Design of Building Facades

Design of Building Facades: A Guide for Architects and Engineers bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in building facade design. The book explores both structural engineering principles and building science concepts. With a focus on various facade types—such as curtain walls, sheet metal facades, and skylights—this textbook equips readers with a thorough understanding of the materials and methodologies that define modern architectural aesthetics and functionality. It covers a wide array of topics, including the historical evolution of building facades, the properties and performance of different facade materials, and the rigorous standards that govern their design and construction.Readers will gain insights into the types of glass used in facades, ASTM testing standards for curtain wall systems, and the calculation of loads as per ASCE 7. Additionally, the book addresses key building science aspects such as heat transfer, moisture control, and sound transmission, ensuring that readers are well-versed in both the structural and environmental considerations that impact facade performance. Worked examples throughout the text provide practical applications of these concepts, reinforcing the knowledge necessary for effective facade design. - Introduces the reader to the design of glass and cold-formed steel facades, including numerical examples using relevant US standards - Presents coverage throughout the book of the sometimes-competing aspects of structural design and building science - Provides examples of facade design calculations using industry software applications such as MATHCAD and Excel