Seismic and Energy Performance Evaluation of Large-Scale Curtain Walls Subjected to Displacement Control Fasteners

Abstract

Glass façade curtain walls in buildings is the façade system of choice in modern architecture of mid- to high-rise buildings. This study investigates the seismic and thermal insulation performance of curtain wall systems through structural analysis using the finite element method (FEM) and LBNL Window&Therm insulation analysis. The aim was to optimize the capability of the curtain wall module system and the fastener element technology to respond to displacement and vibration caused by dynamic seismic waves. Using the structural analysis of the optimization process, a curtain wall system capable of withstanding earthquake waves of 0.4 Hz, displacement of ±150 mm or more, and capable of responding to three-axis (X, Y, and Z-axis) dynamic earthquakes, was fabricated. Then, a curtain wall system that satisfies not only the evaluation of seismic performance, but also the desired airtightness, watertightness, wind pressure, and insulation, which are essential requirements for field applications, was verified through an experiment. Based on this study, it is expected that a curtain wall system capable of responding to three-axis dynamic seismic waves can be applied to mid- and high-rise buildings to prevent secondary damage in the event of an earthquake.

Keywords

• large-scale glass curtain wall
• earthquake
• inter-story separation
• three-axis mobile fastener
• non-structural elements
• energy performance