Determining a curtain wall frame requires evaluating architectural design, structural loads, material specifications, code compliance, and performance testing. Key steps include analyzing building dimensions and aesthetics, calculating wind and seismic forces, selecting durable materials like aluminum or steel, ensuring adherence to standards such as ASCE 7 and AIA 705, and verifying thermal insulation and water resistance through lab or field testing.

Structural loads are critical as they dictate material strength and frame configuration. ASCE 7 specifies wind loads (0.02 to 0.06 psf per story) and seismic forces (1.0 to 2.5 times the dead load) depending on building location and height. For example, a 30-story skyscraper in Miami requires 15% higher wind resistance than one in Seattle due to tropical storm risks. Material selection impacts longevity; aluminum frames (up to 50-year lifespan) outperform steel (30 years) in corrosion-prone areas. Code compliance avoids legal penalties—ICCS reports 22% of U.S. curtain wall failures in 2022 stemmed from non-compliance with ASTM E2341 (air leakage) and AAMA 507-14 (water penetration). Performance testing ensures durability; 90% of modern projects use pressure testing (ASTM E331) and thermal imaging (ASTM E547) to validate energy efficiency. Data from the Glass Association of North America shows 40% cost savings in post-construction repairs when proper testing is conducted. Ultimately, integrating design, engineering, and regulatory standards ensures a safe, energy-efficient, and visually cohesive curtain wall system.