STRUCTURAL

DESIGN OF
FAÇADE
ELEMENTS
FAÇADE WEBINAR SERIES:
APRIL 9, APRIL 16, & APRIL 23, 2021

Technical Speaker:
Engr. Richard Tarun
Senior Façade Engineer
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT
AS FAÇADE
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT AS FAÇADE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Etihad Towers 1, 2, 3, Abu Dhabi, UAE MASDAR Institute of Science and Technology
T2: 77-storey at 320 m above ground Abu Dhabi, UAE
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT AS FAÇADE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Saraya Towers – Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE Gate District Towers – Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tower 1 – 46-storey at 185m above ground Cluster of 66-storey at 240m above ground
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT AS FAÇADE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Al Jazeera Tower – Abu Dhabi, UAE City of Lights C1 Tower – Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
37-storey at 153m above ground 62-storey at 282m above ground
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT AS FAÇADE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Five Jumeirah Tower / Suites in the Skai, Jumeirah Viceroy Ultra Luxury Hotel – Dubai Palm Jumeirah, UAE
Village, Dubai, UAE – 61-stroey at 276m above ground ($1 Billion Cost)
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT AS FAÇADE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, UAE W-Hotel Resort and Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
(Luxury 5 star hotel, resort and residential complex)

BARWA Commercial Avenue, Doha, Qatar ($2 Billion Cost)

Mixed-Used Development Stretching over 8.5km
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT AS FAÇADE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Opera Grand, Dubai, UAE Vida Residences, Dubai, UAE Tiara United Towers, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
66-storey, 288m above ground 61-storey, 238m above ground 46-storey,193m above ground
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT AS FAÇADE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

The Palm Tower by Nakheel, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

52-storey, 240m above ground
5-star hotel and luxury residential apartments
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT
AS FAÇADE ENGINEER &
FAÇADE CONSULTANT
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT AS FAÇADE ENGINEER / FAÇADE CONSULTANT

One Zabeel Towers with the Cantilever Link, Dubai, UAE Address Harbour Point, Creek Harbour, Dubai, UAE
Tower A: 68-storey, 305m above ground; Tower B: 59-storey, 242m above ground Tower 1: 53-stroey 235m above ground; Tower 2: 67-storey,
Link length is 230m suspended 100m above ground, cantilevered 67m 279m above ground
FAÇADE SE101: DAY 1

PART 1:
INTRODUCTION AND
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES – DAY 1
Understand what is Façade and Façade Engineering
Have an insight about the different types of Façade
Understand the commonly used Curtain Wall Types
Gain insights on the different components of Curtain Walls
Understand the different considerations when designing Curtain Walls
Understand how to structurally design a glass panel
Understand how to design the structural sealant connecting glass panel
to curtain wall framing
Understand how to design a stick curtain wall framing
Understand how to design a unitized curtain wall framing
LEARNING OBJECTIVES – DAY 2
Demonstrate the interfaces of Strand7
Demonstrate how to create nodes, beams, elements in Strand7
Demonstrate how to create load cases and load combinations
Demonstrate application of supports, loads and running an analysis
Demonstrate how to show analysis results such as beam deflection,
stresses, and beam force and moment diagrams.
Demonstrate how to generate mullion and transom profiles as
beam elements in Strand7
Understand how to analyze a stick and unitized curtain wall system
Demonstrate how to show deflections, stresses, beam forces and
bending moments, and support reactions.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES – DAY 3
Understand the design parameters used for glass panel analysis in
Strand7 non-linear analysis approach.
Understand and demonstrate non-linear finite element analysis for
glass panels in Strand7
Understand and demonstrate non-linear finite element analysis for
glass balustrade panels in Strand7
Understand how to analyze typical curtain wall bracket using non-
linear finite element analysis
Demonstrate how to create nodes and plate elements in Strand7
Demonstrate how to create load cases and load combinations
Demonstrate application of supports, loads and running an analysis
Demonstrate how to show analysis results such as plate deflections,
and stresses, and reactions .
FACADE ENGINEERING DEFINED
According to Society of Facade Engineers (SFE),
Façade Engineering is the art of resolving
aesthetic, environmental and structural issues to
achieve the enclosure of habitable space.
Building façades are one of the largest, most
important elements in the overall aesthetic and
technical performance of a building.
The façade of a modern building is one of the most
expensive and important elements of building
construction and can represent up to 35% of
construction costs.
WHO ARE FAÇADE ENGINEERS?
Façade engineers concern themselves with everything to
do with a building's external envelope above ground level.
Specialist façade engineers will typically first have attained
a level of knowledge across all façade types and then
have chosen to specialize in one particular aspect of
façade engineering.
Examples are façade engineers whose emphasis is in the
structural performance of a particular façade material
such as glass, stone, or aluminum cladding panels.
Façade engineers must consider aspects such as the
design, certification, fabrication and installation of the
building façades
FACADE TYPES
GLAZED FAÇADE
As per DGBR, all areas in
the building envelope
that let in light, including
windows, plastic panels,
clerestories, skylights, and
doors that are more than
one half glass, and glass
block walls. Also referred
as Fenestration.
FACADE TYPES
RAINSCREEN CLADDING
Cladding is the application
of one material over
another to provide a skin or
layer. In construction,
cladding is used to provide
a degree of thermal
insulation and weather
resistance, and to improve
the appearance of
buildings.
FACADE TYPES – GLAZED FACADE
Curtain Walling
 Stick Curtain Wall
 Unitized Curtain Wall
 Semi-unitized Curtain Wall
Point-supported Glazing
 Spider
 Bolted
Glass fin / beam
Doors
 Hinged Doors
 Sliding Doors
 Bi-folding Doors
 Revolving Doors
Windows
 Punch Windows
 Top Hung Windows

