Hong Kong Regulations

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 43

Curtain walls

(1) Every curtain wall shall safely sustain and transmit to the load-bearing
structure the combined dead loads, imposed loads and wind  loads without such
deflection or deformation as will cause the curtain  wall damage or impair its
stability.

(2) Every curtain wall shall-

   (a)  be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials; and

   (b)  be designed in accordance with recognized engineering principles
        relating to the design and structural use of materials for
        curtain wall construction.

(3) The connection of curtain wall supports to the load-bearing structure
shall not in any way impair the structural integrity or behaviour of the
member to which the support is being fixed and the supports shall be fixed to
the structure by-

   (a)  a cast-in anchorage in a structural concrete member; or

   (b)  being welded to a structural steel member.

(4) Where the penetration of a curtain wall by water or moisture occurs, or
where condensation cannot be prevented, provision shall be made for the
collection and discharge of any seepage or condensed water without damage to
the curtain wall.

(5) Where materials or a combination of materials used in the construction of
a curtain wall may be affected by electrolytic or chemical action the surface
of such materials shall be satisfactorily treated or separated to prevent
corrosion.

(6) The suitability and adequacy of every curtain wall shall be demonstrated
by tests. (Enacted 1990)