THE SEISMIC BEHAVIOUR OF CURTAIN WALLS: AN ANALYSIS BASED ON NUMERICAL MODELLING

The paper proposes a numerical model to estimate the structural behaviour of a stickbuilt glazed curtain wall system subjected to an imposed displacement of the supports in the plane of the wall. We discuss the role of the parameters that influence on the maximum inter-storey drift corresponding to the service limit state of the wall. The considered parameters are the dimensions of the glazed panel, the gap between the panel and the aluminium frame and the gap between the supports and the mullions. We discuss the problem of remnant deformation of glazed panels, and of misalignment as serviceability criteria. Comparisons are made to laboratory testing results.