Skylight  Bottom Hung Windows

 Parallel Push Windows
Glazed Canopy
Glazed Balustrade
FACADE TYPES – GLAZED FACADE

Stick Curtain Wall Unitized Curtain Wall

FACADE TYPES – GLAZED FACADE

Skylight

Frameless Glazing
Glazed Canopy
FACADE TYPES – GLAZED FACADE

Punch / Fixed Windows

Bottom Hung Windows

Top Hung Windows

Side Hung Pushout

FACADE TYPES – GLAZED FACADE
Revolving Doors

Sliding Doors
Bi-folding Doors

Hinged Doors
FACADE TYPES – GLAZED FACADE

Glazed Balustrades
FACADE TYPES – CLADDING

Metal cladding Ceramic Cladding

 Solid aluminum cladding Precast
 Aluminum composite Insulated Render (EIFS)
material/panel (ACM/ACP)
 Perforated Metal Panels
Stone Cladding
GRC Cladding
Terracotta Cladding
FACADE TYPES – CLADDING

Metal Cladding Stone Cladding

FACADE TYPES – CLADDING

GRC
Terracotta

Precast
CURTAIN WALLING

CURTAIN WALLING DEFINED

A form of vertical building enclosure which
supports no load other than its own weight and
the environmental forces which act upon it. It is
not intended to assist the structural integrity of the
building. There are two main types of curtain
walling construction: “stick” and “unitized” system.
CURTAIN WALL TYPES
STICK CURTAIN WALL
In stick construction, the curtain wall frame is constructed mainly
on site with mullions and transoms supporting glass, spandrel
panels, metal panels connected piece by piece. Each mullion is
usually supported by the floor or perimeter beams through
bracket.

UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL

In unitized construction, the curtain wall is composed of large
units that are assembled in the factory, shipped to the site and
erected on the building. Aluminum profiles are used to form the
frame, which is normally one-storey high. Opening vents, glazing
and infill panels are built into units before being transported to
site. As with stick construction, each unit is usually supported by
the floor or perimeter beams.
STICK CURTAIN WALL
Components of Stick Curtain Wall:
Spandrel Panel
(Shadow Box)

Mullion
Splice
Joint

Transom
(Ceiling)

Vision
Panel

Transom

Support
Bracket
STICK CURTAIN WALL
Components of Stick Curtain Wall:
STICK CURTAIN WALL
Types of Stick Curtain Wall:

Aluminium cover cap – Dry Glazed Weather Sealant – Wet Glazed

STICK CURTAIN WALL
Fabrication and Installation Methods:
UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL
Components of Unitized CW:
Mullion
(Split / Male & Female)
Spandrel Panel
(Shadow Box)

Sill Transom
Split Mullion
Transom
(Ceiling) Stack Joint
Transom Glass Panel
Support (Vision or Spandrel)
Bracket

Vision
Panel

Stack Joint
Gutter Transom Transom
UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL
Components of Unitized CW:

UCW Section at Bracket Area

UCW Split Mullion Plan UCW Split Mullion Plan at

Bracket and Spandrel
UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL
Fabrication and Installation Methods:
UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL
Fabrication and Installation Methods:
STICK & UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL
General Design Consideration:
Structural Performance Optical Performance
 Wind Load  Shading Coefficient (SC)
 Live Loads  Internal Reflectance
 Seismic Loads  External Reflectance
 Strength and Serviceability Requirements  Light Transmission
Weathertightness Acoustic Requirements
 Airtightness  Sound Transmission Class (STC)
 Watertightness  Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw)
Thermal Performance Other Factors
 Thermal transmittance (U-value, W/m2K)  Building movements
 Condensation risk assessment  Construction tolerances
PERFORMANCE MOCK-UP TESTING
FAÇADE SE101: DAY 1

