To provide designers, specifiers, and architects with the confidence they need when making system and material choices, RYNO commissioned a comprehensive wind uplift test for a number of their TerraSmart Paving and Decking Systems.
"Extreme weather phenomena are becoming more frequent and construction professionals require reassurance and a better understanding of the dangers posed by climate-related events. This is why we had a number of our paving and decking wind-uplift fixings independently certified."
stated Amos Whiteside, Product Development Manager at RYNO.
The Cyclic Wind Load Test, designed to appraise a paving and decking system's ability to resist wind uplift, was conducted by Lucideon, an independent materials development,
testing and assurance organisation.
The systems tested and now certified for wind-uplift are:
The test subjected the systems to a sequence of pulsed cycles that increased from a load of 2,400 pascals (equivalent to gusts of around 140 mph) to a maximum of 6,000 pascals (equivalent to gusts of around 220 mph). These reproduce the suction forces that occur
during wind uplift.
"We are happy to report that the TerraSmart paving and decking systems passed the tests, with the testers observing that no detrimental effects or failures were observed during testing"
continues Amos Whiteside.
Considering the tiles and boards were subjected to gusts approaching 220 mph and the strongest wind speeds ever recorded in the UK were 173 mph at the Cairngorm Summit (Met Office), the test was a resounding success. Despite the extreme pressure exerted on the systems, at no point did the tiles or boards become unrestrained and pose a safety issue.
"By sharing the results of RYNO's TerraSmart Cyclic Wind Load Test, we hope to contribute to the wider understanding of wind uplift and demonstrate that high-quality solutions to de-risk projects and secure balconies and terraces against the impact of adverse weather conditions, are available"
concluded Amos Whiteside.
RYNO can help you Specify solutions that are tried, tested, and certified. RYNO continues to invest in developing innovative paving and decking systems with simple solutions that mitigate for these forces of nature. If you have any questions on the topic of wind uplift and how this might impact a project you are working on, reach out to one of RYNO's experts today.