Abstract
A method for seismic vulnerability evaluation of architectural glass components within aluminum curtain wall systems is proposed. The methodology involves developing a relationship between the applied drift and the critical stresses generated in the glass and comparison with glass crack initiation stress obtained from test data. On the basis of this method, the existing curtain wall glass components or windows can be inspected, and based on the conditions of the curtain wall and the code specified maximum allowable drift, a score can be defined, which will represent cracking vulnerability of the glass panel at a given drift magnitude. The results of the vulnerability evaluation procedure can help improve decision making regarding prioritization of possible curtain wall seismic retrofit options.