What are the different types of curtain wall?
A curtain wall, one of the key types of walling systems, is defined as a thin, usually aluminum-framed wall, containing in-fills of glass, metal panels, or thin stone. The structural glass curtain wall, a prominent type of curtain wall, is composed of a panel and the supporting structure system. This type of curtain wall has the ability to displace or deform relative to the main structure.
It doesn’t bear the load of the roof or the floor, and the wind and gravity loads of the curtain wall are transferred to the building structure, typically at the floor line. Curtain wall is light-weight wall which often used for the high-rise buildings with decorative effect. According to different classification standards, curtain walls can be divided into the following categories:
1. Material of panels
Glass curtain wall: frame glass brick curtain wall, hanging glass curtain wall, ground type glass curtain wall; Glass brick curtain wall, filled glass brick curtain wall; tie rod type glass curtain wall, Point connection type glass curtain wall, cable type glass curtain wall, full glass curtain wall,truss type glass curtain wall.
Stone panel curtain wall: honeycomb stone curtain wall, steel pin stone curtain wall, short channel stone curtain wall, back bolt stone curtain wall,through the channel stone curtain wall, back bolt stone curtain wall,combination curtain wall, small unit stone curtain wall, wet paste stone curtain wall.
2. Joint
The traditional close-type curtain wall aluminum plate features its simple construction, convenient installation, and mature technology, low cost and excellent processing technology. However its flatness is slightly poor.
The joint of the open type curtain wall does not inject sealant, and this aluminium curtain wall systems features its flatness and natural stone material, but the construction process is sophisticated than the close-type one, and its price is little bit expensive.
3. Installation method
Curtain walls, including the popular aluminium curtain wall systems, are precast in the factory and assembled before they are transported to the site. Broadly, there are two types of curtain wall systems, namely the stick built curtain wall system and the unitized glass curtain wall system, depending on the method by which the components are assembled.
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What is a stick built curtain wall system?
Stick curtain wall: clear frame type curtain wall, hidden frame type glass curtain wall, horizontal and vertical hidden glass curtain wall, horizontal and hidden vertical glass curtain wall.
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The stick curtain wall system, a type of curtain wall, is predominantly installed in low-rise buildings or small areas. Essential components like glass, columns, and beams are manufactured in the factory and then shipped to the construction site for installation in the main structure. For this type of curtain wall system, approximately 70% of the work is executed on site, with the remaining 30% done in the factory.
The modular curtain wall system frame is constructed mainly on site with spandrel panels, metal panels and brise-soleils, mullions and transoms supporting glass, connected piece by piece. Each mullion is usually supported by the floor or perimeter beams.
Scaffolding and cranes are needed during the installation process, so as to achieve the certain height.
Detailed structure inside of the beam, post, sash and the transom.
Pros:
● Low shipping costs, because on-site changes are possible
● A wide range of system options on the market
● Competitive price and short delivery time
● Faster factory production process
● Suited for angular or complex facades
● Sequence of the building can be changed quickly
● This system promises flexibility as it gives space for onsite adjustments.
Cons:
● require multiple steps to erect and seal the wall, it needs more Labor and time consumption
The unitized glass curtain wall system, another type of curtain wall, is known for its high degree of factory processing. For this type of curtain walling, about 30% of the work is performed on site, while a significant 70% is carried out in the factory. Components such as mullion and transverse frame should be fabricated in the factory, and these components of unitized wall system should be assembled into unit component frame. Also the curtain wall panel should be installed on the corresponding position of unit component frame to form unit component. In the case of a unit component, it has met all the curtain wall function and construction requirements of the unit.
The height of the unit components shall be equal to or greater than one floor, so it can be fixed directly to the main structure upon delivery to the site. The upper and lower frames (left and right frames) of each unit component are inserted into each other to form a combination rod, which completes the joint between the unit components and finally forms the whole curtain wall.
Pros:
● Less space is needed on site for layout
● Better control of quality
● Units can be assembled while the structural frame is being built.
● Quicker installation, requiring less labor and time consumption
● Scaffolding is not needed
● Can be installed from the interior of the building. This is ideal for high towers or building sites where there is a tight footprint
Cons:
This system achieves rapid construction and high quality due to factory construction, but this increases the high charges due to the need for more comprehensive protection during transportation.
The increased use of factory assembly introduces other important considerations.
These include the following:
● The workshop has to be adequately equipped to handle finished elements
● Additional equipment is required on site for installation of the modules.
● Additional transport is required to get finished elements to site
Conclusion
Curtain walls are a fairly common and prominent feature in modern buildings and modern curtain wall protects the building from the outside elements. There are a lot of ways to install a curtain wall structure, some of which are better, faster, and more cost-effective.
Chimgreen is an innovative and professional company engaged in research, development, manufacture, and marketing for customized window and door, and China curtain wall system, we are always your best and most trusted partner for construction. Contact Chimgreen today to learn more about curtain wall technologies.
