jas (inspection & testing) ltd - cuhk - career planning...

JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd

1712, 17/F, Topsail Plaza, 11 On Sum Street, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong tel +852 2834 1663 fax +852 2834 1178 email [email protected]

Façade Testing - Laboratory and Site

Testing Coordination Cladding Systems

Chamber Design Window Wall

Curtainwall Glass Wall

Building Condition Surveys Forensic Investigations Glass Testing

Heat Soak Test Oven Calibration Conformance Testing

Impact Tests

Testing of Facades -

Design of Testing Facilities - page 3 Management of Testing Facilities - page 3

Testing - Laboratory - page 5 Site - page 6

Facility Co-ordination - page 7

Glass Testing - Page 9

Heat Soak Test Oven calibration - page 9 Glass Testing Determination of nickel sulphide - page 10

Conformance Testing - page 11 Roller wave - page 12

Impact Testing - page 12

Forensic Investigations - Page 15

Reason for Failure Structural Leakage

Glass

Building Condition Survey - Page 13

Glazed Areas Full Survey

Introduction - Page 1

separate entity. This enabled the necessary growth to occur without impinging on the day to day business concerns of J A Shillinglaw & Associates. Since inception, JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd has been engaged in conducting performance tests and the design and establishment of test chambers. Additionally, it is also able to undertake investigations of failures and conduct specialist investigations and condition inspections of buildings with curtain wall and other glazed systems as the cladding envelopes. The company has also carried out condition surveys on buildings with the more traditional tiled or concrete finishes. JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd has HOKLAS accreditation and an ISO 9002 management system for the testing of Windows, Curtain Walls, Glass Walls, Skylights and

Introduction

We are also able to provide the coordination necessary for a full testing regimen of the façade and materials, where a number of different tests in various laboratories on various materials is required, and to provide an overall coordinated report. This enables the Client Project Manager to concentrate on the major project tasks.

We are part of a consultancy group, formed in 1977, that specializes in the external cladding systems installed on buildings. The group offers expertise and services in various areas in connection with the design and testing of the building envelope and associated components. JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd are based in Hong Kong and the company was formed specifically to cater to the industry requirement for the testing services which were initially offered under the auspices of J A Shillinglaw & Associates. Offering various services related to the systems used for the cladding of buildings, the increasing demand for testing services, resulted in the formation of JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd . The intent of forming the new company was to establish a company dedicated to the provision of Curtain Wall Test facilities and the testing of facades and component parts. Setting up the company as a

Contact us at


1712-14 17/F Topsail Plaza 11 On Sum Street, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong

tel +852 2834 1663 fax +852 2834 1178 Email: [email protected]

Although we are able to undertake a varied scope of works, our main range of services are in the following areas:

Curtain wall, glass wall, cladding and window testing Design of testing facilities Testing facility coordination Forensic investigations Glass testing Nickel sulphide determination Building condition survey

Page 2

Design of testing facilities As the demand for higher quality and better performing products increases, sub-contractors are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of having their own test facilities located at the production factory. This enables evaluation of new product or modification to established products to be carried out at convenient times and in a confidential environment. This also allows evaluation of sealants, gasket materials and other component parts to be evaluated in privacy before offering them for approval and use on the project. Over the past 25 years, we have developed test chambers that are flexible in design such that they can be adapted to various configurations of the façade. This enables curtain walls cladding and windows to be tested to the requirements of various international standards.

Testing of facades Design of Testing Facilities Management of Testing Facilities

Management of testing facilities Due to the increasing need for compliance with various quality standards and the need to be aware of the changes in testing standards, some of our clients find the management of their test facility too onerous, especially where they cannot justify the expense of employing full time staff to ensure conformance. In these instances JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd offer facility management services to relieve the Client of the need to employ specialist staff. The management package is tailored to the requirements of the Client This can range from a complete management control over equipment, test methodology and the provision of qualified staff for conducting the test, to simply witnessing the official testing. We are ISO 9002 and HOKLAS accredited or the testing of curtain walls on facilities where we are actively involved in the technical management.

The test chambers are able to accept and test vertical, corner or inclined test specimens and can be also be adopted to test skylight systems. These tests include air leakage, water leakage, wind pressure and seismic simulations. We have developed the hardware and software to enable us to economically supply the equipment and to accurately record, via computer ,the results of the tests. Training of technical personnel is included in the overall design package.

