APP037 Curtain Wall
APP037 Curtain Wall
APP037 Curtain Wall
2. The following details are required to be included in the curtain wall plans
for submission to the Building Authority (BA) for approval:
(a) structural framing and key structural details and the installation
procedures excluding any unnecessary shop fabrication details;
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(i) the projection of the curtain wall from the outer face of the
structural elements, e.g. beams, columns and floor slabs, for
consideration of exemption from gross floor area and site coverage
calculations;
(l) sections showing compliance with section 35 of the B(C)R and the
Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings 2011 on such relevant
aspects as the protection against spread of fire and smoke between
floors, between different fire compartments on the same floor, and
between the accommodation of a storey and the required staircase
or its protected lobby.
(a) information described in items (b) to (g) and (j) to (l) of paragraph
2 above;
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In case the preceding Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004 is adopted for the design of
window or window wall, design wind pressure, qz, should be regarded as the wind pressure criterion.
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6. Where the structural details of a window and window wall are not required
to be submitted for approval, the Authorized Person (AP) and Registered Structural
Engineer (RSE) should ensure that the design, fabrication and installation of the window
and window wall would achieve the required safety standard. Attention should be given
to the requirements on horizontal imposed loads, protection of openings, function of
protective barriers, corrosion protection, quality control of materials and protection
against the spread of fire and smoke between floors.
7. Under the Minor Works Control System, certain minor works relating to
repair or replacement of curtain wall, and construction, alteration, repair or replacement
of window or window wall in an existing building are designated as minor works, which
may be carried out under the simplified requirements as an alternative to obtaining prior
approval and consent under the Buildings Ordinance (BO). Reference can be made to
Schedule 1 of the Building (Minor Works) Regulation and Practice Note for AP, RSE
and Registered Geotechnical Engineers (PNAP) APP-147 regarding the list of minor
works items and the simplified requirements respectively.
8. Standards commonly used for the design and construction of curtain wall,
window and window wall, which are acceptable to the BA, are given in Appendix A and
PNAP APP-53.
Separate RSE
9. In view of the specialty of curtain wall, window and window wall works, a
separate RSE may be appointed to prepare the design and supervise the carrying out of
such works. Under such circumstances, the specified Forms BA4 and BA5 indicating
the appointment of the separate RSE and the scope of works for which he/she is
responsible are required to be submitted together with the plans submitted for approval.
Upon completion of the works, the separate RSE so appointed is required to certify
satisfactory completion of the works in accordance with regulation 25(3) of the Building
(Administration) Regulations (B(A)R).
10. Where structural details for proposed curtain wall, window or window wall
works are submitted by the separate RSE, the submission should be accompanied by an
assessment report prepared by him/her giving an account of the effect of the proposed
works to the parent structure. The assessment report should be appended with a statement
signed by the project RSE to confirm that he/she is fully aware of the connection details
and the effect of the works on the parent structure.
11. The separate RSE appointed for the curtain wall, window or window wall
works shall be responsible for the supervision of the construction of such works,
including the installation of any cast-in anchorage, e.g. anchor plates, cast-in embeds and
through bolts, etc., in the parent structure except in the event where the cast-in anchorage
has been pre-installed in the parent structure prior to his/her appointment. For such cases,
the structural details and layout of the pre-installed parts should be given in the
/superstructure …
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superstructure plans to be submitted for approval by the project RSE who shall then be
responsible for the supervision of the installation of such parts. The separate RSE should
refer to the pre-installed connection details when designing the curtain wall, window or
window wall works and should co-ordinate with the project RSE for any necessary
amendments if different connection details are to be used.
12. Where tempered glass is used, the RSE and the registered contractor (RC)
should ensure that an acceptable Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) is adopted by the
glass manufacturer to minimise the risk of spontaneous breakage of tempered glass.
