PRANCE metalwork is a leading manufacturer of metal ceiling and facade systems.
The dead load of a curtain wall—which is the constant, total weight of its own components like aluminum framing, glass, and spandrel panels—is transferred to the main building structure through a series of carefully engineered anchors. A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing facade, meaning it does not support any part of the building's floor or roof loads; it only supports its own weight. This weight must be safely transmitted back to the building's primary frame, which consists of columns and floor slabs. This transfer of load occurs at specific connection points on each floor. Typically, aluminum or steel anchor brackets are embedded into or attached to the concrete floor slabs or spandrel beams during construction. The vertical aluminum mullions of the curtain wall system are then connected to these anchors. The anchors are designed to carry the full weight of the curtain wall sections below them, transferring this gravitational load directly into the floor structure. For a multi-story building, this means that the curtain wall section for each floor (or every two floors) is supported by the floor slab it is anchored to. These anchors are not only designed for vertical dead loads but must also handle lateral loads from wind and seismic forces. The engineering of these connections is critical; they must be strong enough to hold the weight and resist lateral forces, yet flexible enough to allow for building movement and thermal expansion, ensuring the entire facade system is securely supported by the building's skeleton.