PART 2:
STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF GLASS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Identify the major differences between codes and standards with
respect to:
 Glass thicknesses
 Design limitations
Identify different types of loadings on glass panels
Identify common types of structural glass and its applications.
Understand load sharing principle and application of loads in insulating
glass unit (IGU/DGU).
Understand the parameters of glass design.
Learn the step-by-step procedure to design IGU using ASTM E1300.
COMMONLY USED STANDARDS
American – ASTM E1300 “Standard Practice
for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in
Buildings”
Australian – AS 1288:2006 “Glass in buildings -
Selection and installation”
British – BS 6262-3:2005 “Glazing for buildings.
Code of practice for fire, security and wind
loading”
COMMON TYPES OF STRUCTURAL GLASS
 Annealed Glass, AN
Allowable surface strength* = 23.3 MPa
Allowable edge strength* = 16.6 MPa
 Heat Strengthened Glass, HS (Strength x 2 AN)
Allowable surface strength* = 46.6 MPa
Allowable edge strength* = 36.5 MPa
 Fully Tempered Glass, FT (Strength x 4 AN)
Allowable surface strength* = 93.1 MPa
Allowable edge strength* = 73 MPa
*ASTM E1300-2004

Common Applications
• Laminated Glass, LG (combination of two glass lites + interlayer)
It is highly recommended for lamination of similar strength and thickness

• Insulating Glass Unit, IGU

(combination external glass + air space + internal glass)
Nominal Glass Thicknesses (mm)
Minimum Glass Thicknesses (mm)
GLASS LOADINGS
• Pressure, P = Force
(kN/m2) or kiloPascal (kPa) 1000 kPa = 1 MPa
Area
SHORT DURATION (3-second gust) - Wind load pressure
LONG DURATION – Self Weight (if glass is inclined)
LONG DURATION – Live load pressure (if subject to maintenance load)
The following loads require finite element method (FEM) analysis since they are not
normally covered by the standards. The available structural engineering softwares used
are SAP2000, Strand7, STAADPro, SJMepla, ANSYS and others.

• Local Pressure, P = Force (kN/m2) or kiloPascal (kPa) ≤ 1000mm

Area
Crowd loading normally applied at an area less than 1000mm above ground level
• Linear Load or Uniform Load, W = Force
(kN/m)
Length ≤ 1000mm

Crowd loading normally applied at 1000mm above ground level

• Point Load or Concentrated Load, P = Force (kN)
Crowd loading normally applied within 1000mm above ground level
≤ 1000mm
DESIGN LIMITATIONS
LOAD SHARING FACTOR FOR IGU
• LS1 = t1 3 + t2 3
t1 3
Sealed Air
• LS2 = t1 3 + t2 3 Space Pressure
t2 3
• Example: Wind load, W = 2.50 kN/m2 with IGU
8mm thick external glass + 6mm thick internal t1 t2
glass to ASTME1300
• Min. thickness t1 = 7.42 mm
• Min. thickness t2 = 5.56 mm
• LS1 = t13 + t23 = 1.42 • LS2 = t13 + t23 = 3.37
t13 t23
• W1 = W / LS1 = 1.76 kN/m2 • W2 = W / LS2 = 0.74 kN/m2

• W = W1 + W2 = 2.50 kN/m2
DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR IGU
• Long dimension, a = 3000 mm
• Short dimension, b = 2000 mm

• Wind load pressure, W = 3.00 kN/m2

• Support condition = 4 side supports

• Location Lite No. 1 Lite No. 2

• Type = Heat Strengthened Fully Tempered
• Thickness = 12 mm 8 mm
IGU DESIGN AS PER ASTM E1300
• Location Lite No. 1 Lite No. 2
• Glass type factor, GTF = 1.90 3.80
Table 2 Short Duration Load – wind load
Table 3 Long Duration Load – live load

• Load share factor, LS = 1.24 5.14

Table 5 Short Duration Load – wind load
Table 6 Long Duration Load – live load

• Non-factored Load, NFL 2.20 kN/m2 1.35 kN/m2

Which CHART to use?

