BUSINESS TRAVEL TO CHINA DAY 3: PERFORMANCE MOCK UP (PMU) TEST FOR CURTAIN WALL GLASS

December 20, 2017
MABUHAY!

This is a photo and video journal of my 3rd and final day business travel to China.

THE TESTING CENTER
The Guangzhou Building Materials Institute Limited Company (GML) is a government - owned testing center for various types of building materials. China nowadays is very serious in producing quality materials to stay on top of the construction industry's worldwide competition.

ASTM E 331 STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR WATER PENETRATION OF EXTERIOR WINDOWS, CURTAIN WALL AND DOORS BY UNIFORM STATIC AIR PRESSURE DIFFERENCE
Using the chamber developed for mock-up testing, a pressure differential is applied across the wall assembly, while simultaneously applying water spray onto the exterior surface. The testing is performed to show the water penetration resistance of the designed wall system and transitions between wall system components.

SETTING UP

VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE ACTUAL TEST

AAMA 501.1 STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR WATER PENETRATION OF WINDOWS, CURTAIN WALLS AND DOORS USING DYNAMIC PRESSURE
This water penetration testing consists of utilizing a portable wind generator and installing a spray rack system at the exterior of the specimen

SETTING UP

OCULAR INSPECTION OF WATER LEAK
The first water leak found was on the topmost cover of the mock-up. The Chinese workers who constructed this glass curtain wall mock-up did not anticipate that the water will elevate around 10 meters high penetrating through the wood cover.

The second leak found is through the splicing of a vertical aluminum frame with no sealant application

Two (2) manifestation of leaks found from this test

VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE ACTUAL TEST

THE INSPECTION TEAM

From Left to Right - Engr. Ryan representing the Owner of the project in the Philippines, Engr. Grace- represents the company that will supply and install the curtain wall glass in the Philippines, Ms. Sunny & Mr. Jo - represent the suppliers from China, Arch. Marco - represents the designer in the Philippines, Engr. Maynard represents the installer in the Philippines, Me - EDMAR represents the general contractor in the Philippines, Engr. Jay - represents also the installer in the Philippines.

I was fortunate enough to be part of this business travel in China. I was able to see a glimpse of a small part of  this beautiful "GIANT" country. Also my perception of China of poor quality products really changes because I actually witnessed from the series of ocular inspection - how they do things in their country with much emphasis on quality. No wonder China now leads in worldwide economy and is considered a "SUPERPOWER."