SEMIUNITIZED GLAZING SYSTEMS — Technical Manual
March 2026
2. Design
2.1 Design Inputs & Criteria
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Building category, occupancy & height classification
Wind zone & basic wind speed (IS 875 Part 3 / ASCE 7)
Seismic zone and inter-storey drift requirements
Thermal performance — U-value, SHGC, visible light transmittance
Acoustic performance — Rw rating targets (dB)
Floor-to-floor height, slab edge condition and structural grid
Facade articulation — setbacks, reveals, projections
Fire compartmentalization & spandrel height requirements
2.2 Structural Design
Semiunitized panels must be engineered for wind pressure (positive & negative), dead load (self-weight) and live
loads (maintenance access). Key structural checks include:
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Frame section modulus & moment of inertia for spans up to 4500 mm
Deflection limits: L/175 for glass edges; L/200 for panel overall
Glass thickness design per EN 13474 or ASTM E1300 (4-side / 2-side supported)
Bracket capacity and weld/bolt group calculations
Differential movement — thermal expansion Δ = α × L × ΔT; min. 10 mm movement joint
Wind-on-glass: design pressure Cp = ±1.3 for corner zones
2.3 Thermal & Energy Design
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Whole-facade U-value target: ≤ 2.0 W/m²K (tropical climates); ≤ 1.6 W/m²K (temperate)
Thermal break PA66 GF25 — minimum 20 mm width
Low-E coating on Glass Position 2 (outer surface of inner pane for DGU)
SHGC calculation per ISO 9050 / ASHRAE 90.1 compliance check
Condensation risk analysis on frame/glass inner surface
2.4 Acoustic Design
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Selection of glass build-up (e.g., 6+12A+6 DGU vs. 6.4 PVB+12A+6 laminated)
EPDM/neoprene acoustic gaskets at perimeter joints
Acoustic test (Rw, Ctr) per ISO 140-3 / ASTM E90 from accredited lab
2.5 Drawings & Documentation
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Architectural Facade Elevation & Section Drawings (Scale 1:50 / 1:20)
Shop Drawings — Typical & atypical panels, connections (Scale 1:5 / 1:2)
Fabrication Drawings — cut lists, drilling patterns, notching
Structural Calculation Report (stamped by Professional Engineer)
Energy Performance Report
BIM Model (LOD 400) — clash detection with structure and MEP
Confidential — For Professional Use Only
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