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Curtainwall Deflection Clips

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XR250

Structural
Jan 30, 2013
6,018
I am designing a light gage steel head support for an 18 ft. tall curtainwall system. The curtainwall vertical mullions are about 5 ft. O.C.. My framing is rigidly attached to the structure so CW installer will need to use deflection clips on his system. Does anyone if the clips can only be installed at the vertical mullions or can they be installed at a tighter spacing - such as 16" O.C. The reason I ask is that a deflection clip will add a localized moment and prying to the track of my header due to the eccentricity. (I assume anyhow - unless that somehow gets reacted into the mullion) I would like to minimize this stress.

Thanks
 
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I think usually just the vertical mullions. To have intermittent attachment, you'd need a continuous header member built into the top of the curtain wall wouldn't you? I've no doubt that is possible but I don't think that it's the default arrangement.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
 
Thanks Kootk - Did not know if the aluminum member up there was up to the task.
Do you know if the mechanism slides down deeply into the vertical mullion to develop a moment resisting, sliding connection?
 
XR250 said:
Do you know if the mechanism slides down deeply into the vertical mullion to develop a moment resisting, sliding connection?

I would wager yes, even if that effect is unintentional. I'd like see that confirmed by the manufacturer though.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
 
Are you the one that is specifying the studs and their connections or is there a stud designer? Whoever designs them should also be designing the appropriate connection.

Let the calculations determine whether a deep leg track is sufficiently strong enough to laterally support intermediate studs at 16" oc without going to the heavier slotted clip angles. I would guess that the studs over the CW header are short enough that a standard deep leg track is all that is required but for the 18 foot full length studs, clips will probably be required.
 
In my experience, there won't be clips at the top of the curtainwall. There will be an aluminum receptor frame, designed by the curtainwall manufacturer.

I typically design the continuous track at the bottom of the cold formed steel framing for a uniform wind load.

DaveAtkins
 
DaveAtkins said:
In my experience, there won't be clips at the top of the curtainwall. There will be an aluminum receptor frame, designed by the curtainwall manufacturer.

I typically design the continuous track at the bottom of the cold formed steel framing for a uniform wind load.

I have been doing a uniform load, but have started thinking a little deeper about it lately. How does an aluminum receptor work?
 
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