Over 20 test chambers designed by JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd have been commissioned in various countries in Southeast Asia They include;

Hong Kong 7 Malaysia 1 Philippines 2 PRC- Mainland 7 Singapore 2 Taiwan 1 Thailand 3

Our first chamber design was completed and commissioned in 1982 and our most recent one was commissioned in 2009. We strongly believe that performance testing not only gives a better product but enables a broader knowledge base to be achieved for the sub-contractor.

Taiwan

Pan Yu—Peoples Republic of China

Junk Bay—Hong Kong

Laboratory Testing As a professional testing company, JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd are able to conduct all but the most specialized of the of the performance tests on building façade specimens. Our test facility in Tin Shui Wai has 20 test chambers of various size but, in rare instances, where certain specialized testing is not available at our own facilities or the size of the test specimen cannot be accommodated, we will arrange for the testing to be carried out ,and witnessed by ourselves, at other co-operating laboratories. The tests we offer include

Air : Infiltration , Exfiltration

Water Penetration : Static, Dynamic, Cyclic

Structural : Static, Cyclic

Movement : Vertical, Horizontal

Thermal : Cyclic

Page 5

Problems can occur when a national standard is applied outside the country of origin. If testing specifications ‘mix and match’ national standards from various countries, the testing can become far more onerous than the original standard intended. This is particularly true where the national standards of countries with comparatively low wind loadings are used for Hong Kong projects or other locations where high wind loadings need to be resisted. As part of our service, if requested, we will analyze the test specification and advise on the suitability and practicality of the tests and the performance criteria contained in the performance specification.

Skylight —Hong Kong

Our testing fee includes;

Hire of Chamber Preparation of chamber to accept the test specimen. Preparation of test proposal Performance Test Test Report

Testing

Laboratory

Testing of facades

We offer testing that is compliant with the requirements of ;

American Standards : AAMA and ASTM Australian/New Zealand : AS/NZ British : BS European : EN PRC Mainland : GB/T Hong Kong : PNAP

Overseas Testing Due to the needs of the Client, or the particular test requirements, it is sometimes necessary for the laboratory testing to be conducted outside of Hong Kong. In these circumstances, JAS (Inspection & Testing) personnel will witness or conduct the test in the facility required by the Client. Our personnel have witnessed tests in various countries including;

Japan Malaysia Philippines PRC Mainland Singapore South Korea Taiwan Thailand United States of America United Kingdom

Curtainwall—South Korea

Curtainwall —Peoples Republic of China

Curtainwall—Thailand

Site Testing Site testing is becoming more and more prevalent and JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd are able to offer on site testing to ensure compliance with the specified water penetration and air infiltration. Testing to AAMA 501.2 using a hose and nozzle is the usual method but the use of internal pressure chamber, thereby simulating laboratory conditions, is much more onerous and is directly comparable to the results obtained in the laboratory. Testing is offered that is compliant with the requirements of

AAMA 501.2 AAMA 502 AAMA 503 ASTM E 783 ASTM E 1105

Testing Field/Site Facility Coordination

Testing of facades

Site testing using an internal pressure chamber and a negative pressure of 1 kPa revealed water leakage in this

facade

A further part of this service is to coordinate all of the testing, witness the testing if required and combine all of the testing documentation into a coherent report. This report will be ongoing for the duration of the contract and will correlate the test results to the requirements of the technical specification and enable comparisons to be made in regard to actual and required performance.

The tests can include the following; Full size laboratory performance specimen testing of the façade Stone testing

Flexural Strength Compressive Strength Porosity Absorption Density Freeze/Thaw cycle Anchor testing

Glass

Heat Soak Testing Roller wave Residual Compressive Stress Safety Compliance Test

Embeds and Anchors

Pull-out tests

Finishes Film thickness Paint application Adhesion Chemical resistance Impact resistance Hot Dip Galvanizing

Aluminium

Temper Profile Finishes

Welding

Crack tests Size checks

Sealant Adhesion Application Compatibility

Gaskets Compression Set Shore hardness

Test facility coordination It is not unusual for curtain wall projects to require various tests on a multitude of parts to ensure compliance with the technical specification. These tests are not necessarily listed separately in the testing requirements but are part of the specified standard. One of the services offered by JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd is the production of a testing plan. We will review the technical specification and list all of the tests that the sub-contractor has to ensure are carried out, and highlight those that require submission.

