ISO 16932:2020

Overview

ISO 16932:2020 - Glass in building - Destructive-windstorm-resistant security glazing - Test and classification - defines a standardized test and classification method to assess how glazing products perform during severe windstorm events. The standard evaluates glazing used in fenestration assemblies (windows, glazed doors) by simulating windborne debris (missile impact) followed by cyclic static air-pressure differentials, modelling conditions representative of destructive windstorms. The performance measure is the glazing’s ability to remain without openings in the building envelope during the event.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Test principle: impacts from designated missiles (including timber “lumber” missiles) are applied to mounted test specimens, then cyclic inward/outward static pressure differentials are imposed to simulate storm loads.
• Apparatus: requirement for missile‑propulsion devices, an air‑pressure system and a test chamber to reproduce windborne debris and pressure effects.
• Specimen preparation: glazing materials assembled in a standard test frame, with conditioning and installation rules (see Annex B).
• Impact and pressure parameters: defined projectile descriptions, impact locations, angles and tolerances; followed by a test‑loading programme of cyclic pressure differentials and leakage/edge‑release checks.
• Classification: test outcomes are used to classify levels of protection and relate results to basic wind‑speed zones (e.g., destructive windstorms with basic wind speed ≥ 50 m/s).
• Reporting and documentation: detailed reporting requirements and required information (Annex A); recommendations for propulsion devices and wind‑speed guidance (Annex C and D).
• Edition note: Third edition (2020) replaces ISO 16932:2016 with updated hazard classifications and modified missile impact weight requirements.

Practical Applications

• Specify and verify destructive-windstorm-resistant security glazing for coastal or cyclone-prone buildings.
• Support product certification, third‑party testing and compliance statements for façade and fenestration manufacturers.
• Inform architects, façade engineers and building owners selecting glazing systems for resilience against windborne debris and extreme gust loads.
• Provide test evidence for regulators and code authorities when establishing design requirements for building envelope performance in high-wind zones.

Who Uses This Standard

• Glazing and window manufacturers
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies
• Architects, façade and structural engineers
• Building regulators, risk managers and facility owners

Related Standards

• Referenced normative and informative annexes within ISO 16932:2020 (e.g., Annex B - standard test frame; Annex C - recommended missile‑propulsion devices). Consult local building codes and regional wind‑load standards for design‑pressure relations and implementation.

Keywords: ISO 16932:2020, destructive-windstorm-resistant security glazing, test and classification, missile impact, air-pressure cycling, fenestration, windborne debris, basic wind speed, building envelope.