Building structures commonly use three main types of steel curtain wall systems: stick-built, unitized, and semi-unitized.
Stick-built curtain walls are assembled on-site, piece by piece. First, vertical mullions and horizontal rails are installed, followed by the glass panels. Although the installation process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, it allows for design flexibility and customization. Stick-built systems are often used in low-rise buildings with relatively small panels and less stringent building tolerances.
Unitized curtain walls, on the other hand, involve pre-fabricating the curtain wall units in a factory and then transporting them to the construction site for installation. These units include glass panels, mullions, and rails, which are assembled off-site. Compared to stick-built systems, unitized curtain walls are faster to install as they are lifted and anchored to the building structure. This method is commonly used in high-rise buildings, as it enables efficient installation and reduces work done at heights.
Semi-unitized curtain walls combine the advantages of both stick-built and unitized methods. Typically, the vertical mullions are pre-fabricated in a factory and transported to the site, while the horizontal rails and glass panels are installed on-site. This approach allows for a faster installation process compared to stick-built systems while still offering some design flexibility. Semi-unitized curtain walls are often used in mid-rise buildings with larger panels that require more structural support.
In conclusion, the selection of a steel curtain wall system depends on factors such as building height, design requirements, construction schedule, and budget. It is important to consider these factors to choose the most suitable system for a specific building structure, as each system has its own advantages and limitations.
There are three main types of steel curtain wall systems used in building structures: stick-built, unitized, and semi-unitized.
1. Stick-built curtain walls: This type of system is assembled piece by piece on-site. The vertical mullions (posts) and horizontal rails (beams) are installed first, followed by the glass panels. The installation process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it offers flexibility in design and customization. Stick-built curtain walls are commonly used in low-rise buildings where the panels are relatively small and the building tolerances are less stringent.
2. Unitized curtain walls: In this system, the curtain wall units are pre-fabricated in a factory and then transported to the construction site for installation. The units include the glass panels, mullions, and rails, which are assembled off-site. Unitized curtain walls are faster to install compared to stick-built systems, as they are lifted and anchored to the building structure. This method is commonly used in high-rise buildings, as it allows for efficient installation and reduces the amount of work done at heights.
3. Semi-unitized curtain walls: This system combines the benefits of both stick-built and unitized methods. The vertical mullions are typically pre-fabricated in a factory and transported to the site, while the horizontal rails and glass panels are installed on-site. This approach allows for a faster installation process compared to stick-built systems, while still offering some flexibility in design. Semi-unitized curtain walls are often used in mid-rise buildings where the panels are larger and require more structural support.
Overall, the choice of steel curtain wall system depends on various factors such as building height, design requirements, construction schedule, and budget. Each system has its advantages and limitations, and it is crucial to consider these factors to ensure the most suitable system is selected for the specific building structure.
There are several types of steel curtain wall systems used in building structures, including stick-built systems, unitized systems, and panel systems. Stick-built systems involve assembling the steel frame on-site, with individual components being installed piece by piece. Unitized systems involve pre-assembled panels being delivered to the construction site and installed as complete units. Panel systems consist of prefabricated panels that are attached to the steel frame. These different types offer varying levels of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in design and installation.
