Aluminum Curtain Wall Design Resources and Details 2

[Boiler106]

I'm looking for resources on aluminum curtain wall design as we don't often do this work.

We are charged with designing a simple aluminum frame that will span multiple stories and support a louver system (no glazing).

I imagine the two biggest issues in the design are thermal movement and differential movement between floors and so im most interested in the vertical splice detail at each level that will accommodate these two issues.

I've done some research and came up with the AAMA CWM-19 curtain wall manual (havent bought it yet) and the free Canadian glass and metal curtain walls best practice guide.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Ron]

Boiler106....there are quite a few considerations you'll need to make with regard to aluminum design. First, I will assume from your location you must comply with either the North Carolina Building Code or the International Building Code. Both reference the Aluminum Association Design Manual (ADM) as code requirements. AAMA is a trade association that has some good information; however, it leans toward manufacturers and installers rather than being completely objective in design. There is one AAMA publication that is code referenced that might be of some help to you, in addition to the ADM. It is AAMA 103.3, which is relatively old unless it has been updated.

Keep in mind that welding of structural aluminum has some significant affects on strength, and that field welding is difficult and fraught with issues.

 

[jjl317]

AAMA TIR-A9 is a great tool for design of related cladding specific fasteners.

In terms of vertical splices, if you are going to try and use an existing, off-the-shelf curtain wall system for the framing members (i.e. Kawneer, YKK, etc.), most have a dedicated custom splice extrusion that is snug within the wall of the vertical members, and mechanically fastened to one end, with a gap between the two vertical components. Using a standard system might also simplify the various connections, especially if you will have horizontal members also. Or at a minimum, give you an idea on how it's typically done with curtain wall.