Design of curtain walls for earthquake-induced loads and drifts

Glazing systems are particularly vulnerable to glass damage during earthquakes, even in building with little or no damage to structural components. A basic understanding of the seismic response of different glazing systems is offered, and seismic design provisions and testing requirements are discussed. This chapter reviews lessons learned form the seismic response of glass in windows, storefronts, and curtain walls during actual earthquakes. Important parameters that affect the performance of glazing systems in earthquakes are reviewed, with special focus on seismic code provisions and mockup testing requirements