A Moving Target--Ensuring Your Curtainwall Designs Stand Up

摘要

A curtainwall is a complex, integrated system typically composed of standard and custom-fabricated framing members, sash, glazing, spandrel panels, fasteners and sealants. That system must accommodate a wide variety of forces, both static and dynamic. The principle static force acting on a curtainwall is, of course, gravity. However, because of the relatively lightweight materials used in curtain-walls, this "dead load" is of secondary significance. Of primary concern are the dynamic, or "live loads," imposed by wind, thermal expansion and seismic activity, which must be accommodated without compromising the integrity and weathertightness of the wall. Joint and anchorage design becomes the key to accommodating building movements caused by such loads.