BACKGROUND:
Corrugated Building Siding needs to be installed on a building, along several wall orientations and elevations. Materials of construction were reduced to two considerations, Phase-2 PVC panels and FRP. Both materials exhibited similar resistance to corrosion while maintaining a toughness to physical and environmental abuse.
PVC, was, however, considered to be a safety concern that it would become brittle, such that it would shatter or break apart easily under extreme cold conditions.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?:
1. SAFETY CONSIDERATION was the primary basis for pursuing a material test. If Phase-2 PVC was to remain a competitive, cost effective option to FRP, ALL safety concerns needed to be resolved.
2. COST– The company secured estimates that reflected a significant enough cost savings ($15,000), by using PVC Phase-2 Material over FRP.
TEST PURPOSE:
To compare toughness of Phase-2 PVC to FRP, under brittle conditions.
TEST CONDITIONS:
Two corrugated panels were water soaked and frozen for 48 hours, mounted and bolted to 4″ x 4″ wooden cribbing.
Three weighted (4,8,12 lbs.) objects were dropped from an elevation of about 8ft. to the mounted panels on wooded cribbing positioned on the ground.
THE RESULTS:
FRP exhibited severe cracking at several locations while Phase-2 had none. Fiber became exposed on the FRP panel and long term integrity would be compromised, i.e.., water and corrosion resistance would become nonexistent, strength reduced and safety compromised.
PROPOSAL:
To proceed with procurement of the Phase-2 PVC panels as the siding material of choice with vendor’s standard gray color.
