The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has released a new publication addressing aspects of the finite element (FE) thermal modeling process.
This procedure is often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration including non-residential windows, terrace and patio doors, curtain wall, storefront, and entrances. AAMA 515-19, “Voluntary Procedure for Determination of Fenestration Surface Temperatures by THERM Finite Element Modeling,” an FGIA standard, is now available for purchase.
This voluntary procedure helps designers determine what temperatures and film coefficients to use when running a project-specific condensation analysis. Per AAMA 515, condensation will occur on any interior surface that falls below the dew point temperature of interior ambient air. “Condensation can be unsightly, unsanitary, and over long periods of time can damage adjacent building materials,” according to an FGIA news release.
“This new, voluntary procedure, a result of seven years of detailed development, is intended to make application of the software tool uniform between users,” said Steve Fronek (Wausau Window and Wall Systems), chair of the Architectural Finite Element Thermal Modeling Task Group. “It addresses key variables, such as boundary conditions, substrates and THERM parameters, as well as the accuracy of modeling and testing. The scope is clearly outlined and guidance provided for the specifier.”
Related Stories
| Sep 30, 2011
OSHA Releases New Nail Gun Safety Document
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have developed a new guidance document, Nail Gun Safety—A Guide for Construction Contractors.
| Sep 30, 2011
Cement Industry Advocates For Environmental Regulatory Relief
EPA regulations impacting the cement industry could force the closure of 18 of the nearly 100 US cement plants and cost 4,000 manufacturing jobs .
| Sep 30, 2011
IRS Releases New Rule On Reclassifying Independent Contractors
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program that allows an employer to reclassify independent contractors as employees if those workers previously were misclassified.
| Sep 29, 2011
Illinois Grapples With Definition of ‘Clean’ Construction Debris
The Illinois Pollution Control Board holds hearings this week about construction debris rules proposed by the state Environmental Protection Agency.
| Sep 15, 2011
Alabama Prepares First Statewide Residential Building Code
Following a series of devastating tornadoes that ripped through Alabama on April 27th, the state is preparing to implement the first statewide building code for residential structures.
| Sep 15, 2011
New Label Established For Energy Efficient Doors in UK
The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has established a labelling program for all types of domestic pedestrian doors.
| Sep 15, 2011
EPA Releases New High-Rise Residential Energy Star Rating
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced an Energy Star rating for multi-family high-rise buildings.
| Sep 15, 2011
Bill Seeks To Spur Stronger Building Codes Nationwide
The Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2011 would provide strong financial incentives for states to adopt and enforce strong building codes.
| Sep 15, 2011
New Federal Law Limits Amount of Formaldehyde in Wood
President Obama signed into law legislation that limits the amount of formaldehyde in wood. The new measure will impact particle board and other composite wood products .
| Sep 12, 2011
Living Buildings: Are AEC Firms up to the Challenge?
Modular Architecture > You’ve done a LEED Gold or two, maybe even a LEED Platinum. But are you and your firm ready to take on the Living Building Challenge? Think twice before you say yes.