or lateral-load-carrying systems of the building, nor
(3) Partial infill wall. A partial infill wall is
part of the mechanical or electrical systems.
one that has a strip of windows between the top of
Although they are usually shown on the architectural
the solid infill and the bottom of the floor above, or
drawings, they often have a structural aspect. The
has a vertical strip of window between one or both
architect
will
consult
with
the
structural,
ends of the infill and a column. Such walls require
mechanical, and electrical engineers when dealing
special treatment: if they are not properly isolated
with these elements.
Examples of architectural
from the structural system they will act as shear
components that have a structural aspect follow.
walls. The wall with windows along the top is of
particular concern because of its potential effect on
(1) Nonstructural walls. A wall is considered
the adjacent columns. The columns are fully braced
"architectural" or "nonstructural" when it does not
where there is an adjacent infill, but are unbraced in
participate in the resistance to lateral forces. This is
the zone between the windows. The upper, unbraced
the case if the wall is isolated; that is, not connected
part of the column is a "short column," and its
to the structure at the top and the ends, or if it is very
greater rigidity (compared with other unbraced
flexible relative to the structural wall frames. Note
columns in the system) must be accounted for in the
that an isolated wall must be capable of acting as a
design. As indicated above, all infills in buildings
cantilever from the floor, or be braced laterally.
governed by this document will be considered to be
nonstructural components, and will be designed so as
(2) Curtain walls and filler walls. A curtain
not to restrict the deformation of the structural
wall is an exterior wall, usually of masonry, that lies
framing under lateral loads.
outside of, and usually conceals, the structural frame.
A filler wall is an infill, usually of masonry, within
(4) Precast panels. Exterior walls that have
the members of a frame. These are often considered
precast panels attached to the frame are a special
architectural if they are designed and detailed by the
case.
The general design of the walls is usually
architect, but they can act as structural shear walls.
shown on the architectural drawings, while the
If they are connected to the frame, they will be
structural details of the panels are usually shown on
subjected to the deflections of the frame and will
the structural drawings. Often, the structural design
participate with the frame in resisting lateral forces.
is assigned to the General Contractor so as to allow
Curtain walls and infill walls in buildings governed
maximum use of the special expertise of the selected
by this document will be designed so as not to
panel subcontractor. In such cases, the structural
restrict the deformations of the structural framing
drawings
will
include
design
criteria
and
under lateral loads. Lateral supports and bracing for
representative details in order to show what is
these walls will be provided as prescribed in the
expected.
The design criteria will include the
following paragraphs.
required design forces and the frame deflections that
must be accommodated by the panels and their
connections.
10 6
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