Performance-driven choice of steel vs aluminum curtain walls: A scenario-based comparison

Curtain wall systems play a key role in the aesthetic of modern buildings, serving as a bridge between architectural look and engineering requirements. This study presents a comparative engineering evaluation of steel and aluminum curtain wall systems using a novel Performance Index (PI) framework....

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Published inGrađevinski materijali i konstrukcije Vol. 68; no. 3; pp. 123 - 137
Main Authors Naqash, Muhammad, Noroozinejad, Farsangi
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Society for Materials and Structures testing of Serbia 2025
Subjects
curtain wall systems
façade engineering
performance index (pi)
steel vs. aluminum
swot analysis
Online AccessGet full text
ISSN2217-8139
2335-0229
2335-0229
DOI10.5937/GRMK2500006T

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Abstract Curtain wall systems play a key role in the aesthetic of modern buildings, serving as a bridge between architectural look and engineering requirements. This study presents a comparative engineering evaluation of steel and aluminum curtain wall systems using a novel Performance Index (PI) framework. The study integrates qualitative SWOT analysis and parametric analysis to support context-specific material selection for projects with seismic, fire-rated, or sustainability priorities. The PI model quantifies compromise across key criteria such as strength, fire resistance, environmental impact, aesthetics, and cost. Results show that steel excels in structurally demanding and fire-critical applications, while aluminum offers superior corrosion resistance, aesthetic flexibility, and environmental advantages. The extended PI model further demonstrates that aluminum becomes competitive in visually expressive and sustainability-driven designs. Ultimately, this framework empowers engineers and architects to make smarter, context-sensitive decisions when selecting curtain wall materials, balancing safety, sustainability, and design intent.
AbstractList Curtain wall systems play a key role in the aesthetic of modern buildings, serving as a bridge between architectural look and engineering requirements. This study presents a comparative engineering evaluation of steel and aluminum curtain wall systems using a novel Performance Index (PI) framework. The study integrates qualitative SWOT analysis and parametric analysis to support context-specific material selection for projects with seismic, fire-rated, or sustainability priorities. The PI model quantifies compromise across key criteria such as strength, fire resistance, environmental impact, aesthetics, and cost. Results show that steel excels in structurally demanding and fire-critical applications, while aluminum offers superior corrosion resistance, aesthetic flexibility, and environmental advantages. The extended PI model further demonstrates that aluminum becomes competitive in visually expressive and sustainability-driven designs. Ultimately, this framework empowers engineers and architects to make smarter, context-sensitive decisions when selecting curtain wall materials, balancing safety, sustainability, and design intent.
Author Noroozinejad, Farsangi
Naqash, Muhammad
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SubjectTerms curtain wall systems
façade engineering
performance index (pi)
steel vs. aluminum
swot analysis
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