ICC-ES AC364
Full Name
ICC-ES AC364 – Acceptance Criteria for Mechanically Operated Flood Vents
Scope
ICC-ES AC364 outlines the acceptance criteria for mechanically operated flood vents (FVs) used in enclosures below the base flood elevation. These vents are designed to automatically open during flooding events, allowing water to equalize inside and outside the structure and thus reduce the potential for structural damage.
The scope of AC364 includes:
- Materials: it specifies the requirements for the materials used in the construction of FVs, ensuring their durability and resistance to corrosion, debris, and other environmental factors.
- Design and construction: it details the design and construction requirements for FVs, including their size, opening mechanisms, and installation guidelines, to ensure proper functionality and performance.
- Performance: it outlines the testing methods and acceptance criteria for evaluating the performance of FVs, including their ability to open and close reliably, withstand hydrostatic and debris loads, and provide adequate flow capacity.
- Durability: it addresses the durability of FVs, ensuring they can withstand long-term exposure to environmental conditions, such as UV radiation, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
The AC364 acceptance criteria are used by manufacturers to obtain an evaluation report from ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), which demonstrates that their FVs comply with the applicable building codes and standards. This evaluation report is essential for ensuring that FVs are installed and used in accordance with safety regulations to protect buildings from flood damage.
Resources
Keywords
flood vent; mechanical flood vent; acceptance criteria; flood; enclosure; opening mechanism; hydrostatic load; debris load; flow capacity; corrosion resistance; uv resistance; building code; standard; evaluation report