Façade Statics: Glass Load, Deflection and Transom (Horizontal Mullion) Selection

Sample Façade Statics Report

Below is a sample façade statics report prepared by façade consultant and civil/structural engineer Utku Çiçek. The report covers glass self-weight, deflection limits, and the required second moment of area (I_req) with references to TS 498, EN 1991-1-4, and EN 13830. It can be used for preliminary sizing, engineering verification, and structural safety checks of curtain wall and aluminum façade systems.

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Transom (Horizontal Mullion) Calculation [ Based on glass self-weight ]

The glass panel weight is transferred to the transom via two hangers as concentrated loads P (symmetric double point loads). Given the support span L (cm), the distance from support a (cm), and the glass dimensions, per EN 13830:2015+A1:2020 the deflection limit f = L/500 is adopted; from this the I_req and (optional) ULS stress check are calculated.

Glass weight carried by two hangers at the ends: symmetric double point loads (P).

Inputs

Project Subject Prepared by Approved by

Total glass thickness, t_total mm Glass height, G cm Support span, L cm Distance from support, a cm Modulus of Elasticity, E GPa Material (text – optional) Report note Material type (ULS) Yield strength (ULS) MPa W – ULS stress (optional) cm³ I – SLS deflection (optional) cm⁴

Notes: W_glass = 0.025 · t_total · L · G (kN); P = W_glass/2. Deflection limit per EN 13830 Clause 5.6: f = L/500

Results

Total glass weight W_glass

–

Point load P (each end)

–

Maximum moment M_max (SLS)

–

kN·m

Deflection limit f_limit

–

Required I_req

–

cm⁴

Max deflection Δ_max

–

R (SLS)

–

R_d (ULS)

–

M_d (ULS)

–

kN·m

σ_d (ULS)

–

MPa

SLS (Deflection)

–

Δ_max / f_limit and I_req

ULS (Stress)

–

σ_d / allowable and M_d

Note / Disclaimer: This calculator illustrates an example approach for a horizontal mullion (transom) under glass self-weight with two simple supports and two symmetric point loads. Hanger detailing, stiffness discontinuities, fixed (built-in) supports, unitized panels and special cases may require different methodologies. This tool is for preliminary information only; final design decisions must be checked by a competent engineer in accordance with the relevant standards. Beus Facade accepts no liability for applications based on the results of this tool.