What is BS EN 12567-3:2014?

BS EN 12567-3:2014 is a technical standard that specifies the requirements for curtain walling, which is an external envelope system that provides a non-structural 'skin' to a building. This standard focuses on curtain walling made from glass and/or metal elements, ensuring their structural integrity, safety, and performance.

Structural Performance

The standard outlines the minimum requirements for the structural performance of curtain walling systems. This includes assessing its ability to resist wind loads, snow loads, and dead loads, as well as other environmental factors such as temperature changes. The goal is to ensure that the curtain walling system can withstand these loads without any failure or compromise in its functionality.

Curtain walling systems must go through rigorous testing procedures to determine their structural performance. These tests assess factors such as air permeability, water tightness, and resistance to impact and cyclic fatigue. The results of these tests provide valuable information about the durability and longevity of a curtain walling system.

Safety and Quality Control

One of the primary aims of BS EN 12567-3:2014 is to ensure the safety of curtain walling systems. It specifies requirements for essential safety features, such as fire resistance, smoke control, and escape routes. Additionally, it addresses concerns related to human impact, preventing accidents that may occur due to glass breakage or material failures.

To maintain quality control, the standard also mandates regular inspection and monitoring of curtain walling systems during manufacturing and installation. This helps identify any potential defects or issues that may compromise the overall performance and safety of the system. Adherence to the standard's guidelines ensures that curtain walling systems meet the necessary safety standards.

Design and Performance Considerations

BS EN 12567-3:2014 provides guidance on design considerations for curtain walling systems, taking into account factors such as building movements, tolerance, and accommodation of differential movements. It also provides recommendations for installation techniques and thermal performance.

Understanding the thermal performance of curtain walling systems is crucial in achieving energy efficiency goals for buildings. The standard provides guidance on assessing thermal transmittance, solar factor, and air permeability, which play a significant role in determining the overall energy efficiency of a building envelope.

In conclusion, BS EN 12567-3:2014 plays a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of curtain walling systems. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and installers can provide high-quality, durable, and safe curtain walling systems that meet the necessary regulatory requirements. Whether it's in terms of structural performance, safety, or design considerations, BS EN 12567-3:2014 acts as a comprehensive reference for achieving excellence in curtain walling systems.