What engineering considerations are critical when designing a glass facade for high-rise structures?

Designing a glass facade for high-rise towers requires rigorous structural engineering to address wind loads, building movement, seismic forces, thermal expansion, air pressure differentials, and long-term performance stability. Wind load is the most critical factor; engineers must perform wind-tunnel tests or follow standards such as ASCE 7 or EN 1991 to determine pressure zones across building elevations. High-rise buildings experience significant lateral movement and sway, requiring the facade system to accommodate deflection without causing glass breakage. Structural silicone joints, anchoring systems, and mullions must be designed to support dynamic loads while maintaining airtightness and watertightness. Stack effect—vertical airflow caused by pressure differences—must be controlled using pressure-equalized chambers. Thermal expansion is addressed through the use of thermally broken aluminum profiles to minimize heat transfer and avoid profile deformation. Safety considerations include impact resistance, redundancy, fire safety, and maintenance access. High-rise facades undergo performance mock-up tests (PMU), including dynamic water penetration, structural load testing, and seismic racking simulation to verify design performance.