5.1 This guide suggests a simple means of evaluating the extent of any failure of a structural sealant in an installed structural sealant glazing system.

5.2 A qualified authority should specify the criteria described in Sections 8 and 9 and should interpret the results and judge their significance for the structural sealant glazing system.

5.3 The evaluation program measures deflection of loaded lites and does not measure directly any structural sealant failure. Consequently, the qualified authority interpreting the data should also evaluate the source of any increased deflection that is measured. Increased deflection may be due to structural sealant adhesive or cohesive failure, but may also be due to a decrease in sealant modulus, a change in sealant joint dimensions, or other nonfailure mechanisms. Selective destructive sampling of areas with increased deflections can assist in this evaluation.

1.1 This guide covers a screening approach to detect failure (adhesive or cohesive) of a structural sealant in a structural sealant-glazed window, curtain wall, or other similar system. Presently, only a silicone-sealant that is specifically formulated, tested, and marketed as a structural glazing sealant is allowed for structural sealant glazing.

1.2 The values stated in either acceptable metric units or in other units shall be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.

1.3 There are no ISO standards similar or equivalent to this ASTM standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.