Curtain wall

Abstract: One of the most important methods of saving energy in a building is by carefully designing its facade. A ‘double skin facade’ is optimally one of the best options in managing the interaction between the outdoors and the internal spaces. It also provides some architectural flexibility to the design. Recently it has received much attention as opposed to the more typically glazed curtain wall. This is because of its ability to efficiently reduce energy and therefore saves cost. The amount of energy saved depends on the climate and the design chosen. The design of the DSF involves decisions on geometric parameters, glass selection, ventilation strategy, shading, daylighting, aesthetics, wind loads, and maintenance and cleaning cost expectations. DSF has an impact on several aspects of the design phase of a building. For example, thermal properties, acoustic characteristics and daylighting are affected in the exploitation phase of the building. In addition, in terms of building safety point of view, fire propagation maintenance or glazing thermal break must be taken into account. Currently, little work has been done on the behaviour of DSFs in hot and humid climates. This paper shall review previous studies made on double skin facade systems (DSFS) in buildings.

Abstract: The first installation of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) was realized in 1991 in Aachen, Germany (Benemann et al., Adv. Sol. Energy 13 (1999) 317). The photovoltaic elements were integrated into a curtain wall facade with isolating glass. Today, photovoltaic modules for building integration are produced as a standard building product, fitting into standard facade and roof structures these elements created a whole new market: BIPV. Since then building integration is one of the fastest growing market segments in photovoltaics. An impressive solar installation, the Academy Mont-Cenis in Herne (Germany) with more than 10 000 m2 of photovoltaics integrated into the roof and facade was finished in March this year. Several other large-scale projects are under construction or in the planning phase.

Abstract: A curtain wall structure assembled from modular frame assemblies and having an improved four corner joint construction of more than adequate weathertightness. Alignment means is provided for structurally connecting lower head rails in axially aligned relation. Filler strip means and lap strip means cooperate with the alignment means to cap a vertical conduit formed by interlocked mullion sections; and to seal a gap and a space presented between adjacent interlocked head and sill rails thereby providing a wearthertight four corner joint.

Abstract: A curtain wall (ACM) system has vertical mullions and horizontal supports which provide a dry as well as a structural system for non-sequential construction of curtain wall exteriors. Internal gutters offer a failsafe moisture proof system. The horizontal and vertical framework members may be mounted in the reverse orientation for special exterior wall configurations. Individual panels can be replaced without sealants or tear down of neighboring panels. A face support for the thin ACM panels is provided. Thermal expansion is addressed with a floating panel on a track design. Alternate embodiment includes transition frame members having glass and metal panel integral supports, freestanding X-Y sub-frame assemblies, fiber optic outboard channels and novel methods of assembly.

Abstract: A curtain-wall masonry veneer anchor system provides tolerances for accommodating installation misalignment and similarly for accommodating in-service load stresses while at the same time preventing loosening in service, even when installed through sheathing/or insulation covering wall structure to which the system is affixed, such as a masonry wall or metal stud or structural steel. A threaded stud is provided, either coarse-threaded along the length for self-tapping in a pre-drilled hole in masonry, or self-drilling and self-tapping for one-operation affixation in steel studding or in structural steel; a fastener barrel has at one end a threaded hole receiving the stud and surrounded by teeth in a radial face arranged for routing away sheathing or insulation as the threaded stud screws into a wall, preventing crushed sheathing or insulation from causing loosening and backing out under service loads; novel tie configuration connects with an eye in the fastener barrel outer end and accommodates to the various rotational positions at which the fastener barrel may tighten in wall structure.