Posted in January 27, 2010 ¬ 9:09 pmh.admin
This article is about what should be included in a Curtain wall detail when producing shop drawings. When producing a set of shop drawings what should be included?
The First item should be Parts, the correct parts that are going to be used in the design should be the first consideration, figuring out the actual parts of the system and then establishing the parts that will be used to connect to the building. Many times the help of an experience engineer will be needed to insure that the Curtain wall will meet local codes for Wind load and Dead load.
Next should be Connections, figuring out how to connect the design to the building and where to connect it to on the building many times will require the aid of an experienced engineer.
Posted in August 2, 2009 ¬ 11:20 amh.admin
In building design, there are many large and small considerations that must be taken into account before the project can get started. Decisions as large such as building location selection or the number of stories that the building will be are just as important as what type of glass fixing methods you should use in construction. Each and every decision will have an impact upon the time frame of construction and labor involved in both the planning and actual building phase. Modern technology and innovative computer software have significantly advanced the rate of completion for building and engineering projects.
There are many steps involved in curtain wall design. Before choosing the materials for the curtain wall construction there are several factors that you will have to take into consideration. One of the first things that you will have to figure out is the height and width of the individual bays of the curtain wall. These measurements will impact what other types of materials that you will be able to use. Next you will have to decide what you are planning on using as the infill. Glass is the most common type of infill that is used in construction because of its relative adaptability. It can be shaped and colored to meet an assortment of design intentions. After you have chosen glass as your infill method, you will also have to decide upon the glass fixing method.
There are various glass fixing methods that can be employed depending upon the individual circumstances at hand. These methods vary in the degree of effort they require, cost, and reliability. Depending upon your individual design plans, you can figure out which glass fixing methods will work the best for your project. Each and every decision that you make regarding your project will affect its budget and labor schedule. You must carefully consider all of the options that are available. The features available on computer software programs will also be of great assistance in helping you figure out the costs associated with this decision.
While curtain wall design requires extensive building design knowledge, these programs have been created to make the job easier and faster. You can plan your timeline out more efficiently and have a much better estimation of materials needed, costs, and a schedule for construction. The features and options that these programs provide are impressive and comprehensive and will positively benefit any design project that you have.
Posted in August 1, 2009 ¬ 1:34 pmh.admin
Razorgage has introduced their new line of Automated Pusher, Cutting and Sorting system. the uniqueness of this system is the operator or sawyer can now cut and sort curtain wall or storefront material totally automatically.
The Automated Line starts with the Razorgage Automated Stop, this stop comes with a touchscreen PC that mounts right to the Automated stop and is Windows based and can be networked to any location in the building giving your cad drafters or project managers access to the system at any time.
Next is the Cyclone Saw, this saw is an upcut saw and is specifically designed with the rigors of cutting aluminum extrusions in mind.
The next feature in this line is the automatic drills, these are mounted between the automated stop and the saw for drilling shear block holes in the Horizontal framing members and also the Vertical screw spline or shear block holes.
The final feature is the Razorarray, during optimization of the curtain wall or storefront material different pieces from different locations on the curtain wall or storefront are combined to be cut from one individual stock length of material. this creates a sorting problem. The razorarray cures that problem by automatically sorting the material back into the correct bays or units as the material is cut.
As an additional feature the razorgage system comes with a complete labeling system and can also produce bar codes.
Posted in August 1, 2009 ¬ 1:30 pmh.admin
In todays modern Glass Shop, modern and automated machinery is a must have. Production requirements demand that the machines that glazing companies use are built with the riggors of handling and cutting aluminum and steel and for the rapid machining of curtain wall parts be taken into account, many of the machines available today are made for woodworkers such as the Tigerstop positioning system and aren’t built to take the punishment that goes with machining aluminum extrusions. Machinery for the Glazing Industry must be built tough and be able to maintain a high standard of cutting, drilling and machining for years.
Today’s machinery must not only be well built it must also be flexible enough to tailor to individual glass shop needs as the curtain wall and storefront industry is so varied. one shops requirements are not necessarily the requirements of the next shop. Today’s machinery must also be able to talk to the software that is available to be able to truly work efficiently and effectively to reduce cutting and drilling errors.
All of this requires a Machine company to be very flexible and systematic in thier design of Machinery for the glass contractor. They also must be able to listen to the glass shop and be very understanding of the industry to produce a type of machine that will work in the different situations that arise from different glazing contrators.
Posted in July 30, 2009 ¬ 11:17 amh.admin
Each and every curtain wall section of a building must be designed with precision and constructed properly. A curtain wall section of a building will also require regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to function at its optimal design intentions. Perimeter sealants must be kept in the best condition which means that they need to be replaced every decade or so depending upon their condition. This process must be performed carefully and the sealants must be removed and replaced by the hands of professionals in order to maintain the structure’s integrity. Glazing seals must also be inspected and fixed regularly in order to make sure that water does not penetrate through.
