Light Weight Curtain Walls: Problems and Recent Trends

Non-structural elements that were once ignored in their effects on the primary structural design and on their large contribution to economic losses after seismic- and wind-induced failures are now playing a more significant role in today's structural engineering world. Lightweight curtain walls with insufficient published information fall under these categories. The intent of this paper is to discuss the concept of curtain walls in this context. The paper also illustrates a few problems associated with curtain walls, especially in rehabilitation projects. Focus is given to the recent requirements for drift limitations in the new codes. Finally, sufficient references are listed to facilitate further study.