Structural Systems Testing

	Structural Systems Testing Fast Facts
	State-of-the-art facility houses over 10,000 square feet of environmentally controlled testing space. Dedicated laboratory conducts structural performance test methods as established by AAMA, ASTM, SPRI, Miami-Dade, CCMC Technical Guides, and ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for building code compliance Staffed by professional engineers and qualified technicians

Value

Architectural Testing recognizes the importance of obtaining timely test results to substantiate the installation of your products in building code applications. We are committed to providing top-quality performance testing and superior test reports in as short of a timeframe as possible.

What makes Architectural Testing different?

Experience with the major players in the fence, deck, and rail industry
Dedicated staff of engineers to oversee your testing project
Qualified technicians to conduct your testing
Years of experience with ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria, building code evaluations, and other test standards
Professional Engineers licensed in over 14 states
Continuous improvement approach
Exceptional technical expertise
"YES, we can!" company culture

Innovations

Human beings are naturally inventive and progressive; we are constantly looking for newer, better, faster, and cheaper ways of doing things. New and different products are constantly being manufactured and introduced into the market.

Building codes have provisions for such new and unique building products that are not otherwise specifically addressed by the code. Building codes empower building officials to approve an alternative material, design, or method of construction when it has been satisfactorily demonstrated to comply with the intent of the provisions of the building code. Architectural Testing provides the guidance, testing, and technical support needed to facilitate building code compliance evaluation for innovative building materials, products, and systems with respect to the building code.

Insights and Possibilities

Architectural Testing is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) as an independent testing laboratory and inspection agency and offers an ANSI-accredited product certification program. Therefore, Architectural Testing is uniquely qualified to provide a coordinated scope of services that includes product sampling, qualification testing, quality assurance inspections, and building code compliance evaluation for your building products.

Typical non-conventional materials & methods of construction tested:

Decking, Railing, Guardrail, Handrail, and Privacy Fence – Wood-Plastic Composite, Plastic Lumber, Cellular Vinyl, PVC, and Fiberglass
Structural Panels – Concrete, Masonry, Metal, Wood, SIPs
Structural Columns & Posts – PVC, Aluminum, Laminated Wood, Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP), High-Density Polystyrene (HDPS)

Standards

ICC-ES AC04, Acceptance Criteria for Sandwich Panels
ICC-ES AC15, Acceptance Criteria For Concrete Floor, Roof and Wall Systems And Masonry Wall Systems
ICC-ES AC46, Cold-formed Steel Framing Members
ICC-ES AC109, Acceptance Criteria for Thermoplastic Composite Lumber Products
ICC-ES AC174, Acceptance Criteria for Deck Board Span Ratings and Guardrail Systems (Guards and Handrails)
ICC-ES AC265, Acceptance Criteria For Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composite Columns Used As Axial Load-Bearing and Nonload-bearing Architectural and Decorative Columns
ICC-ES AC227, Rigid Cellular PVC Nonload-bearing Exterior Trim
ICC-ES AC273, Acceptance Criteria for Handrails and Guards
ICC-ES AC382, Acceptance Criteria for Laminated Fibrous Board Sheathing Material Used as a Water-Resistive Barrier
CCMC Technical Guide for PVC Guard Systems
CCMC Technical Guide for Cellulosic/Polymer Composite Exterior Decking
AAMA 450, Mullion Performance Testing
AAMA 501.6, Recommended Dynamic Test Method For Determining The Seismic Drift Causing Glass Fallout From A Wall System
ANSI TPI 1, National Design Standard for Metal Plate-connected Wood Truss Construction, Chapter 5
ASTM D 2394, Standard Test Methods for Simulated Service Testing of Wood and Wood Based Finish Flooring
ASTM D 7032, Standard Specification for Establishing Performance Ratings for Wood-Plastic Composite Deck Boards and Guardrail Systems (Guards or Handrails)
ASTM E 72, Standard Test Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels for Buildings
ASTM E 455, Standard Test Method for Static Load Testing of Framed Floor or Roof Diaphragm Constructions for Buildings
ASTM E 564, Standard Practice for Static Load Test for Shear Resistance of Framed Walls for Buildings
ASTM E 935, Standard Test Method for Performance of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings
ASTM E 985, Standard Specification for Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings
ASTM F 1679, Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)
ASTM E 2126, Standard Test Methods for Cyclic (Reversed) Load Test for Shear Resistance of Vertical Elements of the Lateral Force Resisting Systems for Buildings
ASTM F 2408, Standard Specification for Ornamental Fences Employing Galvanized Steel Tubular Pickets
SPRI ES-1, Architectural Edge Metal Testing
Miami-Dade Privacy Fence