Simpson Strong‑Tie has developed a line of connectors for use with curtain-wall steel stud framing. Curtain-wall projects require a variety of connectors that provide a load path from the curtain wall to the primary structure for wind loads, seismic loads and dead loads. Slide-clip connectors enable the structural building frame to deflect independently of the curtain-wall system. Fixed-clip connectors support the dead load of a curtain wall from the structural frame. Fixed clips have the added benefit of providing connector solutions for load-bearing walls and for roof systems utilizing steel trusses and rafters.
Our connectors for curtain-wall construction accommodate many different bypass framing applications in a variety of stand-off conditions. We also offer connectors for head-of wall and strut applications.
Our standard slide clips accommodate either 3/4" or 1" of both upward and downward movement, equivalent to an L/360 live-load deflection for a 30' span. Our standard clips also accommodate stand-offs as large as 25". For deflections greater than 1", or job-specific conditions, Simpson Strong‑Tie can provide custom clips to suit most framing needs.
Designers of curtain walls will often know the capacity of a connector, but since the capacity does not take into account the way in which the connector is anchored to the supporting structure, the designer must then manually calculate this important aspect of the connection design. These calculations are complicated by considerations of eccentric and prying forces that often exist but are difficult to predict. Through comprehensive testing Simpson Strong‑Tie provides total, code-listed connector solutions. Our testing extends from the capacity of the connector and its attachment to the framing, to the anchorage of the connector to the primary structure. By providing complete data on the entire connection system, we save the designer time and ensure that all forces, including eccentric and prying forces, are adequately considered.
As with all Simpson Strong‑Tie products, our slide-clip and fixed-clip connectors for curtain-wall steel stud framing carry our promise of quality and performance, and are backed by prompt, knowledgeable service.
Slide-clip and fixed-clip curtain-wall framing connectors represent key components that comprise a continuous load path between curtain-wall steel-stud framing and primary building structure.
In light-frame cold-formed steel construction, primary building structures typically consist of structural steel or structural concrete base material. Hence, connectors for curtain-wall framing are designed to anchor to steel or concrete to resist tension and compression load, perpendicular to wall, due to wind pressure, shear load due to gravity weight of the CFS framing, and in-plane load, parallel to wall due to earthquake or high wind force.
Anchor to structural steel using self-drilling screws, powder-actuated fasteners, or welding are based on installation in a minimum 3/16" thick structural steel with Fy = 36 ksi. (U.O.N.)
Anchor to concrete or masonry such as Titen® 2 screws, Titen HD® screw anchor, Strong-Bolt® 2, or various type of epoxy for post installed are based on installation in concrete with a minimum f'c = 2,500 psi and a maximum f'c = 4,000 psi. Reference the current Anchoring and Fastening Systems for Concrete and Masonry catalog for more information.