Wind-borne debris impact resistance test

[pkumor]

A review comment has asked that I include the "requirements for wind-borne debris impact resistance tests" on the structural drawings. This is something I have never run across or even been asked to provide. Does anyone have any guidance?

In case it matters, it is in reference to insulated metal wall panels.

 

[MillR]

Yes for Miami/Dade or Broward County. Check the Florida code, Section 1626.

Link

 

[pkumor]

Thank you for the information. The project is in New Jersey though...

 

[mike20793]

It's listed in ASCE 7. You just need to refer to the ASTM standard that covers the testing requirements (ASTM E1996). See ASCE 7-10 Section 26.10.3.1.

 

[StrEng007]

If possible, you need to find an ESR, Florida product approval, or Miami Dade NOA that covers the installation of the metal panel system you are using. I understand you're not in Florida, but products certified by the ICC & Florida systems have typically been tested to the highest levels. The criteria for these tests are listed in ASTM E1996, E1886, E330 (Impact load, cyclic pressure, uniform static load). ESR's are also a good source for this documentation:

ICC-ESR Search
Florida Product Approval Search (FSA)
Miami-Dade Product Approval Search (NOA)

If you cannot find any approvals on the system, you'll need to provide a way to show that your system is deemed to comply with impact requirements. I'm not sure if your building code has a section that covers this. The Florida building code has a HVHZ (high velocity hurricane zone), that provides certain minimum panel gauges, stud sizes, plywood sheathing thicknesses that are deemed to comply for impact protection. Check your Code to see if this exists. There are also ways to provide analysis for a one-time approval which may grant you impact certification, although these vary by jurisdiction and may not be something NJ allows.