On-demand Webinar

View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course.

This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and ASCE Continuing Education

Instructor:  Matthew Stuart, P.E., S.E., F.ASCE, F.SEI, SECB

Course Length: 1.0 Hour

Purpose and Background

Definitions of a curtainwall can sometime differ between an Architect and an Engineer. It is important that a structural engineer understand the different types of systems available and in use. A clear understanding of the curtainwall supplier's design criteria will also enable the structural engineer to properly design the supports required for this type of building cladding. This presentation also discusses non-curtainwall systems in order to highlight the difference between curtainwall and non-curtainwall systems, and to cover the broader topic of building cladding as it relates to structural design.

Primary Discussion Topics

  • The stick and unitized types of curtainwall systems
  • Advantages of each system
  • Other curtainwall systems
  • Non-curtainwall systems mistakenly identified as curtainwalls
  • Component and cladding wind loads requirements
  • Communication between the structural engineer and the curtainwall manufacturer, and how the effects of the deflection of the supporting structure can impact criteria established by the material vendor

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Become familiar with the definitions and nature of the two primary types of curtainwall systems in use
  • Know the important structural design and detailing considerations associated with the support of curtainwall systems
  • Become familiar with a number of different standards, and typical wall sections associated with several common framing and backup systems

Webinar Benefits

  • Understand about the difference between the many types of curtainwall and wall cladding systems
  • Develop an understanding of the structural considerations associated with the design of both curtainwalls and the backup support systems
  • Develop an understanding of the structural considerations associated with the detailing of curtainwall backup support systems
  • Grasp the different methods of supporting curtainwalls via a review of example details

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

  • Structural Engineers
  • Architects

Webinar Outline

  • Definitions
  • Structural design considerations for curtainwalls
  • Structural detailing considerations for curtainwalls
  • Example curtainwall support details
  • Non-curtainwall systems
  • Example non-curtainwall support details
  • Conclusions
  • Questions

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]