Figure A1.9 - 12mm thick 4-side simply supported

Figure A1.7 - 8mm thick 4-side simply supported

• Load Resistance, LR
LR = GTF*LS*NFL = 5.18 kN/m2 26.37 kN/m2

• Glass Load Resistance, LR = 5.18 kN/m2 > W = 3.00 kN/m2

IGU DEFLECTION
• Location Lite No. 1 Lite No. 2

• Aspect Ratio, AR = a/b = 1.50

• Load = W / LS = 2.416 kN/m2 0.584 kN/m2

• Load * (a * b)2 = 86.98 kN.m2 21.02 kN.m2

• Deflection, ∆ = 19.8 mm 16.8 mm

Figure A1.9 - 12mm thick 4-side simply supported

Figure A1.7 - 8mm thick 4-side simply supported

• Maximum Deflection, ∆ = 19.8 mm < L/60 or 25mm = 25 mm

whichever is less
FAÇADE SE101: DAY 1

PART 3:
STRUCTURAL SEALANT DESIGN
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Identify the common standards used for the design.
Identify different types of silicone sealant glazing
systems
Understand its restrictions and limitations.
Differentiate common terminologies.
Identify the basic ingredient that affect the strength
of the sealant.
Learn the step-by-step procedure to design silicone
sealant.
Silicon Sealant Ingredients

 Polymer –Helicoidal silicone polymer chain (spring

- like)
 Crosslinker – Links polymer chains to form a solid
rubber after cure. Different crosslinkers are used
for different cure systems (acetoxy, methoxy,
oxime, etc.)
 Catalyst – Affects the rate of cure
 Filler – Reinforcement that provides strength to
sealant
 Plasticizer – Non-reactive fluid that can add
elasticity (and potentially staining)
 Adhesion Promoters
 Additives – Fungicides, pigments, etc.
COMMONLY USED STANDARDS / CODES

 European – ETAG 002 Part 1 – Structural Sealant

Glazing Systems (SSGS)

 European – BS EN 13022-1:2006 – Glass In Building –

Strucutral Sealant Glazing
Limitation – design outer seal only.
Part 2 has not been published yet.

 No existing American or British standards

Common
SSGS
General Restrictions
• Structural sealant shall be applied
continuously; Intermittent application shall
be avoided.
• Structural sealant is to be factory applied.
• Structural-sealant adhesion on three
surfaces shall be avoided.
• Adhesion to a spacer in an insulating glass
unit is not to be considered as a structural
bond.
• The types III and IV SSGS are only
applicable for single glass units. For
insulating glass units or laminated glass,
each pane of glass must be supported
(type I or II).

No structural bond

Structural bond
TERMINOLOGY
Structural glazing with stepped IGU (Type II)

Glass
Double side adhesive tape

Backer rod (close-cell PE)

Weather silicone
Dow Corning 791
Dow Corning 797
Dow Corning 756 SMS

Structural glazing silicone

Dow Corning 993
Dow Corning 895
Metal profile
Dow Corning 995
section

Insulating glass silicone

Gasket seal (secondary seal)
(silicone profile) Dow Corning 3362
Dow Corning 3793
Polyisobutylene Dow Corning 995
(primary seal)
TERMINOLOGY
Structural glazing with symmetric IGU (Type II)
Glass

Gasket seal
(silicone profile)

Structural glazing silicone Weather silicone

Dow Corning 993 Dow Corning 791
Dow Corning 895 Dow Corning 797
Dow Corning 995 Dow Corning 756 SMS

Metal profile
section

Insulating glass silicone

(secondary seal)
Double side adhesive tape
Dow Corning 3362
Polyisobutylene
Dow Corning 3793
(primary seal)
General Formula of SSGS Type I and II
• Structural bite, hc = a W
2 σdes
σdes = (Ru,5/6) – design strength
a – short side dimension of the glass pane
W – wind load (unfactored)

• Limitations as per Clause 5.1.4.7:

• 6 mm ≤ bite of the seal ≤ 20 mm
• maximum sealant support frame
deflection: 1/300 between anchorages,
ignoring the glass stiffness
• maximum deflection in the middle of the
pane: 1/100 (smallest side).
General Formula of SSGS Type I and II
• Joint thickness, e = G ∆ = E ∆
σdes 3 σdes
• If b > a ∆ = [(Tc-To) αc – (Tv-To) αv] √ (a/2)2 + b2

• If a > b ∆ = [(Tc-To) αc – (Tv-To) αv] √ a2 + (b/2)2

σdes = (Ru,5/6) – design strength
G = E/3 – shear modulus
E – Modulus of Elasticity
∆ – maximum thermal movement, combination
of elongation in directions a and b
Tc – temperature, mettalic frame
Tv – temperature, glass
To – temperature, silicone application
αc – thermal expansion, metallic frame
αv – thermal expansion, glass

