Unit 29 – Construction in Civil Engineering Curtain Walling - System Definitions Paul Jones BSc (Hons)

Define the term ‘Curtain Walling’. Unlike Domestic structures, multi storey buildings are constructed around a frame. Therefore a ‘Curtain walling’ system on a multi storey building is used to describe the façade that will only carry its own dead load. Historically the term Curtain Walling was used to describe a set of defensive walls to surround a medieval castle. These defensive walls would be constructed between a series of towers, adding to the defensive structure. To some it appeared the walls were draped between the towers similar to curtains, but the name Curtain comes from the Latin ‘cortina and curtain’ meaning to enclose a courtyard area with walls.

Beaumaris Castle Picture 1 Picture 2

Functional Requirements List six Functional Requirements of a curtain walling system for a multi storey building? 1. Strength and Stability. 2. Resistance to Weather 3. Durability and free from maintenance 4. Fire Safety 5. Resistance to the passage of heat 6. Resistance to the passage of sound

Image References Pictures 1 & 2 - Ed Morris (2013) Exploring Castles accessed 7/12/2013

Solid Wall Curtain Walling Identify a type of cladding system you would use for this structure? A popular method for low rise framed buildings. A steel tray system has been developed to tie the outside wall into the frame of the building. This system can be used for both steel and concrete frame. Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4

Glass panel systems Very popular with multi storey office blocks. Premade panels can be fitted quickly and easily to the frame of the building. Many examples of this type of system can be found. Glass panels can be easily repaired if required. Picture 10 Picture 11

Stone Cladding Always very popular with Government buildings where natural stone quarried locally can be used. Reinforced plastics made to look like stone is another option we could consider. Would this system use recycled material? Picture 5 Picture 6