13. To ensure that the tempered glass panes are of good quality, proper
supervision and adequate quality control are necessary during the production processes
of the tempered glass panes. In this connection, the following conditions/requirements
will be imposed when giving approval of plans:
Quality assurance
(c) the compliance reports for heat soak process 2 issued by the glass
manufacturer and endorsed by the RSE should be submitted prior
to the application for occupation permit or the submission of Form
BA14 as appropriate under regulation 10 of the B(A)R. The
compliance reports for heat soak process should be in accordance
with clause 9.3 of the Glass Code;
/the …
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As one of the quality control measures for tempered glass used in curtain wall, window and window
wall works, heat soak process conforming to BS EN 14179-1:2016 and complying with the Glass Code
should be carried out to all tempered glass panes.
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Qualified supervision
(iii) the names and qualifications of the QCS and QCC of the
RSE and the RC respectively should be recorded in their
inspection log books. The details of heat soak process for
tempered glass panes should also be recorded in their log
books and kept in the factory. If the alternative
arrangement of employing videotelephony as described in
/paragraph …
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Videotelephony means two-way simultaneous communication with both audio and video in real time
through telephone or computer network connections. The video should be recorded in colour with
resolution of not less than 480p in a non-rewritable DVD-ROM.
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Structural Sealant
14. For better aesthetic appearance, structural sealant may be used in the curtain
wall, window or window wall works. The proposed structural sealant should be
compatible with the glazing system and the structural frame with which it is in contact.
Compliance certificates comprising sealant compatibility test report, sealant adhesion test
report and print review report in accordance with the Glass Code together with deglazing
test report are required to be submitted prior to the application of an occupation permit or
the submission of Form BA14 as appropriate. The compliance certificates and deglazing
test report should be made by sealant manufacturer and be also appended with a statement
signed by the RSE who has prepared the plans to confirm the acceptance criteria
appropriate to the test have been complied with.
15. The design of metal spider fixing as the fixing device for supporting glass
panes should be verified by means of proof load test. In addition, attention should be
given to its detailing at the interface connection with the glass panes, which should be
designed to accommodate all anticipated movements. The mechanical properties,
dimensions, load capacities and specific proprietary model number/series of metal spider
fixing should be shown in the relevant plans submitted for approval.
16. Proof load test on metal spider fixing should be conducted in accordance
with the test criteria specified in Appendix C upon completion of the works. The test
report should be endorsed and submitted by the RSE prior to the application of an
occupation permit or the submission of Form BA14 as appropriate. Proof load tests of
/metal …
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metal spider fixing may not be required if the type of the proposed metal spider fixing is
already included in the Central Data Bank promulgated in PNAP ADM-20 and uploaded
to the Buildings Department (BD) website.
19. In order to ensure all locking points can be triggered effectively, a single
handle bar should not be connected to more than 8 locking points.
20. Hinges for openable sashes/sub-frames should be adequate in holding its own
weight. In general, the size of a top-hung sash should not exceed 2.5m2. Similarly, the
width of a side-hung sash should not exceed 700mm.
21. AP/RSE should ensure the openable sash/sub-frame and the locking devices
are properly designed and assembled to meet the performance requirements and
construction tolerance. In normal circumstance, the FOS of 1.8 is considered adequate
for covering construction tolerance. Improper assembly may cause additional moment
on the components of the locking devices. Adequate site supervision should also be
provided to ensure that the works are properly assembled.
22. Safety test for a curtain wall should be conducted as required under item 6
of section 17(1) of the BO. The test should be carried out by an independent laboratory
accredited by the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) or by other
laboratory accreditation bodies which have reached mutual recognition
agreements/arrangements with HOKLAS. The test carried out by an accredited
laboratory should be within its scope of accreditation. The test reports should be made
on a HOKLAS endorsed certificate or equivalent certificate/report and be also appended
with a statement signed by the RSE who has prepared the plans to confirm the acceptance
criteria appropriate to the test have been complied with. They should be submitted prior
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The requirements on locking devices are applicable to all new or major revision of structural plans for
development proposals or alteration and addition works submitted to the BA for approval on or after
1 August 2020.
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23. As a curtain wall may comprise various pane sizes subject to a wide range of
design wind pressure, the test panes should be selected based on engineering judgement
and with justification of mathematical computation models where appropriate. It is
desirable to specify the representative test panes in the curtain wall plans. Detailed
requirements of the safety test are given in clause 8.3.1 of the Glass Code.