There is a lot that goes into curtain wall design and the entire building design process. Careful measurements, the selection of adequate materials, and the outside appeal all come into play when planning out the design of a building. It is a long process that requires engineering and construction knowledge and experience.
Luckily there are tools available to assist in the planning and execution of these types of design projects. These computer software programs will help you to create 2D models of each curtain wall section and can assist you in getting your design done in a considerably shorter amount of time. These programs have been designed to speed up the production of section and elevation drawings, plan views, and also production drawings. But even though these processes will be completed faster, does not mean that the design will be compromised in any way. You will just have a wide array of design tools available that will help you with calculations and that can generate material lists. This type of program can save you time, money, and make your job at lot easier.
While there are numerous design programs out there, make sure that you only purchase one that stands out from the rest. Look for personalization, a large number of key features, and navigability. You want to spend your time designing, not learning about a computer program. You will want to select something that is user friendly but that has enough of the helpful features that you need to get your project done. Do some research about different software programs and the company’s that sell them before making a purchase. Make sure that you choose a reliable software company that can provide you with support and assistance whenever you need it.
Posted in July 27, 2009 ¬ 11:16 amh.admin
The wall façade in the front of the building is one of the most important design features. It introduces visitors and passersby to the building and sets the tone for the interior design of the building. The wall façade can be designed using a number of different elements and materials. Building and storefront designers put a lot of time and effort into carefully planning out the wall façade of building to make sure that it makes a statement. When designing the buildings façade, there are many available options to choose from.
When it comes to designing a building, whether it is a small business storefront or a multi-level condominium complex, the façade of the building is very important structurally and visually. Building architects will devote a significant amount of time making sure that there are attractive design elements that give the building front a certain aesthetic quality. The architects may attempt to configure their designs in order to coincide with existing architectural elements that are commonplace to a specific area. Or they may attempt to have their design stand out from surrounding buildings and create something unique and independent. Regardless of architectural design intent, the wall façade of a building tells a story all on its own.
There are 2D drawing software programs that can assist you in designing the façade wall for your project. These programs offer impressive technology that enables you to create a virtual model of your design using various materials including: concrete, sheetrock, floor tiles, bricks, blocks, and various other wall construction and infill materials. You can add and change hatches and labels at any time. These virtual designs are easy to alter and make changes on. You can even enter the thermal values in order to make their subsequent evaluation easier.
These programs can prove to be indispensable tools for builders, designers, and architects. There are a number of useful applications that they can have in many different fields. There are also a number of different software programs that are available that can help you in different aspects of design. Select the appropriate program depending upon your specific job and the design needs that you have. And once your basic design is complete you can use the information to run a thermo analysis. There are a number of advantages to using this technology to help you in your building wall façade design and in other stages of your project design.
Posted in July 24, 2009 ¬ 11:07 amh.admin
Many buildings that grace our city’s skylines have been carefully designed with the help of a glass architect. There is a lot of work that goes into building design and curtain wall planning, especially when it comes to large office and condo buildings. Every minute detail must be carefully calculated and planned out. Depending upon the scale of the project the planning alone can take months or even years sometimes. Even though large scale designs may require a lot of work, the finished product is always well worth the labor and extensive planning involved.
Glass has been the most popular infill used in curtain wall design for a long time. It is very versatile and can be made into many shapes and colors. There are buildings that showcase triangular glass, octagonal glass, and many other interesting configurations. Glass can be tinted in blues, grey, and virtually any desired colors. While glass is a versatile material to work with, it still requires a lot of careful calculations and planning. A glass architect will have the necessary skills to thoroughly plan out the design while being mindful of structural integrity, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
There are also computer programs available that can assist you with your curtain wall design. These programs will walk you through the design process and provide you with 2D modeling, 3D modeling, or sheet metal designs of your building. The software will help you to figure out important calculations and generate a product list for you. You can see different views of the structure with the 2D and 3D models and make any adjustments and calculations with confidence. You will be surprised at what a time saving tool these types of programs can be. You will be able to complete your designs in a much shorter amount of time and they will keep you on task. You won’t have any problems compiling material lists or calculating how much of a certain material that you need. These programs have the capability of figuring all of that information out for you.
There are a number of advantages to using programs such as these for curtain wall design. These programs are incredibly useful to a glass architect. They can provide you with glass lists for the amount that you need. You will not make the mistake of over or under ordering. By using this state of the art software you can be confident that your building project will stay on budget and on time.
Posted in July 21, 2009 ¬ 11:04 amh.admin
Glass drawings are perhaps one of the most beautiful ways to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building. Glass has long been the preferred glazing method for curtain wall design. Glass is the most popular infill because it can be made of any desired thickness or can be tinted to various colors. Glass can also be shaped into many unique designs to virtually fit into any curtain wall design. Many magnificent buildings use unique curtain wall features to create an architecturally stunning design. These buildings are seen throughout downtown metropolises and in famous skyscrapers across the nation. They grace the covers of magazines and have iconic statures within their respective cities.
