What structural calculations are required to ensure Curtain Wall System performance and compliance?

Structural engineering for curtain walls requires comprehensive calculations to demonstrate compliance with applied loads and serviceability limits. Core analyses include determination of wind pressures (including gust factors, terrain category, and height variation), seismic inertial demands, and load combinations as defined by applicable codes (EN Eurocodes, ASCE/ASTM, or local regulations). Engineers must calculate maximum mullion and transom bending moments, shear forces, and deflections under service and ultimate loads; deflection limits are commonly specified as L/175 to L/240 for glazed systems to protect glass integrity and sealants. Anchor and bracket design requires evaluation of pull-out, shear, and combined stresses, accounting for embedment depth and base material (concrete, structural steel). Connection detailing must handle thermal movement; calculations should verify slotted anchor capacities and sliding interface friction. Glazing edge loads and glass panel design demand glass strength checks including wind-induced stresses, glass size effects, and impact considerations—laminated assemblies require interlayer design assessment. Water and air performance are often correlated to structural deflection; therefore combined loading scenarios must be checked. For unitized systems, panel weight and lifting point calculations ensure safe transport and crane lift operations. All calculations should be accompanied by clear assumptions, material properties (aluminum alloy temper, stainless steel grade), quality factors, and verification by a registered structural engineer. In regions such as the UAE or Kazakhstan, coordinate with local structural codes and authority-of-competent-person reviews; mock-up testing remains a critical complement to analytical work to validate as-built performance.