Suspended Glazing, curtain

Wall, Cladding panels

 Suspending Glazing or Structural Glazing

• It refers to a method of retaining the glass in a window, storefront or curtain wall.

Instead of the edges of the glazing being capture in a pocket of the framing and
secured in place with gaskets, the structurally-glazed glass is retained on one or
more sides by an adhesive, normally silicone.
• A structural glazing system is a mechanism for connecting specialty glass to an
aluminium frame using silicone sealants.
• While technically any form of glass may be used in structural glazing, the type
should be carefully chosen considerating factors like energy saving and eventual
interior décor.
• The aluminium frames used must, of course, be of exceptional strength while the
silicone sealants used should be high-performance sealants that are capable of
protecting the structure against air, dust, moisture, and heat.
• Structural glass can be used in a number of architecturally inventive and
• Structural glass can be used in a number of architecturally inventive and aesthetically
appealing ways in residential houses.
• They are also a natural method to provide room and natural light without the need for
frames or limiting structural options.
• Structural Glazing forms a very important part of facade design. Over the years it has
evolved and it has been very challenging to find good structural glazing solutions.
• In comparison to traditional captured systems, structurally glazed systems provide
more transparency.
• Due to the lack of metal on the surface, there are fewer visible disruptions, resulting
in a smooth, continuous glass appearance.
• Pressure plates and caps on traditional captured curtain wall systems can conduct
large amounts of heat into or out of the façade depending on the season while there
is minimal thermal bridging with structural glass since there is little to no visible
outside metal, reducing energy consumption expenses.
• Structural glazing has the greatest impact on large, commercial buildings, but it also
has a variety of other uses, such as glass entrances, skylights, canopies, and
elevator enclosures.
The different types of structural glazing systems are:
•Four-Sided Framed Glazing:
•Two-Sided Framed Glazing:
•Frameless Glazing System
•Unitized Curtain Wall System
•Stick Glazing
•Fin Supported Glazing
•Tension Systems
1. Four-Sided Framed Glazing:
In four-sided framed glazing a frame is fabricated on all four sides of the glass to support it.
During installation the horizontal and vertical support members are framed on the building.
Glass is used as a transparent infill panel.

2. Two-Sided Framed Glazing:

In a two-sided framed glazing the support for glass is only on two sides. It is either fabricated in
the horizontal or in the vertical direction. The glass is then fixed in the mullions.

3. Frameless Glazing System

This frameless glazing system is made up of sliding folding panels that travel over a specific
surface without the use of bearings. The whole system’s weight is transferred to the bottom
track. These are quickly noticeable and may truly take a property’s appearance to the next
level.
Advantages of Frameless Glazing
•Produces a minimalistic look that allows light to enter the structure
•These are low-maintenance and cost-effective materials
•Provide a seamless aesthetic and functional relationship between the inside and outside of a
structure.

Spider fitting
4. Unitized Curtain Wall System
A unitized curtain-wall system is made up of big modules that are pre-assembled,
joined, and glazed in vertical and horizontal modules to form a full system. They are
semi-arranged which makes the installation quite easy. Thermal efficiency, sound
transmission, and fire safety are essential performance objectives of the unitized
curtain-walling system.
Advantages of Unitized Curtain Wall System
•The construction pace is great since all of the panels are pre-assembled.
•This system is more reliable and manageable.
•They neither corrode nor deteriorate as compared to other building materials.

5. Stick Glazing
In Stick Glazing, glass panels are installed with frames using pressure plates and
gaskets. These glazing systems are adaptable, allowing alternative ways such as
sliding windows and doors to be included. Because they are not dependent on
having a huge factory, they are less specialized.
Advantages of Stick Glazing
•A wide range of system options is available at extremely affordable rates and with
quick lead-in periods.
•It is appropriate for angular or complicated facades.
•Sightlines are smaller in this arrangement, making it look good with all kinds of
frames.
6. Fin supported Glazing
Vertical glass sheets known as glass fins are utilized to reinforce the glass facade.
The glass sheet is installed perpendicular to the building’s face.
Special fasteners and silicone sealant are used to secure it to the structure. The
sealants used in structural glazing are quite robust, long-lasting, and UV-resistant.
Advantages OF Fin Support Glazing
•Improve the amount of natural light in interiors while improving façade visibility.
•They look stylish and versatile in all kinds of frames.
•These systems are highly customizable so they can be altered to any size.

