Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Curtain Walling ~ this is a form of lightweight non-load bearing external
cladding which forms a complete envelope or sheath around the
structural frame. In low rise structures the curtain wall framing could
be of timber or patent glazing but in the usual high rise context, box or
solid members of steel or aluminium alloy are normally employed.

Basic Requirements for Curtain Walls ~

1. Provide the necessary resistance to penetration by the
   elements.


2. Have sufficient strength to carry own self weight and provide
   resistance to both positive and negative wind pressures.


3. Provide required degree of fire resistance † glazed areas are
   classified in the Building Regulations as unprotected areas
   therefore any required fire resistance must be obtained from
   the infill or undersill panels and any backing wall or beam.


4. Be easy to assemble, fix and maintain.


5. Provide the required degree of sound and thermal insulation.


6. Provide for thermal and structural movements.

head member roof slab

transoms as required

double glazing

window board

upstand edge beam

floor slab

upstand edge beam

floor slab

load of curtain walling

transferred to floor slab

or edge beam by means

of fixing bracket

one or two storey

spanning mullions

transom

infill panel

column

transom

infill or undersill panels

composed of a combination

of materials fulfilling the

fire resistance, sound and

thermal insulation and

aesthetic requirements

Curtain Walling