24. In view of the special requirements for the design and construction of curtain
wall, window and window wall, the inspection, maintenance and repair of such works
shall follow Annex D of the Glass Code. The BA recommends all APs and RSEs to
adopt the guidelines and requirements given in the Glass Code. They are also requested
to offer help and advice as appropriate to their clients who have curtain walls, windows
or window walls in their buildings.
Aluminium Windows
25. Reference may be made to PNAP APP-116 in respect of the design and
installation guidelines on aluminium windows.
26. For curtain wall works, the application for approval of plans and consent to
the commencement of works may be made concurrently under PNAP ADM-19.
( YU Po-mei, Clarice )
Building Authority
Ref. : BD GP/BREG/C/6(V)
Reference Standards
The standards listed in this appendix and PNAP APP-53 are intended to
provide reference information only for the purpose of design and construction of curtain
wall, window and window wall systems. It should be noted that:
Standard Title/Description
Glass Hong Kong Code of Code of Practice for Structural Use of
Practice Glass 2018
BSEN ISO 9445-1: 2010 Part 1. Narrow strip and cut lengths
/B. …
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B. Design
Standard Title/Description
Glass Hong Kong Code of Code of Practice for Structural Use of
Practice Glass 2018
C. Testing
Standard Title/Description
Glass Hong Kong Code of Code of Practice for Structural Use of Glass
Practice 2018
Curtain Wall, Hong Kong Code of Code of Practice for Structural Use of Glass
Window, Practice 2018
Window wall
(Rev. 5/2020)
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Appendix B
(PNAP APP-37)
2. We undertake that the supervision of the above heat soak process will be carried
out in accordance with this supervision plan, PNAP APP-37 and the Code of Practice for
Structural Use of Glass 2018 (Code). We also undertake that the management and execution
of quality supervision of the works covered by this supervision plan will be carried out in the
manner prescribed by the provisions of the Buildings Ordinance and Regulations.
3. The quality control supervisor (QCS) and quality control co-ordinator (QCC)
assigned by the registered structural engineer (RSE) and the registered contractor (RC)
respectively to supervise the above heat soak process are:
The contact information and CVs showing their relevant experience and academic qualifications are
attached at the Annexes. If more than one supervisor/co-ordinator is proposed for a QCS/QCC post,
the demarcation of their responsibility should be provided.
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4. The quality supervision will cover all items of works to be inspected as devised in
Annex 1. The record of quality supervision in Annex 2 will be completed contemporaneously
by the QCS/QCC with a copy of these documents to be kept in the factory.
Prepared by:
Signature Signature
Name of RSE Name of AS
Date RGBC
Date
Enclosure : Annexes 1 to 3
Personal Data
Purposes of Collection
1. The personal data provided by means of this supervision plan will be used by the
Buildings Department for the following purposes:
(a) activities relating to the processing of your submission in this supervision plan;
2. It is obligatory for you to provide the information as required in the supervision plan. If
you fail to provide the required data, delay may be caused in processing of your submission or even
result in rejection of the application.
Classes of Transferees
3. The personal data you provided by means of this supervision plan may be disclosed to
other government departments, bureaux, organisations or any persons for the purposes mentioned in
paragraph 1 above.
4. You have the right of access and correction with respect to the personal data as provided
under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. The Buildings Department has the right to charge a
reasonable fee for the processing of any data access request. Request for personal data access and
correction should be addressed to the New Buildings Division 2 of the Buildings Department.