7. Tension systems
In a tension system, high-tensile cables or stainless steel rods are used to impose the
facade’s stresses on the main
structure. As a result, the amount of solid structural parts visible on the project is
reduced, boosting the facade’s
transparency. They offer a totally unobscured view from indoors as well as outdoors.
Advantages OF Tension System:
•Maintain very clear sightlines from both inside and outside.
•Can be geometrically structured in different shapes.
•Provide a unique and eccentric aesthetic to the building which catches the attention
Curtain Wall
Curtain wall is a vertical building enclosure which supports no load other than its own
weight and the environmental forces which act upon it.
Functions of Curtain Walls in Buildings
Water penetration is the fundamental
function of a facade. Here bringing a
completely impermeable sealed curtain
panel system is not possible. Hence two
stages of prevention are placed. Primary
level where complete defense of water is
conducted and if that fails a secondary
level where a direction to let percolated
water to drained out has to be provided.
Air impermeability
This function is more of an
environment concern to reduce
the emission of carbon dioxide due to
rate of heat loss or gain within the
external and internal environment.
Resistance to wind, thermal and acoustic action
Wind actions are transferred by the cladding system to the building floors which act as
a linear support. Building cladding systems formed of large panels are usually one-
way spanning. Each floor level therefore supports one level of wind load on a building.
Thermal insulation function which is strictly necessary for a facade in order to reduce
energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Insulated materials are provided to both
opaque as well as transparent areas. Acoustic Insulation too is necessary between the
inside and the outside environment mainly city centered building. Massive structural
elements possess higher acoustic insulation like masonry or concrete structures.
Solar levels
This can be reduced by providing a selective solar control coating on one of the
surfaces of the glass. This coating is called selective because solar radiation of
different wavelengths is selectively allowed to pass through the coating: visible
wavelengths of light are allowed to pass more freely than infrared wavelengths. For
example, spaces for exhibitions or displays of materials can undergo degradation due
to ultraviolet radiation. For this a UV-inhibiting film can be applied to the surface of
glazing.
Types of Curtain Wall System
•Curtain wall systems are factory pre casted systems. They are bought to the site and
assembled. These are of two types based on the way each component is assembled.
•Stick Curtain Wall System
•Unitized Curtain Wall System
Stick Curtain Wall System involves its components to be assembled piece by piece
on the building at the site. These are mainly installed in low rise building or small
regions. This is because, to reach higher elevations exterior access is essential. For
this additional requirements like scaffolding, cranes etc. will be required. The above
system gains the advantage of low shipping cost as onsite adjustments are possible.
But the time and labor consumption is recorded to be high. Unitized curtain wall
systems involves assembling by means of interlocking units that are bought from the
factory. The whole components are bought together as a single unit from the factory.
Individual installation of each component are not necessary as in sticky curtain wall
system. The size of the unitized curtain walls are dependent on the floor to floor height
of the building. Hence it is essential to keep in mind the mode of transportation and
installation while planning the depth of facade. This system is mainly used in high rise
building. This does not require exterior supports like cranes or scaffolding. Only mini
cranes or a temporary hoist can be held over floor to keep it help during installation.
This system gains advantage of faster construction and higher quality because of
factory manufacturing. But it gains high shipping charge as mentioned due to
requirement of larger protection during transportation.
• Components of a Curtain Wall
The complete unit consist of the following structural elements
1.Transom
2.Mullions
3.Vision Glass
4.Anchor
Detailed Components of a Curtain Wall Mullions and Transoms
Transom or horizontal rails are horizontal members on the curtain wall panel. The
mullions or vertical rails are anchored to the edge slab or beam. These are mainly
involved in supporting the dead weight of the curtain wall. In conventional or sticky
curtain wall system each system has to be placed one after the other. High quality
check and precision in required for the installation. But in unitized system the factory
product comes as two units alone which has to connected.

