Assessment and Inspection Method for Watertightness Performance of Building Facades in Shanghai Under Wind-Driven Rain
The present work addresses the critical challenge of assessing building facade watertightness against wind-driven rain, a major threat to structural integrity and durability. The current evaluation methods rely heavily on standardized test outcomes, neglecting a disconnect between test conditions an...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/9/1490 |
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| Summary: | The present work addresses the critical challenge of assessing building facade watertightness against wind-driven rain, a major threat to structural integrity and durability. The current evaluation methods rely heavily on standardized test outcomes, neglecting a disconnect between test conditions and real-world exposure, leading to subjective judgments. To bridge this gap, this paper developed a quantitative method linking key inspection parameters (pump pressure, water spray distance) to wind-driven rain characteristics (wind speed, rainfall intensity) in the Shanghai area using statistical return periods. The calculation process encompasses regression models that correlate extreme rainfall and wind velocity values over sub-daily intervals, as well as a method for extrapolating maximum wind velocities using wind data coinciding with rainfall events. This approach enables specification-compliant performance assessment and tailored inspection protocols, such as JGJ/T 299, EN 12155, and ASTM E547. Applied to two Shanghai buildings, the method demonstrated a robust framework for translating environmental data into actionable inspection criteria. The results show a direct correlation between test parameters and extreme weather statistics. For instance, the watertightness performance of an old building is quantitively assessed as a return period of 1.02 years, while a new office building aiming for 50-year waterproofing could be inspected at a pump pressure of 900 kPa and a spraying distance of 0.15 m using the proposed method. This paper offers a data-driven alternative to empirical assessments, enhancing reliability in facade design and regulatory compliance, and provides a scientific basis for decision-making in building maintenance and renovation. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-5309 |