Test Protocols

The apparatus consists of 1/2" steel plate measuring approximately 20" x 30". The plate is reinforced as necessary with angle, tube or channel to prevent its buckling, warping or twisting when under tension loads parallel but offset from its surface.

The apparatus is securely anchored to the test table along the short dimension, and sufficiently braced to the table to prevent excessive deflection during the test.

The test specimen shall consist of a section of a typical panel seam of the desired panel material as reported on the "Specimen Information Section", which is 30" (+-) along the seam to conduct a total of 1 to 4 tensile pulls with different clamp locations along the panel seam. The total width of the specimen is at least 12" and not more than 20". The seam is to be mated as generally prescribed by its manufacturer or user in a normal installation, exclusive of any attachment clips. If the joint is normally machine seamed on site, the provider furnishes same in a seamed condition, using the same type seaming machinery, methods, tools, equipment, etc. as would be used in actual field assemblies.

Attach the specimen to the apparatus so that the seams lie parallel to the direction of the load cell arm by pre-drilling or punching 1/2" holes in the panel at the proper location for fixity to threaded holes in the testing apparatus with M10 bolts.

A total of one to four S-5 clamps are placed on the panel seam and evenly spaced from each other. If more than four pulls are desired, additional samples should be prepared. A seam clamp is installed so the back of the clamp lies 9” from the bottom of the panel. The remaining clamps are installed at evenly spaced intervals per specific manufacturers installation instructions. The setscrew(s) of the clamp is tensioned to 115 in lbs. for 24 ga steel and all other materials, or to 150 in lbs. for thicker gauges of steel (unless otherwise specified). Torque should be checked by an S-5! employee using a dial indicating torque wrench and verified by a lab technician.

Sequentially re-tighten setscrews if necessary as panel seam material compresses – as per manufacturers installation instruction. Mark the location of the clamp(s) on the panel seam so that any differential movement between seam and clamp can be monitored.

Photograph the specimen and apparatus prior to testing. Securely fasten the loadcell arms to the bolt hole atop the S-5 clamp using an M8-1.25 bolt (unless otherwise specified). Beginning at the lowest clamp (closest to test bed), load the clamp with upward pull at a rate of travel between .20 and .25 inch per minute (parallel to seam) until failure*. Photograph the specimen after testing. Should more than one pull be required unfasten load cell arm, and jog up to next clamp location. Run the second, third, and fourth tests successively. Always video tape at least one pull per set of panels, while verbally calling out load.

Record the tensile value in pounds and Newton’s at the failure point along with the failure* mode for each S-5 clamp tested. Calculate and record mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variance values for each test set. Note any unusual observations of the specimen during testing, as well as a verbal description of the specific failure observed if it is other than a listed failure mode. Record the date of test, date of report, name of lab, name of technician, and execute the completed data sheet.

For the purpose of this test, any of the following occurrences shall be considered "failure":

A. Dis-engagement of clamp from panel seam

B. Clamp displacement of a distance of more than 8 millimeters (.315")

C. Breakage or fracturing of clamp or fasteners

D. Strippage of the clamp set screws

E. Fracturing of any area of panel seam

F. Buckling or any other structural or severe cosmetic damage to panel seam