How does a structural glazing facade perform in seismic zones with strict structural movement requirements?

Structural glazing façades perform well in seismic zones because the silicone joints provide flexibility that absorbs lateral building movement without transferring excessive stress to the glass. During seismic events, buildings undergo inter-story drift, torsion, and acceleration forces. Traditional rigid façade systems are vulnerable to cracking or panel displacement under such movement. In contrast, structural glazing silicone behaves as a flexible adhesive, enabling controlled deformation while maintaining glass retention. Engineers design joint sizes to accommodate maximum expected drift—often up to 1.5–2% of floor height—based on seismic standards like ASCE 7 or EN 1998. Laminated glass is often specified to prevent falling hazards. Backup mechanical restraints ensure safety if bondlines degrade under extreme events. Seismic mock-up testing simulates multi-directional movement to validate system reliability.