• Limitations as per Clause 5.1.4.7:

• minimum thickness of the seal = 6 mm
• Relationship between hc and e as per Clause A2.3.3
• e ≤ hc ≤ 3e
General Formula of SSGS Type I and II
• Outer seal bite, r = β a W
2 σdes
• If d1 ≤ d2 then β = 1/2

• If d1 > d2 then β = 1

β – part of wind-load carried by the outer glass

d1 > d2 d1 = d2 d1 < d2
β=1 β = 1/2 β = 1/2

• Limitations as per Clause A2.3.4

• minimum thickness of the seal = 6 mm
SSGS Design to ETAG002 Part 1
• Short dimension, a = 2000 mm
• Long dimension, b = 3000 mm

• Wind load pressure, W = 3.00 kN/m2

• Support condition = 4 side supports
• Sealant design strength, σdes = 138 kN/m2

• Structural bite, hc = a W = 21.74 mm

2 σdes
• Provide structural bite, hc = 22 mm

• For bite of the seal > 20 mm, the proper curing will not be
properly achieved on time therefore it may require two
applications or seek advise from the manufacturer for its
recommendation and approval.
SSGS Design to ETAG002 Part 1
• Metal frame temperature, Tc = 50 °C
• Glass temperature, Tv = 80 °C
• Application temperature, To = 20 °C
• Thermal expansion metal, αc = 0.0000241
• Thermal expansion glass, αv = 0.0000091
• Sealant Modulus of Elasticity, E = 1400 kN/m2
• Since b > a
∆ = [(Tc-To) αc – (Tv-To) αv] √ (a/2)2 + b2 = 0.56 mm
• Joint Thickness, e = E ∆ / 3 σdes = 1.89 mm
• Joint Thickness, e = hc / 3 = 7.33 mm
• Joint Thickness, emin = 6.00 mm

• Provide joint thickness, e = 8.00 mm

SSGS Design to ETAG002 Part 1
• External glass thickness, d1 = 12 mm
• Internal glass thickness, d2 = 8 mm
• Since d1 > d2, β = 1.00

• Outer seal bite, r = β a W = 21.74 mm

2 σdes
• Outer seal bite, rmin = 6 mm

• Provide outer seal bite, r = 22 mm

Table Summary for Type I and II only

above 30mm is
not recommended

21-30mm (critical zone)

11-20mm (ideal zone)
6-10mm (minimal zone)
FAÇADE SE101: DAY 1

PART 4:
STRUCTURAL FRAMING DESIGN
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Identify the major difference between codes and standards.
Identify different types of aluminium alloys and its properties and
strength.
Understand common deflection criteria used in the façade industry.
Understand the concept about heat affected zone (HAZ) due to
welding.
Learn the step-by-step procedure to obtain section properties by
AutoCAD.
Understand load directions, load path and support conditions.
Understand beam design principle and general formulas.
Learn the step-by-step procedure to obtain initial member sizing with
simple exercise.
COMMONLY USED CODES/STANDARDS
American – Aluminium Design Manual 2005 (not
a standard/code)
This manual is based on Allowable Stress Design
as well as Load and Resistance Factor Design
British – BS 8118-1:1991 – Structural Use Of
Aluminium
European – BS EN 1999-1-1:2007 – Eurocode 9:
Design of Aluminium Structures
These codes are based on Ultimate Stress Design
Aluminium Alloys
Designations
6063 T6
Non Heat-treatable alloys
F – as fabricated
O – annealed
H – strain-hardened
Heat-treatable Alloys
T4 – heat-treated and naturally aged
T5 – cooled from an elevated T-shaping process and artificially aged
T6 – heat-treated and artificially aged
T8 – heat-treated, cold worked and artificially aged
Aluminium - indicates minimum aluminium percentage
Aluminium Alloy - no signifance and used only to identify different alloys
in the group
0 – original alloy
1 to 9 – indicates alloy modifications
Aluminium
1xxx – 99% aluminium
Aluminium Alloy (major elements)
2xxx – Copper
3xxx – Manganese
4xxx – Silicon
5xxx – Magnesium
6xxx – Magnesium and silicon
7xxx – Zinc
8xxx – Other elements
9xxx – unused series
Heat Treatable and Non-Heat Treatable Alloys
Non Heat-treatable alloys
The strength of these alloys is initially produced by alloying the aluminum with additions of other elements. These
alloys consist of the pure aluminum alloys (1xxx series), manganese alloys (3xxx series), silicon alloys (4xxx series)
and magnesium alloys (5xxx series). A further increase in strength of these alloys is obtained through various
degrees of cold working or strain hardening. Cold working or strain hardening is accomplished by rolling, drawing
through dies, stretching or similar operations where area reduction is obtained.

