Abstract
This paper outlines current efforts at the Building Envelope Research Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University toward the development of a predictive model for seismic design/evaluation of curtain walls containing architectural glass components. One suggested approach is based on diagonal load to failure tests performed on 305 mm x 305 mm (12 in. x 12 in.) glass plates and third point compressive loading tests on 305 mm (12 in.) mullion segments. These stroke rate controlled small-size tests were performed in a manner that would permit comparisons with the existing limit state data from tests performed on full-size curtain wall assemblies. Small-size and full-size test results are presented, and correlations between small-size test results and full-size test results are established. A simple relation is suggested for the prediction of ultimate drift capacity of full-size curtain walls containing architectural glass based on the failure load of a small-size glass plate. The proposed approach provides an alternative to the costly full-size (mock-up) testing approach currently being used and advocated for seismic performance verification of curtain wall systems.