perform performance evaluations in a digital archive containing the corresponding test results and documentation ("historical data"). Experience shows that in most cases this performance evaluation can be performed without new product testing.
In addition, attention should be paid to the following aspects, which are not new but are often misunderstood:
The application of the new testing and classification standards also applies to curtain wall projects that are tested according to international regulations (e.g. CWCT – Center for Window and Cladding Technology), as the Standard Test Methods for Building Facades are also referred to in an undated manner.
If a curtain wall is tested together with precast masonry elements attached to or installed within the curtain wall structure, the surfaces and joints of the stone elements shall not be added to the curtain wall for testing. This means that only the joint length and area of the actual curtain wall structure can be classified. This must be taken into account in the test, sample description, and test certificate.
According to EN 12153, components that can be opened can be detected but not classified. If an openable component needs to be classified, it needs to be individually tested by EN 1026 on a suitable test rig and classified by EN 12207.
Article Source: ift Rosenheim
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