5.1 This test method gives a standard procedure for determining structural performance under uniform static air pressure difference. This typically is intended to represent the effects of wind loads on exterior building surface elements. The actual loading on building surfaces is quite complex, varying with wind direction, time, height above ground, building shape, terrain, surrounding structures, and other factors. These factors are discussed in the literature in 2.2 and 2.3 and Footnotes 4 and 5.
Note 1: In applying the results of tests by this test method, it should be borne in mind that the performance of a cladding system may be a function of fabrication, installation, and adjustment, and that the specimen may or may not truly represent the actual structure. In service, the performance will also depend on the rigidity of supporting construction and on the resistance of components to deterioration by various causes, to vibration, to thermal expansion and contraction, etc.