STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

and are frequently present in structural glass façade designs are largely unfamiliar to the
majority of erection contractors.
The components of the exposed structural systems are commonly prefabricated and prefinished
with high quality and expensive finishes. Trusses and steel components may have
painted or plated finishes that can easily be damaged during assembly, requiring difficult and
expensive touch-up painting in the field. Stainless steel components will often have brushed
or polished finishes that mar easily. These materials must be stored, handled and
assembled with great care so as to preserve these finishes undamaged. An ironworker’s
“beater” is not usually the right tool for accomplishing this work.
Every design manifestation of structural glass façade technology, unique or otherwise,
placed in the context of a specific building project, presents unique considerations for
material delivery, storage, handling, assembly, hoisting, and installation. For this reason, the
project specification should require that the design/builder or erection subcontractor provide
a method statement detailing the sequential steps, methods and techniques that will be used
in assembling and erecting the structure. This should be reviewed by the architect, and
should evidence that proper measures are being taken to protect the materials and material
finishes throughout the installation process.
An important role of the design/build contractor and erection contractor is to develop
appropriate means and methods for the erection work, and to perform the work in
conformance with the contract documents. Means and methods allow the erector to freely
employ their expertise in the most efficient erection of the work with respect to the various
considerations and constraints presented by the jobsite. As the means and methods are the
responsibility of the design/builder, the architect must assure that the project specifications
adequately protect the owner without unduly hindering the erection work.
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