The Engineer's Role in Reducing Curtainwall Failures

by David H. Nicastro, Law Engineering, Inc, Houston, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structural Engineering in Natural Hazards Mitigation

Abstract:

For a variety of reasons, engineers have abdicated responsibility for curtainwall design. Failures of curtainwall components are very common, leading to expensive repairs and even complete replacement. Engineers can reverse this trend by assuming control of the functional design of building envelopes, without usurping the architect's authority. A false perception of economy has allowed the present situation to develop. A broader economic model can reverse the trend, lessening the number and severity of curtainwall failures.

Subject Headings: Failure analysis | Curtain walls | Building design | Structural failures | Structural design | Structural analysis | Building envelope

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