Structural Calculations for Curtain Walls in Dubai: Authority Requirements Explained

Introduction

Curtain Walls in Dubai are a common architectural feature in modern buildings—especially in towers, office blocks, and commercial developments. These lightweight, non-load-bearing facades provide aesthetic appeal, energy performance, and weather protection. However, behind the sleek glass panels is a highly engineered system that must comply with strict structural and safety regulations.

In this article, we’ll explain why structural calculations for curtain walls are essential, what authorities like Dubai Municipality (DM), Trakhees, and DDA require, and how Structural Solutions AE can help ensure your designs meet the required standards.

1. What Is a Curtain Wall?

A curtain wall is an exterior cladding system that is suspended from the building structure. Unlike traditional walls, it does not carry any of the building’s load except its own. Common materials include:

• Aluminum framing
• Glass panels
• Stone or metal cladding inserts

Curtain walls must resist wind loads, accommodate movement (thermal, seismic), and provide weatherproofing and thermal insulation.

2. Why Structural Calculations Are Critical

Even though curtain walls are non-load-bearing, they are exposed to substantial wind loads and require careful engineering to avoid:

• Glass breakage
• Frame deformation
• Anchor failures
• Water leakage or air infiltration

Structural calculations ensure the system’s components—mullions, transoms, brackets, and anchors—can withstand applied loads with safety factors compliant with local codes.

3. Dubai-Specific Curtain Wall Requirements

Different authorities in Dubai have slightly different submission and calculation requirements, but most follow international standards such as:

• ASCE 7 – Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
• AAMA & ASTM – For performance and system testing
• BS EN standards – For glass, wind loads, and façade systems

Authorities requiring curtain wall calculations include:

• Dubai Municipality (DM)
• Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
• Trakhees (Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation)
• Nakheel (for façade upgrades in master communities)

Each authority expects a detailed set of engineering submissions before granting NOCs or permits.

4. Key Components of Curtain Wall Structural Calculations

A complete engineering package must consider the following:

✅ Wind Pressure Analysis

• Based on building height, location (exposure category), and local wind speed (usually per ASCE 7-22 or EN 1991-1-4).
• Includes positive and negative pressure zones (especially at corners and roof edges).

✅ Mullion and Transom Design

• Deflection checks (usually limited to L/175 or L/240).
• Bending and shear capacity under pressure loads.
• Effective anchorage to floors or edge beams.

✅ Glass Panel Load Checks

• Thickness, size, and glass type verified for strength and safety (using ASTM E1300 or BS EN 12150/12600).
• Consideration of temperature loads and differential pressure.

✅ Anchor and Fixing Bracket Design

• Pull-out, shear, and moment resistance.
• Bracket materials and embedment lengths.
• Corrosion protection and fatigue checks.

✅ Thermal and Seismic Movement

• Expansion joints and brackets must accommodate building movement.
• Systems designed to remain watertight under thermal expansion/contraction.

✅ Support Reactions

• Load transferred to the primary concrete or steel structure must be accounted for.
• Anchor loads included in main building analysis.

5. Required Documentation for Submission

To secure approval from Dubai authorities, your submission should typically include:

• ✅ Signed and stamped structural calculation report
• ✅ Curtain wall shop drawings – Including system sections, brackets, and glass layouts
• ✅ Glass and aluminum system specifications
• ✅ Anchor bolt or fixing manufacturer datasheets
• ✅ 3D rendering or façade elevations
• ✅ Engineer’s license and authorization certificate

Some projects, especially in Trakhees or DDA areas, may require third-party peer review or a compliance letter.

6. Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

At Structural Solutions AE, we’ve seen numerous projects delayed due to avoidable errors. These include:

• ❌ Wind load not justified with actual calculation
• ❌ Mullion deflection exceeding limits
• ❌ Incomplete bracket or anchor design
• ❌ Lack of signed engineering drawings
• ❌ Unsupported glass cantilevers or large panels
• ❌ System not approved for local climate conditions

These issues lead to back-and-forth with authorities, which can delay your approval by weeks.

7. How Structural Solutions Helps

We offer full-service structural calculation and curtain wall submission packages tailored to Dubai authorities.

Our Services Include:

• ✅ Wind load calculations (ASCE 7-22, BS EN 1991)
• ✅ Mullion, transom, and glass strength checks
• ✅ Anchor and bracket design
• ✅ CAD shop drawing preparation and markup
• ✅ Assistance with DDA, DM, Trakhees, and Nakheel submissions
• ✅ Peer review response and revision support

We work closely with:

• Aluminum system suppliers
• Façade fabricators
• Architects
• Contractors

Our goal is to simplify approvals and protect your design integrity with accurate, safe, and compliant calculations.

8. Case Study – Façade Upgrade in Dubai Internet City

📍 Project Overview:

A 10-storey office building underwent a full façade renovation using a new aluminum curtain wall system.

📋 Our Scope:

• Verified architectural drawings and aluminum profiles
• Provided wind analysis for 45 m tall tower
• Designed 3 different mullion sections for varying spans
• Analyzed steel brackets and coordinated concrete anchor zones
• Prepared stamped reports and submission package for DDA

✅ Results:

• Approval from DDA in just 12 working days
• Smooth peer review
• No site issues or revisions during installation

This project showcases how early-stage coordination with Structural Solutions AE prevents costly redesigns or last-minute delays.

9. Conclusion

Curtain wall systems in Dubai must meet the highest standards of engineering, safety, and aesthetic excellence. From wind resistance to anchor design, every component must be backed by structural calculations that align with Dubai’s regulations.

At Structural Solutions, we ensure your curtain wall designs are:

• ✅ Structurally safe
• ✅ Code-compliant
• ✅ Authority-approved
• ✅ Ready for smooth execution

Whether you’re upgrading a façade, building a new tower, or installing a decorative screen, let us help you secure fast approvals and deliver flawless performance.

📞 Ready to Get Started?

Let us support your next curtain wall project:

🌐 Visit: www.structuralsolutions.ae
📧 Email: info@structuralsolutions.ae
📱 WhatsApp available via website