Effects of stiffening sealant thickness on the structural performance of structural silicone glazing (SSG) sealant connections in curtain wall systems

This paper describes the experimental results of tests of the structural behavior of structural silicone glazing (SSG) sealant connections in a curtain wall system in which structural sealant is placed between an aluminum frame and laminated glass panel. Cases often have been found where the structural sealant has been applied at a 45° angle from the inside of the curtain wall. Thus, assessment of the structural behavior of the SSG connections between the aluminum frame and glass panel in a curtain wall system is required. The tests conducted in this research include variables such as the use of Norton tape, the application (or omission) of end sealant, the thickness of the stiffening sealant applied on top of the structural sealant, and the span length of the glass panel. The test results indicate that the use of Norton tape directly affects the initial stiffness and strength values of the SSG connection and that the application of end sealant improves the strength and ductility of the SSG connection. However, the change in the maximum load per unit length caused by the application of stiffening sealant on the existing structural sealant was found to be insignificant.