Heat-treatable Alloys
The initial strength of these alloys is also produced by the addition of alloying elements to pure aluminum. These
elements include copper (2xxx series), magnesium and silicon, which is able to form the compound magnesium
silicide (6xxx series), and zinc (7xxx series). When present in a given alloy, singly or in various combinations, these
elements exhibit increasing solid solubility in aluminum as the temperature increases. Because of this reaction, it
is possible to produce significant additional strengthening to the heat-treatable alloys by subjecting them to an
elevated thermal treatment, quenching, and, when applicable, precipitation heat-treatment known also as
artificial aging.
In solution heat-treatment, the material is typically heated to temperatures of 480 to 565 deg Celsius, depending
upon the alloy. This causes the alloying elements within the material to go into solid solution. Rapid quenching,
usually in water, which freezes or traps the alloying elements in solution, follows this process. Precipitation heat-
treatment or artificial aging is used after solution heat-treatment. This involves heating the material for a
controlled time at a lower temperature (around 120 to 205 deg Celsius). This process, used after solution heat-
treatment, both increases strength and stabilizes the material.
Aluminium Alloys – Material Strength Comparison
(ADM 2010 and BS 8118-1-1991)

Extract from Aluminum Design Manual (ADM 2010)

Ftu – tensile ultimate strength
Fty – tensile yield strength
Fcy – compressive yield strength
po – design strength, limiting stress
for bending and overall yielding
pa – limiting stress for local capcity of the
section in tension and compressiong

Fsu – shear ultimate strength pv – limiting stress is shear Extract from BS 8118: Part 1: 1991
Physical Properties – Table 2.5 BS8118
• Density = 2710 kg/m3
• Modulus of Elasticity, E = 70,000 N/mm2
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion = 23 x 10-6 per °C

Load Factors (γf) – Table 3.1 and 3.2 BS8118

• Dead load : 1.20
• Wind load : 1.20
• Live / imposed load : 1.33

Material Factors (γm) – Table 3.3 BS8118

• Bolted on members : 1.20
Deflection Criteria – Table 3.4 BS8118
Curtain wall mullions
(a) Single glazed : L/175
(b) Double glazed : L/250
Beams carrying plaster or brittle finish : L/360
Beams : L/100

Deflection Criteria – CWCT for building envelope Part 3

(a) H < 3m : L/200
(b) 3m < H < 7.5m : L/300 + 5.0mm
(c) H > 7.5m : L/250

Deflection Criteria – Most common

Typical : L/175 or 19mm
whichever is less
Heat-affected Zones (HAZ) due to welding
– Table 4.5 BS8118
• Thickness of the element x kz factor = effective thickness
(a) 6061 T6 : kz = 0.50
(b) 6063 T5 : kz = 0.75
(c) 6063 T6 : kz = 0.50
(d) 6082 T6 : kz = 0.50

• Based on BS 8118, HAZ affects the thickness only and not the strength. O and T4
conditions are not affected by the HAZ.
• Aluminium & Design Construction by Dwight, HAZ affects the parent metal
strength.
Design Strengths, po – Table 4.1 and 4.2 BS8118
Non heat-treatable alloys
1200 H14 : 90 MPa
3105 H14 : 145 MPa Used by ALPOLIC

Heat-treatable alloys
6061 T6 : 240 MPa Commonly used alloy for brackets
6063 T4 : 65 MPa
6063 T5 : 110 MPa Alloy used for mullions, transoms etc.
6063 T6 : 160 MPa Commonly Used alloy for mullions, transoms, etc.
6082 T4 : 115 MPa
6082 T6 : 255 MPa Recommended alloy for brackets
7020 T4 : 185 MPa
7020 T6 : 280 MPa
PRINCIPLES OF CURTAIN WALL
FRAMING DESIGN
Profile Section Properties

Rectangular Section Symmetrical Hollow Section Unsymmetrical Section

0
Moment Of Inertia, Ix bd3 + Ay2 bd3 – b1d13 b1t13 + A1y12 + b2t23 + A2y22
12 12 12 12
Distance from N.A. to d d
outermost fiber, c maximum of c1 and c2
2 2

