AS NZS 2179.1:2014 Specifications for rainwater goods, accessories and fasteners
A4 APPARATUS
The following apparatus is required:
(a) Support rig A rig of adequate strength and rigidity that shall not affect the performance of the test specimen or change its mode of failure.
NOTE: The strength limit tests are intended to assess the resistance to collapse from walking in a gutter, other than eaves gutter with a sole width equal to or less than 200 mm, or on a graded downpipe and its support system.
(b) Loading system A system to enable a test load to be applied to the test specimen at either—
(i) the sole of a gutter; or
(ii) the crown of a graded downpipe.
Application of a test load shall be by means of a pad of elastomeric or similar material with a hardness of 30 ±3 IRHD and a thickness of 50 ±2 mm backed by a disc of steel 12 +2, −0 mm thick. The plan dimensions of the steel disc shall be the same as the pad (see Paragraphs A3.1 and A3.7).
NOTE: The thickness of the elastomeric or similar material may be made up of an appropriate number of layers equal to or greater than 10 mm thick. The layers need not be connected together, but each should be of the correct hardness and plan dimensions.
(c) Measuring devices The measuring devices shall be capable of measuring to an accuracy of not less than—
(i) ±0.5 mm, for deflections and local effects; and
(ii) ±5%, for loads.
NOTE: An accuracy of 5% would normally be achieved by means of a device capable of measuring to an accuracy of ±1% of full scale.
(d) Clock graduated at intervals not greater than 5 s.
A5 TEST SPECIMEN
The test specimen shall consist of either an actual system, or a full-scale model of a section of gutter or downpipe and its support system with a length of not less than 3.5 times the distance between the centre-lines of the adjacent supports of the support system (l ss ).