Curtain Wall Systems: A Primer provides a practical introduction to curtain wall and glazing systems for students and professionals in architecture, architectural engineering, civil engineering, and building construction. Prepared by the Committee on Curtain Wall Systems of the Architectural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers and edited by Ali M. Memari, the book covers curtain wall types, materials, configurations, fabrication, installation, mockup testing, field inspection, energy performance, waterproofing, wind loads, seismic loads, impact and blast resistance, and innovative facade technologies.
Topics include stick-built and unitized systems, aluminum framing, glass and opaque panels, structural silicone glazing, point-supported glass, condensation control, thermal modeling, building codes, seismic racking tests, blast mitigation, low-emissivity coatings, double-skin facades, building-integrated photovoltaics, vacuum-insulated glazing, adaptive facades, and digital facade design. It is intended as a foundational reference rather than a design standard or code document.
Application Scope: Suitable for architecture and engineering students, architects, structural and facade engineers, building owners, fabricators, contractors, inspectors, code officials, and other professionals involved in the design, construction, testing, maintenance, or evaluation of curtain wall and glazing systems.