Elastic (Section) bd2 bd3 – b1d13 Ix

Modulus, Zx = Ix / c
6 6d cmax

Radius of gyration, rx
√ Ix
A
L
Slenderness ratio, lx
rmin
Profile Section Properties
• Simple procedure to obtain section properties in AutoCAD

closed blue polyline

open magenta polyline
(something is wrong)

Draw any “closed” polygon Type pedit and join the lines as
shapes (example - blue, red, a single “polyline” object
magenta and green polygons) (optional).
Profile Section Properties

It shows a
single and
hollow profile

4 Regions created

Type region and window select the For male profile, type subtract and select
object(s). 0 region created means the the region to subtract from, 1, press enter,
polygon is not properly closed. then select the region to subtract, 2. Do
the same for the female profile.
Profile Section Properties

OK
Design
requirement
Values must
be 0.0000

Type massprop and select the male mullion. Move the profile to x and y directions
Ensure that centroid values must be 0.0000 to to attain 0.0000 values.
obtain correct physical properties of the profile.
Load Directions
Types Horizontal Inclined Vertical Remarks

Self-weight & Always in vertical direction

Dead Load regardless of beam orientation

Live/Imposed Horizontal direction – crowd

Load Vertical direction – floor

Acts normal or perpendicular

Wind Load to the beam surface
Support Conditions
Types of Support Pinned Pinned Fixed End Free End
Dead load support Expansion support

Translation in X NO YES NO YES

direction
Translation in Y NO NO NO YES
direction
Translation in Z NO NO NO YES
direction
Rotation along X YES YES NO YES
direction
Rotation along Y YES YES NO YES
direction
Rotation along Z YES YES NO YES
direction
Load Path & Support Conditions
on Typical Curtain Wall
Design Recommendations:
Dead load 1. Aluminium mullions are typically 3x
bracket (DB)
flexible than steel and structurally
weak in axial compression due to
local buckling. Therefore, a bottom
DB should be avoided for long and
slender members.
(DB)
Expansion/stack joint 2. Reducing the number of transoms
Designed for shear also reduces the bending moment
transfer only & allows capacity of the mullion due to
the mullion to torsional buckling. For unitized
expand vertically.
system, anti-buckling clips are used
(DB) while the stick system shall be
reinforced with inserts to increase
capacity.

3. Expansion/stack joints should not be

Expansion far from the supports to avoid
bracket (EB) excessive deflection or
displacement.
Beam Design Principles
Loadings Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) Concentrated/Point Load

Beam Diagram

Shear Diagram

Bending Moment
Diagram

Maximum Deflection 5wL4 PL3

384EI 48EI
General Beam Stress Formula
CRITERIA STRESS CHECK STRESS RATIO CHECK DIAGRAM
Major axis bending Mx Mx
moment ≤ Design strength ≤ 1.0
Zx Mcx
Minor axis bending My My
moment Zy Mcy
Pure axial (tension / P P P
compression force) or
A Pc Pt

Major axis bending Mx P Mx P

+ +
with axial force Zx A Mcx Pc or Pt

Minor axis bending My P My P

with axial force + +
Zy A Mcy Pc or Pt

Biaxial bending Mx My Mx My
+ +
Zx Zy Mcx Mcy

Biaxial bending with Mx + My + P Mx

+
My
+
P
axial force Zx Zy A Mcx Mcy Pc or Pt
Initial Member Sizing Concept

Design Criteria:
 Bending moment of simple beam,
Mu = γf wL2/8 (factored BM, maximum)
 Strength, Mc (BM capacity / resistance)
Mc = po Zx / γm then equate Mc to Mu
po = γm Mu/Zx = γm γf wL2c/8Ix
 Ix = γm γf wL2c/8po
Deflection Criteria:
 Maximum beam deflection, δ = 5wL4/384EIx
 δallow = L/300 + 5mm
 Ix = 5wL4/384E(L/300+5)
Initial Member Sizing - Simple Exercise
Design:
Wind load, W = 3.0 kN/m2 (kPa)

Mullion spacing, B = 2 m

Mullion height, L = 3500 mm

Mullion depth, d = 200 mm

w = W*B = 6 kN/m (N/mm)

Assume, c = d/2 = 100 mm

Deflection:
Use 6063 T6, po = 160 N/mm2
Assuming δallow =L/300 + 5 = 16.67 mm
Material factor, γm = 1.2 Ix = 5wL4/384E δallow = 10,048,829 mm4

