While designing one thing that is highly ignored but is really important is Facade Safety. Facade Safety should be priority from the start. Few things to bear in mind are:
Glass specification should consider barrier loads and maintenance loads while providing the glass thickness which is generally ignored.
Stone properties are not thoroughly checked and the client relies on the architect’s approval for the shade and sample. Ideally the stone physical properties and the petrological data need to thoroughly reviewed and must be tested as per ASTM Standards.
Most of the facades are not based on design calculations and rely on the façade contractor’s experience. We feel there should be a thorough scrutiny.
All these points if not taken into account could lead to a safety hazard.
Testing glass and different fenestration becomes necessary to ensure facade safety. All these materials are never tested independently for a project. The performance testing is limited to the maximum module and the design parameters which govern the particular location. The testing should also include the aluminium system and the glass with other accessories like brackets, tie back buttons, aluminium sunshade, operable window, etc.
Instead of relying on documents all facade materials must be tested. It would be advisable for clients to qualify the material based on the technical document and then test the material based on the specific technical parameters which govern the project.
It’s just a brief about facade safety to know about latest testing technologies, major hazards and faults in buildings and lastly precaution an solution read the article. You won’t regret reading it.