Granite Testing - Kerf and Anchorage Systems

Pull-out testing of anchor bolts

Glass - Testing HEAT SOAK TESTING

Calibration of Heat Soak Test Oven

NICKEL SULPHIDE DETERMINATION EDX/SEM Inspection

Heat Soak Test Oven Calibration It is a common requirement for fully tempered glass to be heat soak tested to assist in the prevention of spontaneous breakage of glass due to the presence of nickel sulphide inclusions. Due to its failure to prevent on site spontaneous breakage, heat soak testing to DIN 18516, is no longer considered reliable and is being replaced with the requirements of EN 14179-1. Using the test method described in this standard, the improvement in performance is such that the Hong Kong Building Department no longer permit glass that is heat soak tested to DIN 18516 to be used, refer to HKBD PNAP 106. With the need for the glass temperature to held at the test temperature, rather than the air temperature as required by DIN 18516, it is necessary to calibrate the heat soak test oven for time and temperature controls. JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd offer full calibration service such that the requirements of EN14179-1 are fulfilled. Using calibrated thermocouples connected to a data acquisition system, 10% and full load calibration is undertaken

Glass loaded into the Heat Soak Test oven

Typical Graphical Printout

Our reports include full graphical charting of all thermocouples for each load test and the details of heat-up holding and cooling times and temperatures. We also supply simple to follow charts such that the operation of the oven is able to be operated in accordance with the calibration.

Determination of nickel sulphide SEM/EDX Testing If fully tempered glass breaks after installation, it is usually blamed on spontaneous breakage due to the presence of nickel sulphide inclusions. However, there are many types of inclusion and it is not possible to state with any certainty that the breakage was caused by nickel sulphide without testing to determine the composition of the inclusion. JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd have carried out many tests to confirm that nickel sulphide is present at the breakage origin. Test are carried out using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Electron Dispersive X-rays, (EDX) These tests provide conclusive evidence of the material of the inclusion and the position and size of the NiS particle can also be determined. Projected breakage quantities, based upon Weibull distribution graphs can also be supplied as part of the report if required, provided sufficient historical data is available.

Nickel Sulphide Inclusion

Part of the NiS Report

Suspected NiS inclusion

Note the typical

butterfly shape at the breakage origin

Page 10

Glass - Testing CONFORMANCE TESTING

Tempering Methods Lamination IG Assembly Roller Wave Impact Testing

Conformance Testing There are so many processes that are carried out in the manufacture and fabrication of glass that it could seem impossible to obtain glass of an acceptable quality. Therefore we recommended that a QA/QC conformance confirmation programme is put in place by the purchaser, to ensure the glass is in compliance with the relevant standards. Glass is manufactured on a process based system rather than a project based system. This is because the timing of production runs for tempering, lamination and assembly into IG units will be carried out with economical loading levels. If each process is correct, the fabricated glass must should be compliant. Therefore the relevant quality checks must be applied to ensure that the process is carried out correctly as this is the only manner in which the fabricated glass considered as compliant without specific additional checks. There are numerous glass standards that are used to ensure that the product is acceptable and we consider it prudent if the purchaser confirms that the fabricator is using the relevant standards as part of an overall QA/QC scheme.

Whilst it is acceptable for these tests to be run by the in-house QA/QC personnel, we recommend independent third party confirmation for higher credibility levels. JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd are able to carry out independent checking on the basic glass production methods for heat strengthening and fully tempering the glass, the heat soak testing, the laminating process and the IG unit fabrication. In addition to this service we can also check the roller wave variation and carry out impact testing to confirm compliance with the relevant classification levels of safety glass.

Impact Testing of Glass We have carried out impact testing for over 50 different manufacturers and fabricators. This service is used by suppliers of both architectural and furniture glass. JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd are HOKLAS approved for BS 6206 impact testing of glass. Additionally we have also carried out testing to the requirements of ANSI Z97.1 and also in accordance with AS/NZ 2208. We recommend to glass manufacturers that independent 3rd party testing is carried out on a regular basis as part of an overall QA/QC policy The use of independent verification is becoming more and more critical when demonstrating the integrity of the quality system.

