Curtain walls

explains various types of curtain walls like, vision glass, spandrel glass ,wooden veneer , stone veneer, terracotta, patent glazing ,metal curtain walls ,louvers and vents

1. CURTAIN WALLS VAISHNAVI ANTRE ROLL NO. 01 3 RD YEAR AIDED

2. CURTAIN WALLS Curtain wall systems are non-structural  cladding systems for the external walls of buildings. They are generally associated with large,  multi- storey buildings . Curtain walls separate the interior from the exterior, but only support their own weight and the loads imposed on them (such as wind loads, seismic loads, and so on) which they transfer back to the primary structure of the building. This is in contrast to many forms of traditional construction in which the external walls are a fundamental part of the primary structure of the building. Typically curtain wall systems comprise a lightweight  aluminium  frame onto which glazed or opaque infill panels can be fixed. These infill panels are often described as 'glazing' whether or not they are made of glass. Curtain  walls can adopt a 'stick' system, or can be unitised : Stick systems are installed piece by piece on site, with the glazing inserted into the frame from the inside or the outside depending on access conditions. Unitised systems are pre-fabricated in modules off-site and delivered in panels. Unitised systems are better able to exploit the benefits of factory condition manufacturing and quality control and require lower installation time on site.

3. PATENT GLAZING The term ‘patent glazing’ refers to a non-load bearing, two-edge support  cladding system . Its name relates to the number of patents that were taken out in the 19th and 20th centuries for different versions of the system . Patent glazing bars provide continuous support along two edges of  glazing  infill panels, and are fixed back to the main  structure  of the  building. This system supports its own weight, and provides resistance to wind and snow loading, but does not contribute to the stability of the primary  structure  of the  building. Patent glazing is a dry  glazing  system in which the patent glazing bars are drained and ventilated . Design and installation considerations might include: Maximum required span. Supporting  structutre . Access for  maintenance. Requirement for opening roof lights to allow natural ventilation and  smoke  ventilation. Use of laminated glass to prevent glass falling in the event of breakage. Movement. Acoustic performance. Security. Heat accumulation and shading. Wind, snow and  maintenance loads. The pressure difference across the patent glazing.

4. BRICK VENEER A brick veneer, also known as a brick slip, is a thin layer of  brick  that is used aesthetically as a form of surface finish rather than structurally . Conventional brick walls typically support the structural  loads  of the building, whereas brick veneers are applied for decorative purposes. They are generally formed from thin brick slips, which may be as little as 20 mm thick (compared to 102.5 mm for a standard brick).  Brick veneers can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications ADVANTAGES They are relatively easy and quick to install. They are not as heavy as other forms of masonry, which reduces structural loading. Cavities behind external brick veneers can aid insulation. They are durable and fire-resistant. They can achieve a wide range of decorative functions They require little maintenance. DISADVANTAGES They are more susceptible to damage as they are thinner than conventional brick walls. They do not contribute to structural integrity. They can be susceptible to water damage. Over time, the veneer will require re-pointing.   with new mortar.

5. STONE VENEER Any stone used as decorative facing material that is not meant to be load bearing. Stone veneer can be made from natural stone as well as manufactured stone. Natural stone veneer is made from real stone that is either collected, i.e.  fieldstone, or quarried. The stone is cut to a consistent thickness and weight for use as a veneer . Manufactured stone veneer is fabricated by pouring a lightweight concrete mix into rubber forms and painted with a coloring process which makes it resemble real stone. The stone veneer produced is then attached to walls with special mortars. Flexible stone veneer is fabricated by pulling a thin layer of stone from a slab of slate, sandstone, or mica schist. It is backed by a composite material.

6. METAL CURTAIN WALLS Although the color can be adjusted in accordance with requirements of the designer, the metal panel has poor durability and metal texture is too strong. It can not accomplished architect’s dream. It is also easy to deform and discolorate in the windy and rainy weather. Metal panels are feared of acid corrosion. Mainly use aluminum alloy, the resource of which has been almost mined up in the world. The thickness of the metal panels is limited. With its high thermal conductivity, it does not have any energy-saving effect. the panel thickness is very thin. It is easily damaged and deformed by the external force, so it is with low safety performance.