Load factor, γf = 1.2

Ix required = 10,049,000mm4
Ix = γm γf wL2c/8po = 8,268,750 mm4
Initial Member Sizing - Simple Exercise
Mullion Depth, d = 200 mm
Mullion Width, b = 80 mm
Side thickness, t1 = 3 mm
Lower/Upper side thickness, t2 = 3 mm
b1 = b – 2*t1 = 74 mm
d1 = d – 2*t2 = 194 mm
Ix = (bd3 – b1d13) / 12 = 8,308,132 mm4 < Ixrequired Not OK
OPTION 1: Revise side thickness, t1
Side thickness, t1 = 5 mm
b1 = b – 2*t1 = 70 mm
Ix = (bd3 – b1d13) / 12 = 10,741,926 mm4 > Ixrequired Hence, OK
A = bd – b1d1 = 2,420 mm2
OPTION 2: Rev. upper/lower thickness, t2
Lower/upper thickness, t2 = 5 mm
d1 = d – 2*t2 = 190 mm
Ix = (bd3 – b1d13) / 12 = 11,036,167 mm4 > Ixrequired Hence, OK
A = bd – b1d1 = 1,940 mm2
Conclusion: it is common for mullions with thicker upper and lower sides.
STICK CURTAIN WALL MULLION
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
 Stick Curtain
Wall Mullion
Design
SECTION (Sample Problem)
ELEVATION
Design Inputs:
Wind Pressure = 2.0kPa
Allowable Deflection = L/300 + 5mm
PLAN
Stick Curtain Wall Mullion Design
Strength Check:
Module width, a = 1315 mm
Mullion Span, L = 3500 mm

Wind pressure, W = 2.00 kN/m2

Support condition = Assume as simply supported
Maximum factored BM, Mu

Mu = γf wL2/8 = 4.83 kNm

γf = 1.2
w=Wxa = 2.63 kN/m

BM Resistance, Mc or MRS
Mc = po Zx / γm Assume “Compact Section”

γm = 1.2
Aluminum Alloy = 6063-T6
Stick Curtain Wall Mullion Design
Strength Check:
Design Strength, po = 160 N/mm2 (MPa)
Section Modulus, Zx = I/c = 58,135 mm3

Moment of Inertia, I = 4,858,379 mm4

c = 83.57 mm

Mc = po Zx / γm = 7,751,333 Nmm
= 7.75 kNm
UR = Mu /Mc = 0.63

Mu = 4.83 kNm

UR ≤ 1.0
Stick Curtain Wall Mullion Design
Deflection Check:
Maximum Deflection, δmax = 15.11 mm
δmax =5wL4/384EIx

w = 2.63 kN/m

L = 3500 mm
Modulus of Elasticity, E = 70,000 N/mm2 (MPa)

Moment of Inertia, I = 4,858,379 mm4

Allowable Deflection, δall = L/300+5mm

δall = 16.67 mm

(δmax = 15.11mm) < (δall = 16.67mm)

 Stick Curtain
Wall Mullion
Design
SECTION (Sample Problem #2)
ELEVATION
Design Inputs:
Wind Pressure = 3.50kPa
Allowable Deflection = L/200

PLAN
Stick Curtain Wall Mullion Design
Strength Check:
Module width, a = 1315 mm
Mullion Span, L = 3500 mm

Wind pressure, W = 3.50 kN/m2

Support condition = Assume as simply supported
Maximum factored BM, Mu

Mu = γf wL2/8 = 8.45 kNm

γf = 1.2
w=Wxa = 4.60 kN/m

BM Resistance, Mc or MRS
Mc = po Zx / γm Assume “Compact Section”

γm = 1.2
Aluminum Alloy = 6063-T6
Stick Curtain Wall Mullion Design
Strength Check:
Design Strength, po = 160 N/mm2 (MPa)
Section Modulus, Zx = I/c = 58,135 mm3

Moment of Inertia, I = 4,858,379 mm4

c = 83.57 mm

Mc = po Zx / γm = 7,751,333 Nmm
= 7.75 kNm
UR = Mu /Mc = 1.09

Mu = 8.45 kNm

UR > 1.0 NOT OK

Stick Curtain Wall Mullion Design
Deflection Check:
Maximum Deflection, δmax = 26.43 mm
δmax =5wL4/384EIx

w = 4.60 kN/m

L = 3500 mm
Modulus of Elasticity, E = 70,000 N/mm2 (MPa)

Moment of Inertia, I = 4,858,379 mm4

Allowable Deflection, δall = L/300+5mm

δall = 16.67 mm

(δmax = 26.43mm) > (δall = 16.67mm) NOT OK

Reinforcing
Mullion
Profiles
Section
Classification
and Local
Buckling
Provisions
Section
Classification
UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL MULLION
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Male and
Female Mullion