7/8/2019 Curtain Wall System - its Types, Details, Functions and Advantages

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Types of Curtain Wall System – its Details, Func

Advantages

Curtain wall system comprises one of the elements of facade technology in high rise building
window wall, cladding elements and curtain walls which generates the exterior envelope of

The curtain wall systems now possess structural importance equivalent to that gained by oth
elements of the building. As it has a higher exposure to exterior atmosphere, it has to be prop
installed and maintained keeping in mind the functionality and sustainability.

Fig.1: Curtain Wall System

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7/8/2019 Curtain Wall System - its Types, Details, Functions and Advantages

Fig.2: Curtain Wall Construction

Functions of Curtain Walls in Buildings

Elimination of Water Penetration

Water penetration is the fundamental function of a facade. Here bringing a completely impe
curtain panel system is not possible. Hence two stages of prevention are placed. Primary leve
defense of water is conducted and if that fails a secondary level where a direction to let perc
drained out has to be provided.

Air impermeability

This function is more of an environment concern to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide d
loss or gain within the external and internal environment.

Resistance to wind, thermal and acoustic action

Wind actions are transferred by the cladding system to the building floors which act as a line
Building cladding systems formed of large panels are usually one-way spanning. Each floor l
supports one level of wind load on a building.

Thermal insulation function which is strictly necessary for a facade in order to reduce energ
and CO2 emissions. Insulated materials are provided to both opaque as well as transparent a

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7/8/2019 Curtain Wall System - its Types, Details, Functions and Advantages

Acoustic Insulation too is necessary between the inside and the outside environment mainly
building. Massive structural elements possess higher acoustic insulation like masonry or con

Solar levels

This can be reduced by providing a selective solar control coating on one of the surfaces of th
coating is called selective because solar radiation of different wavelengths is selectively allow
through the coating: visible wavelengths of light are allowed to pass more freely than infrare
For example, spaces for exhibitions or displays of materials can undergo degradation due to
radiation. For this a UV-inhibiting film can be applied to the surface of glazing.

Types of Curtain Wall System

Curtain wall systems are factory pre casted systems. They are bought to the site and assembl
two types based on the way each component is assembled.

Stick Curtain Wall System

Unitized Curtain Wall System

Stick Curtain Wall System involves its components to be assembled piece by piece on the bu
These are mainly installed in low rise building or small regions. This is because, to reach hig
exterior access is essential. For this additional requirements like scaffolding, cranes etc. will

The above system gains the advantage of low shipping cost as onsite adjustments are possibl
labor consumption is recorded to be high.

Unitized curtain wall systems involves assembling by means of interlocking units that are
factory. The whole components are bought together as a single unit from the factory. Individ
each component are not necessary as in sticky curtain wall system. The size of the unitized c
dependent on the floor to floor height of the building. Hence it is essential to keep in mind th

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7/8/2019 Curtain Wall System - its Types, Details, Functions and Advantages

transportation and installation while planning the depth of facade. This system is mainly use
building. This does not require exterior supports like cranes or scaffolding. Only mini cranes
hoist can be held over floor to keep it help during installation.

This system gains advantage of faster construction and higher quality because of factory ma
gains high shipping charge as mentioned due to requirement of larger protection during tran

Components of a Curtain Wall

The complete unit consist of the following structural elements

1. Transom

2. Mullions

3. Vision Glass

4. Anchor

Fig.3: Detailed Components of a Curtain Wall System

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7/8/2019 Curtain Wall System - its Types, Details, Functions and Advantages

Fig.4: Mullions and Transoms

Transom or horizontal rails are horizontal members on the curtain wall panel. The mullions
are anchored to the edge slab or beam. These are mainly involved in supporting the dead we
wall. In conventional or sticky curtain wall system each system has to be placed one after the
quality check and precision in required for the installation. But in unitized system the factor
as two units alone which has to connected.

Panel Framing details of Curtain Walls

Unitized system is identified by the split mullions and the transforms that are evident in the
as shown in figure.5.

Fig.5: Unitized Curtain Wall

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7/8/2019 Curtain Wall System - its Types, Details, Functions and Advantages

In case of sticky curtain wall, there is no sort of splits all forms a single unit. During Longer s
a need for intermediate transom which would essentially split the entire vertical panel into t

In order to prevent condensation, mullions and transom are thermally broken. This prevent

Weather Tightness of Curtain Walls

The weather tightness mainly deals with the issue of water permeability. In order to avoid th
insulating units (glazed units) are employed. In addition to which a gasket is provided which
Any water that moves into the gasket is lead to the rebate which in turn is drained out throu
joints or mullions ends.

Support Conditions of Curtain Walls

As discussed curtain wall systems are hung from top which are laterally supported at differe
Most of the supports are held at the edge beams. Hence it is essential to have a highly stiffene
order to avoid larger deflections.

These vertical deflections could disturb the whole curtain system. So proper edge beam prov
prevent damage to the curtain wall and cladding system particularly when it is highly glazed

As an alternative steel strong backs can be provided so that they can span between the perim
hence it is not necessary to connect to the edge beams or floor slabs. The strong backs are ma
sections.

Structural Behavior of Curtain Walls

Past studies have showed that curtain walls seem to be resistant against lateral forces mainly
there is measurable amount of damage caused. Even though damage can be repaired, there i
and delay in business activity.

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7/8/2019 Curtain Wall System - its Types, Details, Functions and Advantages

Curtain walls are considered as structural elements of a building. As it acts as a partition bet
interior environment of the building, it has a role in transmission of loads acting for structur

It transmits wind induced loads to the primary structure. It also resists the seismic accelerati
occupants comfortable. Other than this it has to resist gravity loads coming over it.

When considering the durability of the building, curtain walls play an efficient role in adapt
temperature ranges. This is because of the case in high rise building, as the number of floors
seems high and would be a risk factor for the occupants working in those floors. It is also req
resistance against water penetration and hence stop corrosion.

About Neenu Arjun

(https://theconstructor.org/author/nsneenusk

Neenu is a Civil and Structural Engineer and has experience in Design of Concrete and Steel Str
Author, Editor and Partner at theconstructor.org.

©2019 The Constructor - Civil Engineering Home

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