7. SPANDREL NON VISION GLASS Spandrel glass basic feature is to cover necessary areas such as construction materials and commonly used between floors, ceilings , columns or spaces that require uniform appearance. Although durable, spandrel glass is also appealing and is nearly impossible to tell where one section of a building begins and ends Characteristics Conceals areas from direct viewing such as marked wires, piping, and insulation. Satisfies both opacity and the criteria for fall out protection. Can be used with equal effectiveness on heat strengthened or fully tempered glass. Tinted or reflective colors can be harmonized or matched to eliminate any "banding" effect. High safety and resistance to corrosion. Applications Storefronts Curtain walls Wall cladding Non vision areas Custom color applications Commercial fixed windows Hide structural elements & utilities Creates wide range of visual effects

8. terracotta panels have good physical performance, such as high hardness, no deformation, never fade, and minimized color difference. TERRACOTTA The raw materials are natural clay, which do not contain any radioactive elements; after calcination in 1200 degrees kiln, a portion of mineral elements contained in the clay (aluminum oxide, silicon oxide or the like) has been completely oxidized. Clay is a renewable resource and can be recycled. The production determines its features of relative environmentally friendly, and low energy consumption. The hollow structure of terracotta panels and the appropriate insulation system play a very important role in energy conservation.  Installation problem has been considered when extrusion. Pre-made back groove is easy to mount. With up to 16-20Mpa pressure strength, safety performance and seismic resistance is far superior to stone, metal plates and other materials.

9. Fiberglass reinforced panels are used on walls and ceilings, installing it directly over solid surfaces. They provide a durable, scratch-resistant surface, easy to clean panel and provide superior moisture resistance. They are great products to be used in classrooms, restrooms, and restaurants. Fiberglass reinforced panels are made of  strong polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass , providing a smooth wall surface. The final non-porous surface is becoming popular for its ability to produce a mold and stain resistant surface, protecting the wall from being scratched. Fiberglass Reinforced Panels Applications FRP wall panels are ideal for kitchens,  restrooms, dining rooms, offices, classrooms, hospital rooms, hallways, cooling towers, recreational areas and other secondary spaces. One of the most important applications of FRP panels is that they can be installed over new and existing drywall or used to repair damaged surfaces. FIBER GLASS REINFORCED PANELS

10. ADVANTAGES Fiberglass reinforce panels provide a strong scratch resistant surface. FRP could be cleaned easily using regular detergents, high-pressure washers, or even by using steam. The fiberglass reinforced panel is a lightweight panel that is easy to install FRP could be installed either with glue or fasteners Maximum sanitation protection Improved chemical resistance FRP could be installed over any existing wall surface, by following some simple steps and no high tech tools are required. High impact resistance from shattering and scratches Superior flexibility FRP could save you money over other building materials Fiberglass reinforced panels will prevent the growth of mold or mildew and will not rust or corrode

11. LOUVERS AND VENT IN WALL PANEL Louvers A Louvre  is provided in an area where mechanical equipment located inside the building requires ventilation or fresh air to operate. Curtain wall systems can be adapted to accept most types of louver systems to maintain the same architectural sightlines and style while providing the functionality. Windows and vents Most curtain wall glazing is fixed, meaning there is no access to the exterior of the building except through doors. However, windows or vents can be glazed into the curtain wall system as well, to provide required ventilation or operable windows. Nearly any window type can be made to fit into a curtain wall system. Louvre panel systems are popular with designers for many applications in industrial and commercial buildings. Their purpose can be to control light entry, to provide ventilation whilst maintaining rain defence, to provide screening, or a combination of these. Louvers can also be provided simply for aesthetic impact.

12. LOUVERS AND VENT IN WALL PANEL Louvers A Louvre  is provided in an area where mechanical equipment located inside the building requires ventilation or fresh air to operate. Curtain wall systems can be adapted to accept most types of louver systems to maintain the same architectural sightlines and style while providing the functionality. Windows and vents Most curtain wall glazing is fixed, meaning there is no access to the exterior of the building except through doors. However, windows or vents can be glazed into the curtain wall system as well, to provide required ventilation or operable windows. Nearly any window type can be made to fit into a curtain wall system. Louvre panel systems are popular with designers for many applications in industrial and commercial buildings. Their purpose can be to control light entry, to provide ventilation whilst maintaining rain defence, to provide screening, or a combination of these. Louvers can also be provided simply for aesthetic impact.