Section 2414 High-Velocity Hurricane Zones—Curtain Walls

This section prescribes requirements for curtain walls of buildings or structures regulated by this code.

A curtain wall is any prefabricated assembly of various components to enclose a building usually attached to and/or supported by the building frame other than a single door, or window, masonry units, poured in place concrete and siding of single membrane metal, wood or plastic.

Curtain walls, as defined in Section 2414.2, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

Structural glazing in curtain walls shall also comply with the requirements of Section 2415.

All structural elements of curtain wall systems and their attachments (including embedments) to the main structural frame shall be designed by and bear the seal of a qualified Florida-registered delegated engineer, or if qualified to prepare such design, by the engineer or architect of record, which architect or engineer shall be proficient in structural design. The engineer of record shall, in all instances, review and approve documents prepared by the delegated engineer.

Curtain wall systems supported from more than two adjacent floors shall be designed to withstand all imposed loads without exceeding allowable stresses in the event of destruction or failure of any single span within the system. Documents for the main building permit shall include sufficient details describing the curtain wall system attachment to the main structure. This portion of the contract documents, if not prepared by the qualified engineer or architect of record, shall bear the signature and seal of the qualified Florida-registered delegated engineer charged with the responsibility for the design of the curtain wall system.

Individual mullions acting as a continuous member shall transfer loads through supports from no more than three adjacent floors.

The materials used in any curtain wall shall comply with the applicable provisions of this code.

Reserved.

Reserved.