BS 6206 Impact Testing Both hard body and soft body tests can be performed

Roller wave measurement

Roller Wave Measurement Even if compliant with the requirements of the ASTM C 1048 standard, the amount of roller wave distortion can still result in an unacceptable appearance to the Owner or Architect. Therefore the technical specification sometimes requires samples to be provided for aesthetic approval and also requires the project glass to be of the same quality If this is the case it becomes essential to be able to measure the sample to ensure objective compliance with the sample. JAS (Inspection & Testing) are able to determine the localized bow and warp of the sample and then check the project glass, before or after installation, to confirm compliance.

Page 12

Building Condition Survey

Page 13

CONDITION EVALUATION

Glass Gaskets Sealants

Stone Cladding Anchorage Systems

Concrete Timber

Condition Survey It is an unfortunate truth that all building materials degrade. As building heights increase the potential danger from damaged components or materials increases. The Hong Kong Building Department recognizes this and states in PNAP 106 that;

Curtainwall, window and window wall systems are required to be regularly inspected after they have been installed in buildings. Proper maintenance and repair are essential to keeping them in a safe condition. All owners of buildings where curtain wall, window or window wall systems have been constructed should make arrangements for the systems to be inspected visually, at least twice a year and before and after typhoons. Full inspection of the curtain wall, window or window wall systems should be carried out by AP, RSE or other suitably qualified and experienced persons under the direct supervision of AP/RSE, not more than two years after handing over and thereafter at an appropriate interval. When making such inspection, AP, RSE, other responsible personnel and building management personnel should watch out for signs of distress or deterioration.

JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd are capable of conducting a full building survey that includes both the glazing system and the stone and aluminium cladding systems that complete the building envelope.

We will identify degraded materials and give informed opinions regarding the probable future life expectancy. We will also identify defects in the building envelope and recommend remedial solutions and comment on the probable cause. Our service includes a full report in both hard and soft copy. The report contains photographs cross-referenced to elevations and floor plans. All defects are coded and summarized and presented in a floor by floor format in addition to the overall summary. We have checked the condition of many buildings and offer recommendations regarding the areas that require inspections and the frequency of inspections.

Cracked Stone

Failed Sealant

Missing sealant

Unsafe Trim

Note - The pic-tures of building defects are typical defects that are noted during our condition surveys. They are not de-fects on the build-ings shown, which are just some of the buildings we have surveyed.

JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd are capable of determining the condition of many materials We will measure the thickness of finishes, recommend remedial and maintenance procedures. We have carried out surveys on tiled finishes, rendered finishes and also on the condition of roofing timbers using non-destructive ultrasonic testing equipment. This method is also suitable for determining if concrete is

Revenue Tower—Wanchai

Lee Theatre Plaza—Causeway Bay

Lee Gardens II—Causeway Bay

HKFC—Happy Valley

FCC—Central

Cityplaza 3&4—Taikoo Shing

Forensic Investigation Water Leakage Failed Gaskets Failed Sealants Paint Failure Broken Stone Glass Breakage Glass Delamination

Services JAS (Inspection & Testing) Ltd undertake forensic examination of buildings to determine the reason for the integrity failure of the component parts that make up the building envelope. When an item on the building fails it is important to determine the cause of failure, whether it a small item such as sealant or a major item such as a granite panel. If any defective item is left unaddressed, it can develop into a much bigger problem. We will investigate the problem in a logical manner and issue recommendations for resolving the problem. Our normal working methodology is to confirm the materials and design are in compliance with the technical specification. We then investigate the area in question and compare the as-built condition with the approved drawings. A full report will include recommendations for the remedial work and an opinion as to the cause.

Investigation into water leakage

Coating Failure of Glass

Page 15

Bubble test to determine location of water leakage

Blistered paint

Misaligned fin due to bracket stress failure

Glass Breakage

Glass Delamination

Page 16

Since 1977 we have tested over 4,000 curtain wall and window systems across Asia.

Our involvement varies with each project but

we are able to offer a full testing service.

For example at the Chek Lap Kok Hong Kong International Airport we undertook testing for

the main terminal cladding, roof cladding (skylights and membrane), air link bridges and

the glazed forecourt enclosure.



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