The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) offers a technical information report (TIR) documenting best practices for system design of spandrel areas.
The TIR also covers the use of conventional spandrel glass, as well as vision glass in conjunction with shadow box panels: AAMA TIR-A20-23 Glazed Spandrel and Shadow Box Design Considerations. Recommendations are made where appropriate for testing and/or analysis criteria considering aesthetics, serviceability, and performance.
Steven DeSutter, of FGIA’s curtain wall/window wall spandrel review task group, says, “Glazed spandrels are often used as opaque areas of the building envelope at floor slabs, columns, and immediately below roof areas. Whether incorporating conventional opacified spandrel glass or shadow box assemblies, unique design considerations apply. TIR-A20 offers a technical review of key issues including, but not limited to, heat buildup, load sharing, aesthetics, and cavity venting strategies. TIR-A20 also provides a baseline for ongoing development of test methods to verify spandrel performance.”
This document provides a high-level overview of design considerations for glazed spandrel infills, including both spandrel glass and shadow boxes, as employed in conventional curtainwall, window wall, and other fenestration systems, whether stick-built or unitized. It is intended to appeal to the interests of a broad cross section of building professionals; including but not limited to, architects, engineers, test laboratories designers, and manufacturers.
To purchase the AAMA TIR-A20-23 document, visit FGIA’s online store.