Panel Framing details of Curtain Walls

Unitized system is identified by the split mullions and the
transforms that are evident in the panel perimeters
In case of sticky curtain wall, there is no sort of splits all forms a single unit. During
Longer spans, there will be a need for intermediate transom which would essentially
split the entire vertical panel into two. In order to prevent condensation, mullions and
transom are thermally broken. This prevents cold bridging.
Weather Tightness of Curtain Walls
The weather tightness mainly deals with the issue of water permeability. In order to
avoid this impermeable insulating units (glazed units) are employed. In addition to
which a gasket is provided which leads to a rebate. Any water that moves into the
gasket is lead to the rebate which in turn is drained out through the transom joints or
mullions ends.
Support Conditions of Curtain Walls
As discussed curtain wall systems are hung from top which are laterally supported at
different floor levels. Most of the supports are held at the edge beams. Hence it is
essential to have a highly stiffened edge beam in order to avoid larger deflections.
These vertical deflections could disturb the whole curtain system. So proper edge
beam provision would prevent damage to the curtain wall and cladding system
particularly when it is highly glazed. As an alternative steel strong backs can be
provided so that they can span between the perimeter columns and hence it is not
necessary to connect to the edge beams or floor slabs. The strong backs are mainly
hot rolled sections.
Structural Behavior of Curtain Walls
Past studies have showed that curtain walls seem to be resistant against lateral
forces mainly earthquake, but there is measurable amount of damage caused. Even
though damage can be repaired, there is economy loss and delay in business activity.
Curtain walls are considered as structural elements of a building. As it acts as a
partition between exterior and interior environment of the building, it has a role in
transmission of loads acting for structural stability. It transmits wind induced loads to
the primary structure. It also resists the seismic accelerations keeping the occupants
comfortable. Other than this it has to resist gravity loads coming over it. When
considering the durability of the building, curtain walls play an efficient role in
adapting to different temperature ranges. This is because of the case in high rise
building, as the number of floors the temperature seems high and would be a risk
factor for the occupants working in those floors. It is also required to have resistance
against water penetration and hence stop corrosion.
Cladding Panels

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLADDING MATERIAL

 STONE
CLADDING

Stone cladding helps create a natural stone look while bringing in a touch of style
and elegance to your walls. Perfect for both interior and exteriors, stone cladding
uses thin layers of natural or faux stone to lend your home a brilliant earthy and
rustic look. Stone cladding panels are extremely easy to install, virtually
maintenance free and gracefully ages with time.
 WOOD
CLADDING

Wood cladding helps create a stunning façade and is a great way to protect your
home from the elements. Suitable for both interiors and exteriors, it helps create a
highly distinctive character as nothing beats the look of real wood while blending well
with any decor. Exterior cladding is individually placed and protects the structural
integrity of your house while also enhancing the exterior appearance by several
notches. Extremely durable and highly energy efficient owing to its insulation
properties, wood cladding helps to make your home a tranquil haven.
 uPVC
cladding

uPVC cladding helps add a different dimension to your home and requires
absolutely zero maintenance. This basically translates to no time-consuming
painting or cumbersome repairs. Ideal for both internal and external walls, uPVC
cladding not only suits every kind of home but also not prone to severe damage by
weather elements. Besides being economical, it’s quite easy to add insulation as
well, can be fully customized and comes in a range of colours.
 ACP

To start with what is aluminum composite panel; it is formed when two sheets of
aluminum are joined with an ore, which is non-aluminum in nature. This forms a
composite aluminum panel. Here the inner section can be polyethylene. However, the
external layer could be additionally layered using PVDF or Poly Vinylidene Fluoride.
 What are the distinguishing characteristics of Aluminium
Composite Panels?

First of all, ACP is lighter in weight. However, it is tough and enduring in nature, as
well. This is the reason that ACP is mostly preferred to be used with the outer
cladding. ACP panel is highly preferred these days for the beautification of the
buildings. It is highly desired for building design when being combined with glass
curtain wall arrangements.