How Curtain Wall & Storefront Design Interfaces with Cold-Formed Steel

As two of the primary building “skins,” cold-formed steel (CFS) framing often supports loads imposed from the curtain wall and/or storefront systems with little coordination between the two specialties. Different glazing systems attach to the surrounding framing in various ways. The connection type and locations control the manner in which the loads from the glazing system are applied to the surrounding CFS structure. Multiple factors are considered by the glazing engineers and suppliers when determining the best attachment solution and locations and, without understanding those considerations, CFS engineers may account for the loads appropriately.

Having experience in both CFS and glazing engineering, Jamie John will cover some basic concepts of glazing system design, so CFS engineers can use common practice assumptions to ensure loads are being adequately supported and accounted for. A greater understanding of common applications will help CFS engineers make (more) educated design decisions and encourage greater coordination between the two systems on complex projects. As building designs continue to push the limits of conventional engineering, it is important for specialty engineers to work toward understanding the interactions between different systems to meet all necessary minimum design assumptions and provide a quality design.

Jamie John, P.E.
Excel Engineering, Inc.

Jamie John is a Registered Professional Engineer at Excel Engineering. She is responsible for the management of a large variety of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing projects. As part of the CFS group for over 10 years, John transitioned to Excel Engineering's glass group in early 2023 and has spent 12 months working in the industry, gaining valuable insight on the interface and coordination required between CFS framing, building structures, building finishes and glazing systems. Her further understanding of glazing system attachments and tolerances has made her a resource to the team, providing an in-house point of reference for system attachment locations and requirements. John’s diverse project experience of structural engineering practice allows her to provide detailed and cost-effective design solutions.