Toward sustainable architecture : structural analysis and energy efficiency of vertical sun control systems

Vertical sun control and shading devices such as louvers are essential features of modern building design. These devices are being used increasingly in the Middle Eastern region due to the extreme temperatures. These devices reduce building peak heat and cooling requirements and enhance indoor natural light. However, it is important to assess these devices so that they meet specific structural strength and serviceability criteria, because if they start to deform, discomfort for the tenants could result. Such deformation might even cause damage to parts of the building, such as the glass windows, especially if this deformation occurs repeatedly over time. An actual case study with aluminum and glass sun control devices was analyzed structurally. Aluminum devices with a twofold height curvature were made from 6-mm-thick curved tubes. They were supported by brackets at various heights with thermal expansion joints for temperature fluctuations. Aluminum devices can withstand 2.0-kPa wind loads, whereas glass fins can withstand loads of 1.8-kPa. The research assessed the induced stresses and deflections through numerical simulations using shell elements. The practical implications of this research indicate that the devices have been proven to be safe within acceptable safety standards and criteria.