By incorporating glass drawings into the design of your building you will add architectural flair and character to the building. Glass is a relatively versatile material when it comes to design. It can be tinted, opaque, frosted, or entirely transparent. Glass drawings can use a combination of these features in order to enhance a lobby area or any other are in your building that you would like to draw attention to. A glass drawing can be made any size, can add elements of color, or can be designed to replicate something else of significance. A miniature design of your building can be made into a glass drawing, or even a physical replica of the building’s founder. There are unlimited options when it comes to glass design.
Many building designers like to incorporate a main focal point into a large building that draws visitor’s attention. Although a number of different materials and medians can be used for this purpose, glass drawings are one of the most show-stopping. A large and impressive glass drawing can be used as the backdrop for an entryway. It will make a lasting impression upon anyone that enters into the building. You can also combine a glass drawing with other architecturally elements to create a massively impressive structure. Many designers have incorporated glass drawings and water features together to create stunning focal pieces.
Glass drawings can be regarded as highly fine artwork. Some of the artistry and design elements involved take significant amount of time and artistic merit. If you are contemplating ways to make a statement in an entryway, consider using a glass drawing. You will be pleased with the finished product and the structural elegance that it adds to the comprehensive design of your building.
Posted in July 18, 2009 ¬ 11:01 amh.admin
When selecting the curtain wall detail for your design there are several important factors to consider. Curtain wall design involves a process of designing and selecting the proper materials to use for the facades of buildings. It is one of the most important parts of building design. There are many considerations that should be taken into account during structural design. The building’s integrity, environmental friendliness, and aesthetic appeal are all important to both the designers and future inhabitants. They must all be carefully considered and properly executed in order to make sure that the building is architecturally attractive, structurally sound, and energy efficient.
The most common components in curtain wall design are aluminum and glass. These buildings have an aluminum frame that is most typically infilled with glass. The curtain wall detail that you select will impact all of the building aspects mentioned above. Aluminum has proven itself to be the most popular and resourceful choice for curtain walls. It can be successfully shaped in order to fit any design and architectural purposes creating an unlimited spectrum of design. Any type of shapes or designs can be created and implemented into a structure with ease. Glass is the most popular infill option for similar reasons. It is the most common glazing material because it can be created at any thickness or color in order to fit in with your design needs. Thicker glass panels can be used to reduce noise in a building, or to provide increased thermal control. There are many options available when using glass as your infill because it is versatile in its useful applications and aesthetic design appeal.
One of the most important jobs of adequate curtain wall design is to control the buildings thermal efficiency and combat thermal expansion and contraction. The materials that you select for the structural wall design will have a direct impact upon the cost-effectiveness of both heating and cooling, and also the building’s lighting. If you want to reduce energy costs, you will want to use glass as the infill because it provides units with proper natural day lighting from the sun. While interior units will still have to rely upon other lighting sources, there are substantial savings in using natural sunlight for the exterior units. Obviously the curtail wall detail that you select will have a substantial impact upon various aspects of your building. You will have to choose the design and materials carefully in order to ensure the proper balance of aesthetics, durability, and environmental friendliness.
Posted in July 15, 2009 ¬ 10:59 amh.admin
A curtain wall system is basically the façade of a building that has been designed and engineered to resist wind forces, seismic forces, air and water penetration, and the building’s own dead load. These systems are highly complex and require extensive planning and meticulous execution in order to produce buildings that are structurally sound and energy efficient, while maintaining their aesthetic beauty. There are several major factors that must be taken into consideration when designing a curtain wall system for a building. Computer software programs are available that can provide you with assistance during this process.
The first thing that must be taken into consideration in the design of a building is the loads that the building will have to handle. First and foremost, the curtain wall system must be able to handle the building’s own dead load which comes from the weight of the buildings own structure and components. Next, the curtain walls must be able to handle the wind load, which can vary drastically depending upon the location of the building and its height. The system must also be able to withstand seismic load which can result in building sway. A proper curtain wall system will address all of these loads appropriately.
The next important matter to consider in curtain wall design is infiltration. There are several factors that can infiltrate your design. Air and water infiltration are the two most common infiltrators. When air comes through and cracks in sealing or holes, your building will lose its ability to efficiently heat and cool. There will be significant rises in energy bills. Water infiltration can also cause negative effects once it infiltrates the structure. It can cause corrosion and moisture build up. Your building design must be able to withstand the infiltration of both air and water.
Infills are also another important factor to take into consideration when it comes to design. Glass is the most poplar glazing material that there is. But there are many things to take into consideration when deciding upon the numerous options that are available with glass. Depending upon your specific construction project you may need a specific thickness of glass. There are also other aesthetic options available when it comes to glass selection such as opaque, frosted, or transparent panels. Fortunately, there are design programs that will take you through all of these design dilemmas and help you to select the best materials available to suit your designs.