AR 421
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BUILDING by mark
TECHNOLOGY 5
Ar. Mark Roldan G. Panaligan
TOPICS: GLASS CURTAIN WALL & MASONRY PANEL WALL
MODULE 4.0
4.0
MODULE
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:
at the end of this module, you will be able to:
01 02 03
Show and apply the
Articulate and different composite
Explain and discuss discuss the materials that were
the concept of using composite action of used in certain
Wall Systems two construction projects through
materials. architectural
practice.
Ar. Mark Roldan G. Panaligan
GLASS
CURTAIN WALL
Introduction
What is a Glass Curtain Wall System?
A “curtain wall” is an external building feature that
shields occupants and the structure from external
environmental impacts. It not only provides protection
from elements like wind and rain but also offers various
design and functional possibilities. Curtain walls can
be entirely glass or incorporate materials like stone
and aluminum panels.
They may feature architectural elements for aesthetic
enhancement or environmental management, such
as brise soleil for shading or photovoltaic panels for
electricity generation. Unlike structural components,
modern curtain walls are designed as cladding
elements, ensuring their failure won’t cause
disproportionate damage to the building.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Types of Curtain Walling
Three primary types of curtain walling systems:
➢ STICK SYSTEMS
➢ UNITIZED SYSTEMS
➢ BOLT-FIXED GLAZING
types of curtain walling systems:
Stick Systems
These systems vary in design aesthetics, construction
methods, and overall design. While each system meets
building design load requirements, they respond differently
when subjected to blast loads, potentially offering varying
levels of occupant protection. Hence, understanding these
diverse systems is crucial for their effective use.
Stick systems for curtain walls consist of individual vertical
mullions and horizontal transoms, also known as “sticks.”
These elements are connected to the building’s floor slabs,
with large glass panels for external views and opaque
spandrel panels to conceal the structural framework.
types of curtain walling systems:
Stick Systems
The dimensions of these sections are determined by
factors such as the horizontal span between mullions,
the height between floor slabs, environmental forces
like wind, and the weight of the glass. The glass is
usually supplied by a separate glass manufacturer and
is designed to be compatible with the system.
In stick systems, the components are often pre-
fabricated in a factory, cut to the required lengths,
and prepared for assembly. A team of specialist
contractors then installs these elements on-site. Once
the mullion and transom grid are in place, glass panes
and spandrel panels are positioned and secured using
pressure plates, which are concealed by cover caps.
Another method, toggle glazing, clamps the glass
internally via a channel.
Glass & Glazing Systems
types of curtain walling systems: Stick systems are favored for their versatility and
Stick Systems
cost-effectiveness, making them a common
choice for applications like shopping centers and
low-rise office buildings.
iconic building that use
Stick Systems
Empire State Building – New York City, USA Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) – Chicago, USA
types of curtain walling systems:
Unitized Systems
A unitized system takes the component parts of the stick system and assembles them into
individual prefabricated units within a factory setting. These units are then transported to
the construction site and fixed to the building’s structure.
Factory preparation of
unitized systems allows for
more intricate designs
and the use of materials
that demand strict quality
control to achieve a high-
quality finish. This
approach also enhances
precision and reduces the
number of on-site joints,
resulting in better air and
water tightness compared
to stick systems.
types of curtain walling systems:
Unitized Systems
One of the primary advantages of
unitized systems is their rapid
installation. When compared to stick
systems, these factory-assembled
systems can be installed in just one-
third of the time. Unitized systems are
particularly well-suited for buildings
that require a large amount of
cladding and where access or site
labor costs are high, such as high-rise
buildings in cities.
types of curtain walling systems:
Unitized Systems
Within the unitized curtain wall systems family, some sub-categories
benefit from speedy installation and a shift of labor costs from the
construction site to the factory floor. These sub-categories include:
1. Panelized Curtain Walling: This approach uses large prefabricated
glazed panels that typically span between structural columns (often 6-9
meters) and are one storey in height. These panels are connected back
to structural columns or floor slabs, similar to the unitized system. Due to
their size, these panels often consist of discrete structural steel frames
with glass panes fixed within them.
2. Spandrel Ribbon Glazing: In ribbon glazing, spandrel panels are
linked together to form long panel lengths, which are then delivered and
installed on-site. Spandrels are the panels in a facade located between
the vision areas of windows, often made of glass with opaque interlayers
or painted to conceal the structure. They can also be constructed from
other materials, including GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete),
terracotta, or aluminum with insulation situated behind them.
iconic building that use
Unitized Systems
Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE
Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China
types of curtain walling systems:
iconic building that use
Bolt-Fixed Glazing
The Louvre Pyramid - Paris, France Apple Store Fifth Avenue - New York, USA
Benefits of Curtain Wall Systems
You’ll love the benefits of using curtain wall systems. They offer a range of advantages
that can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your building. Here are some
reasons why curtain walls are worth considering:
• Enhanced natural light: With large glass panels, curtain wall systems allow ample
sunlight to enter your space, creating a bright and inviting environment.
• Energy efficiency: Curtain walls are designed to provide excellent thermal
insulation, reducing energy consumption and lowering heating and cooling costs.
• Versatility in design: Curtain walls offer endless design possibilities. You can choose
from various materials, colors, and finishes to create a unique look that matches
your vision.
• Noise reduction: By incorporating acoustic glazing options, curtain walls can help
minimize external noise pollution, providing a quieter interior environment.
With these benefits in mind, it’s time to explore the different types of curtain wall
materials. Each material has its own set of characteristics and advantages that will
influence the overall performance and appearance of your building’s exterior. So let’s
dive into the next section to learn more about them!
MASONRY
PANEL WALL