A wind loading tests was undertaken in accordance to AS 1170.2 - 1989 Wind Loads and Noise Regeneration Tests on a shutter panel supplied by Ozroll.

The noise regeneration tests were undertaken by MechTest the consulting arm of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (Adelaide University). The design pressure for the wind loading tests were calculated by Dr Rudi Seracino, the specialist consultant, using the procedure outlined in AS 1170.

The cyclic wind loading tests were carried out under the supervision of Dr Rudi Seracino. Two tests were required: The first test was used to test the strength of the shutters and the second test was to test the strength of the frame that holds the shutters.

Test Equipment

The test rig conforms to the requirements of AS4040.0-1992 and consists of two fixed vertical sides and a moveable base between the sides. The base is supported on hydraulic jacks and can be moved vertically. The panel supports are fastened to the sides of the test rig and the panel under test is fastened to the supports. Loads are applied to the panel by placing airbags between the panel and the base of the test rig. For cyclonic loading the base is raised and lowered hydraulically, compressing the airbags and hence, applying a pressure load to the panel. The movement of the base is controlled electronically via pressure transducers in the airbags to generate the correct upper and lower pressure limit in the loading cycle. The lower limit is set to a value slightly above zero and below 10% of the upper limit, as specified in AS4040.3-1992. The loading rate does not exceed 3Hz. A calibrated pressure meter is used to monitor the pressure in the airbags during the test.

The behaviour of the shutters and the frame was observed during the loading sequence and it was found that they satisfy the requirements of AS4040.3-1992 Clause 6.3 and hence, passed the strength limit state test.