Impact Testing & Certification

[Nick H.]

I am a Structural EIT, my firm recently did a design for a window system to be installed in the behavioral unit (Psychiatric ward) of a hospital. Per our DPH they are requiring that on top of our certified design that we also send out a mock up system to be tested at a certified facility per the AAMA 501.8 (2,000 ft-lb impact load) FGIA test specification. I was wondering if anyone out there had gone through a similar process and knew a good testing facility? We are in the northeast (Massachusetts) and a few of the ones I have contacted are asking us to send out the materials for them to construct a mock-up, so my firm was looking for a facility as close to home as possible.

Thank you for any information/guidance.

 

[jjl317]

In my mind, the preeminent architectural product testing lab in the US is Intertek (formerly ATI) in York, PA.

I have personally worked with them on many custom curtain wall mockups there.

Though for what you are looking for, there may be other closer options. But it may be a start

 

[Enable]

Davroc Testing Laboratories does this kind of testing. It would be close(ish) as they are located in Brampton, Ontario. However, border issues right now may make it a tad tough. If you do end up inquiring for pricing / services ask for Dave Cousins.