(4/2022)
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Annex 1 to Appendix B
(PNAP APP-37)
Typical Items for Quality Supervision of Heat Soak Process of Tempered Glass
Item Description
(a) General
H1 Ensure that the names of quality control supervisor (QCS) under RSE and quality control
co-ordinator (QCC) under RC recorded in an inspection logbook and kept in the factory agree
with the supervision plan.
H2 Ensure the respective QCC/QCS’s inspection frequency and items are in accordance with the
requirements of PNAP APP-37 and Code of Practice for Structural Use of Glass 2018 (Glass
Code).
H3 Check that the calibration reports (as detailed in clause 9.3.2 of the Glass Code) of the ovens
are in accordance with BS EN 14179-1:2016 and kept in the factory.
H4 Check that all thermocouples are calibrated at 6-month interval as recommended in the
HOKLAS Supplementary Criteria No. 2.
H5 Check that all essential details (e.g. quantity and size of glasses, reading of data logger, etc.)
of heat soak process for tempered glass panes are recorded in the logbook and kept in the
factory.
(b) Heat Soak Process
H6 Check that a minimum of 8 thermocouples are installed and monitored by the factory in
accordance with clause 9.3.3 of the Glass Code.
H7 Check that an additional thermocouple is installed and measured independently by using the
QCC’s own data logger.
H8 Check that a minimum clearance of 20mm is provided to separate the glass panels and ensure
heated air circulation between the glass panels.
H9 Check that heating phase is commenced with all the glass panels at ambient temperature.
H10 Check that heating phase is concluded when surface temperature of the last glass reaches
250°C; the glass surface temperature should not be allowed to exceed 290°C; the period of
glass surface temperature in excess of 270°C shall be minimised. The maximum heating
rate is 3°C per minute.
H11 Check that holding phase is commenced when surface temperature of all glass panes has
reached 250°C; the duration of the holding phase is at least 120 minutes; the oven should be
controlled so that the glass surface maintains in range of 260°C ±10°C during the holding
phase.
H12 Check that doors of oven are not opened until the reading of the control element dropped to
70°C.
H13 Check that number of broken glass after heat soak process is recorded.
H14 Check that fragmentation test is carried out after heat soak process.
Hn Any other items considered essential for quality supervision of the heat soak process.
(4/2022)
Annex 2 to Appendix B
(PNAP APP-37)
BD Ref.: BD 3/1234/22
Project Location: ABC Street
Type of Works: Heat Soak Process of Tempered Glass for Curtain Wall Works
Name of QCS / QCC* : (1)
Mr. Lee Tai-man
Frequency of Inspection: Full time / at least 30% of the number of tempered glass panes*
H2 Ditto S
H3 Ditto S
H4 Ditto S
H6 Ditto S
𝐻𝐻7 Ditto S
H9 Ditto S
H10 Ditto S
H11 Ditto S
H12 Ditto S
H14 Ditto S
Signature
* Delete if inappropriate
Note (1) : Full name of the QCS/QCC as provided in the supervision plan.
Note (2) : According to the checklists devised by the RSE and AS of the RC.
Note (3) : “S” denotes “Satisfactory”.
Note (4) : “NS” denotes “Not satisfactory”
Note (5) : “NA” denotes “Not Applicable”.
(4/2022)
Appendix C
(PNAP APP-37)
Reference Standards
The design of metal spider fixing can be verified by means of proof load
test, which are required to be carried out in accordance with the test criteria specified in
the Code of Practice for the Structural Use of Steel 2011.
(c) A test load should be applied and released in at least 5 increments and
decrements respectively;
(e) There should be no creep for a period of at least 15 minutes under the
test load;
(g) On removal of the test load, the recorded residual deformation should
not exceed 5% of the maximum deformation recorded.
(5/2012)
Appendix D
(PNAP APP-37)
Proof Load Test for Single Locking Devices of Openable Sashes / Sub-frames
where
(5/2020)