Definition :

A system of cladding comprising a frame or

grid of members fixed to the face of a structure,
usually at each floor level and as an infilling of
panels, glazed or solid as may be required to
perform both the functions of window and
wall.
 Curtain walls must fulfill certain functional
requirements as other wall systems:

¨ Strength and stability

¨ Movement
¨ Weather resistance
¨ Thermal insulation and condensation
¨ Sound insulation
¨ Materials of construction
Strength and stability

- Must be able to carry its own weight

- Capable of resisting horizontal loadings (the
higher off ground the greater wind speed etc.)
- Fixing must be able to resist wind loading etc.
- Able to transfer all loads to structural frames
- May use energy absorbing connections or
seismic design
Movement

- Allows for differential movements between

parts (between framing & structure, vertical &
horizontal members and framing and infilling
panels)
- Joints and connections must be designed with
to allow for movements etc.
- Movement can also happens due to internal
and external temperature levels
Weather resistance

- Must be waterproof using impervious

materials such as glass, metals and plastics
- Joints must have sufficient tolerances for
movement to avoid leaks (waterproofed strips
etc)
- Joints must be flexible and need to be sealed
Thermal insulation and Condensation

- To reduce heat gains / heat loss, economical

power demand
- Vapour seal at joints between panels and
framing may be difficult to maintain
- Draining of vapour condensate should be
incorporate in design
Sound insulation

- Insulation against airborne sound by providing

walls with adequate mass or discontinuity of
construction (difficult)
- Structure borne sound can be transmitted if
framing system share same elements common
to a number of rooms
Fire resistance

- As in any construction adequate fire protection

must be considered
- Fireproofing of framings and using fire
resisting materials
- Infill panels such as fire resisting glass etc
Material and construction

- Aluminium is favoured because of lightness,

moderate cost and ease of forming
- Steel anchors should be given protective
coatings or insolated by plastic covers or
fibrous washers etc.
- Despite potential corrosion mild steels is
common because of relatively cheap and strong
- Other metals such as bronze may be considered
Stick System – assembled piece by piece; low shipping
and handling costs. This system can be adjusted more
readily than the other systems to on-site conditions.
¨ Unit & Mullion System – mullions are installed first. Pre-
assembled units are then lowered into place behind the mullions. The
panel units may be full-story height, pre-glazed or unglazed, or may
be separate vision glass and spandrel units. Shipping bulk is greater
than with Stick System, but less field labour and erection time
required.
¨ Panel System – consist of entirely of large wall units which may
be pre-assembled. The wall units may be more than one storey height
and may be pre-glazed or glazed after installation. Allows for rapid
erection but bulky to handle