Veka passes bomb blast testing with ATI’s shock tube

Veka Inc. Fombell, Pa., recently contracted Architectural Testing Inc., York,Pa.,to perform Shock Tube blast load simulation testing for its Euroview Window Systems, according to a March 8 release.

Veka’s commercial grade profiles, manufactured at its North American headquarters, are available to its fabricator base and potential customers for window production.

The Shock Tube simulates a TNT discharge, which is set a certain distance away from an installed window under typical conditions, i.e., arena testing. The testing utilizes criteria of ASTM F1642, Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings, GSA-TS01-2003, Standard Test Method for Glazing and Window Systems Subject to Dynamic Overpressure Loadings, and AAMA 510-06, Voluntary Guide for Blast Hazard Mitigation Systems for Fenestration Products. These test methods are used to establish hazard ratings of glazing systems subjected to bomb blast loading which provide the ability to determine the risk of personal injury and facility damage, according to the release.

The GSA standard is the sole test protocol by which blast-resistant windows and related hazard mitigation technology and products are evaluated for facilities under the control and responsibility of the US General Services Administration.

“This is a big step for us in the commercial window segment of our business," said Kevin Seiling, corporate director of engineering, in the release. "Veka is the first PVC extruder to test a vinyl window in this manner with ATI, so both parties are at the forefront of this technology for the vinyl window industry in North America. This experience has been a very positive one for the Euroview products and we hope to do more testing on the line in the very near future.”

The Euroview project-out (Casement) window and dual-action (Tilt-Turn) window were tested. These windows comprised laminated insulated glass units, steel reinforcing, multilocking point hardware, and multichambered PVC profiles that were extruded in Fombell. Both the casement and the dual action test specimens received “Minimal Hazard” ratings, according to the release.