Seismic Performance of Architectural Glass in Mid-Rise Curtain Wall

Abstract

Laboratory studies have been conducted over the past four years at the Building Envelope Research Laboratory at the University of Missouri-Rolla to investigate the serviceability and fallout resistance of various types of architectural glass and related glazing systems under simulated earthquake conditions. This paper includes a summary of existing laboratory data related to the structural performance of architectural glass under simulated seismic conditions. Emphasis is given to “crescendo tests” performed in 1996 on various types of architectural glass commonly employed in a popular curtain wall system for mid-rise buildings. Effects of glass surface prestress, lamination, wall system type, and dry versus structural silicone glazing are discussed. Crescendo tests revealed distinct and repeatable dynamic drift limits for glass cracking and glass fallout in the various glass types tested. Demonstrable differences in seismic resistances exist between architectural glass types commonly employed in building design. Wall system stiffness, glass-to-aluminum edge clearances, and glass-to-frame glazing details are also significant parameters affecting the seismic performance of architectural glass.