FAQ's Shutters

• What is the allowable maximum deflection for protection device systems when subjected to large missile impact?
• What is the allowable maximum deflection for protection device systems when subjected to static air loading?
• How many storm panels have to be tested per model manufactured?
• Do roll-up shutters and accordion shutters have to be operable after testing?
• What is the height requirement for testing on a roll-up shutter?
• What is the width requirement for testing on an accordion shutter?
• What is the loading criteria for protection devices used in high rise buildings?
• Does a roll-up shutter that can be installed in the field to roll inward or outward have to be tested for both applications?
• Can several manufacturers of storm panels who have the same production machines test their "common" product in conjunction?
• Can configuration #2 on the concrete block configurations for shutters consists of a poured concrete header?
• In the case of roll-up shutters, will comparative analysis be allowed for storm bars when subjected to static air pressure?
• Do storm bars on roll-up shutters have to be impacted?
• Where do storm panels have to be impacted?
• Can storm shutters (storm panels, and accordions) be tested with lateral supports?
• When testing an accordion shutter, I am not allowed to anchor on the sides if I want to get an approval for unlimited horizontal span.
• What is the failure criteria for storm panels due to separation between panels?
• If I have straps or bolts on my storm panel configuration do the same impact locations as in question 51 apply?
• When testing an accordion shutter, should I test the center locking device that is a common field application for my accordion?
• Where do you impact accordion shutters when the specimens are center locking?
• If a shutter gets tested with an anchor that does not have Dade County Approval, will that anchor be able to be used with the shutter?

What is the allowable maximum deflection for protection device systems when subjected to large missile impact?

There is no limit as long as a built out is part of the approval, and all pertaining tests are performed.  In this case, the approval will specify the required spacing away from the product being protected. Note that in the case of build out lateral protection will be needed.

What is the allowable maximum deflection for protection device systems when subjected to static air loading?

First, the shutter may not be installed closer than 1 inch plus the deflection at design pressure, from the glass or object it is protecting.  Second, the allowable distance from the "glass" to the shutter, when shutter is subjected to pressure is 1 inch.  Therefore, the maximum deflection of a shutter, in the direction of the "glass" when subjected to static air pressure is 2 inches or L/30, whichever is largest, and L/30 opposite to the glass provided the shutter does not fail.

How many storm panels have to be tested per model manufactured?

For one design you are to test 3 specimens, each consisting of 3 panels.  Set up is as shown in the protocols where each specimen requires the mountings shown.

Do roll-up shutters and accordion shutters have to be operable after testing?

No, but the must be prior to testing. The whole system must be mounted, as it would be used in the field.

What is the height requirement for testing on a roll-up shutter?

Seven (7) feet.

What is the width requirement for testing on an accordion shutter?

Minimum width is 3 feet provided the lateral sides are not anchored, but be aware that the maximum anchoring distance this will allow you to get approval for is 18" on center. If you want approval for larger anchoring intervals, a wider span will be needed.

What is the loading criteria for protection devices used in high rise buildings?

The protection devices must be capable of withstanding the appropriate loading per ASCE 7 while testing in accordance with the set protocols TAS201-94, TAS202-94, and TAS203-94 as applicable.

Does a roll-up shutter that can be installed in the field to roll inward or outward have to be tested for both applications?

Yes, it must be impacted for both applications; requiring an additional specimen.

Can several manufacturers of storm panels who have the same production machines test their "common" product in conjunction?

Can several manufacturers of storm panels who have the same production machines test their "common" product in conjunction, and apply for different product approvals?

Yes. Each must apply for product approval with reference to the common test. Each manufacturer shall provide a specimen for impact. The manufacturers of this agreement shall contact the Metro Dade Building Code Compliance Department to witness the production of each of the panels to be tested. Performing this testing procedure without contacting Metro Dade will result in an invalid test for Product Approval.

Can configuration #2 on the concrete block configurations for shutters consists of a poured concrete header?

Yes, configuration #2 can be poured concrete.

In the case of roll-up shutters, will comparative analysis be allowed for storm bars when subjected to static air pressure?

Yes. (See requirements)

Do storm bars on roll-up shutters have to be impacted?

Yes. (See requirements)

Where do storm panels have to be impacted?

They are to be impacted as shown below.

 

Can storm shutters (storm panels, and accordions) be tested with lateral supports?

If you test with lateral support, these two products in particular will be limited to the width tested. By testing without lateral support your approval has no limit in the horizontal span direction.

When testing an accordion shutter, I am not allowed to anchor on the sides if I want to get an approval for unlimited horizontal span.

Can "blocking" pins be inserted on the top and bottom tracks to prevent the accordion shutter from "closing" during testing?

Yes. Pins, a nail, or a screw can be inserted to prevent the accordion shutter from closing during testing.

What is the failure criteria for storm panels due to separation between panels?

First, the failure criteria measurements are taken after TAS201 and TAS203 are performed. The criteria is: the panels must not have a separation greater than L/180 inches or 1/2 inch; whichever is less. The length of the separation shall not be greater than 36 inches or 40% of the span; whichever is less.

If I have straps or bolts on my storm panel configuration do the same impact locations as in question 51 apply?

No. See diagrams below.

No Straps or Bolts:

Single Strap or bolts:

Multiple Straps or Bolts:

 

When testing an accordion shutter, should I test the center locking device that is a common field application for my accordion?

Yes. At least one of the three specimens tested must have a center-locking device if you want your product to be approved for such.

Where do you impact accordion shutters when the specimens are center locking?

The impacts on accordion shutters shall be at the valleys. When a center lock is used the following figure shows the impact locations. (The "x" marks impacts to valleys, and when on the center locking strip they are 2" below the lock.)

If a shutter gets tested with an anchor that does not have Dade County Approval, will that anchor be able to be used with the shutter?

Yes that will be the only shutter that this particular anchor can be used with.  If the anchor manufacturer applies for and obtains a component approval, all shutters meeting the load requirements of the anchor's component approval may use that anchor.  Therefore, a shutter that got tested with "X" anchor may only be used with "X" anchor. Only if "Y" anchor has product approval will the above shutter be able to use "Y"; provided "Y" has equivalent or higher ratings.

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