ID1155: New Masonry Curtainwall Systems – Design and Construction

TAWRESEY JOHN G.1

1)KPFF Consulting Engineers [retired], Seattle WA. USA, johntaw@aol.com

Reinforced brick veneer, laid-in-place panels and masonry panels are terms being applied to describe new and innovative masonry cladding [curtainwall, facade] systems being used in the Western U.S. Strengthened with steel reinforcement, the systems offer architects new opportunities for enhanced design options and performance. Complex geometries previously requiring thick and consequently heavy walls can now be accomplished within modern building weight parameters and can be isolated from the building frame. This is important for seismic performance. Brick masonry curtainwall design and construction are described and several recent projects are illustrated.

Keywords: Brick Masonry, Curtainwall, Facade, Design, Construction