What is Curtain-wall Testing?

Building Curtain-wall Testing is a crucial component of the building inspection industry. It primarily focuses on the material properties (such as glass, aluminum, and structural adhesives), physical properties (wind pressure resistance, airtightness, watertightness, thermal insulation), and structural safety (load-bearing capacity, connection nodes) of curtain walls through laboratory and on-site testing and evaluation. This ensures the safety, reliability, and functionality of the curtain wall during the design, construction, and use phases. Safety assessment is especially critical after 10 years of use to mitigate risks such as aging and loosening.

Four Core Aspects of Curtain Wall Testing:

• Physical Performance Testing:

• Wind Pressure Resistance: Testing the curtain wall's ability to resist deformation and damage under wind load.

• Airtightness: Evaluating the sealing performance of the curtain wall to prevent air leakage.

• Watertightness: Testing the waterproof ability of the curtain wall to prevent rainwater leakage.

• Thermal Insulation Performance: Testing the thermal conductivity of the curtain wall.

• Thermal Cycling Performance: Simulating the impact of temperature changes on the curtain wall.

• Sound Insulation Performance: Measuring the sound insulation effect of the curtain wall.

• Structural Safety Testing:

• Load-bearing Capacity: Analyzing the load-bearing capacity of the curtain wall support structure (aluminum profiles, steel structures).

• Connections: Testing the reliability of embedded parts, bolts, and other connecting components.

• Planar Deformation: Testing the planar displacement of the curtain wall under load.

• Material Performance Testing:

• Silicone Structural Adhesive/Weatherproof Sealant: Testing the compatibility, bonding strength, Shore hardness, and durability of the adhesive.

• Glass: Conducting tests such as bending strength and impact resistance.

• Aluminum Composite Panels: Testing the peel strength.

• Stone: Testing bending strength and radioactivity.

• Safety Assessment/Risk Assessment of Existing Curtain Walls:

• For aging curtain walls: Assessing issues such as structural adhesive cracking, glass loosening, and aging of hardware.

• Comprehensive Assessment: Combining drawings, calculation reports, on-site inspections, and test data to conduct a reliability assessment of the curtain wall's condition.

Implementation and Application of Testing:

• Stages: Including acceptance testing of newly completed curtain walls and periodic safety testing of existing curtain walls (after 10 years of use). • Method: Combining laboratory testing (such as structural adhesive and material strength testing) and on-site testing (such as airtightness, watertightness, and on-site pull-out testing).

• Objective: To prevent safety hazards and ensure the safety, aesthetics, and functionality of the curtain wall throughout its entire lifecycle.

• Emerging Technologies: Utilizing technologies such as drones and AI to improve inspection efficiency and safety.