Tags: #buildingdesign #buildingenclosures #buildingenvelopes #buildingmaterials #buildingscience #materialsscience #mgo
The use of face columns in weathering and thermal cycling studies.
Hydrostatic head testing of weathered specimens is nothing new. However, current test methods lack the ability to test specimens repeatedly at multiple intervals throughout weathering or thermal regimes. Face column specimens may be pre-weathered prior to assembly or weathered in cycles post-assembly. At any point in the regime, the same apparatus/test specimen may be refilled to evaluate water resistance.
Here, I’m testing the ArmorWall™ Plus system following thermal cycling to -15°F. After each exposure, the apparatus is brought back to room temperature and then refilled to 21.6” for test periods ranging from 7 to 14 days. The column is then emptied and cycled again repeatedly. Exposure and cycling intervals vary from 7 to 30 days.
The face column approach accommodates virtually any exposure/weathering scenario. If space is limited, the column may be reduced to 7” to accommodate bench top ovens and smaller environmental chambers.
A point to keep in mind – the ArmorWall™ coating was applied to 8-10 mils (dry) over MgO. By design, the AWB in this system is outboard of the exterior insulation layer. Its performance proves that a ‘thin-mil’ coating can be highly effective on the outboard side….when designed and demonstrated to be so.