Overview
ISO 24084:2022 - Curtain walling - Inter-storey displacement resistance - Test method defines a laboratory test procedure to assess how curtain walling assemblies resist repeated inter-storey displacements caused by seismic or wind actions. The standard covers three-directional movement: horizontal in‑plane (Y‑dir.), horizontal out‑of‑plane (X‑dir.), vertical in‑plane (Z‑dir.), and combined movements. Tests can be performed manually or automatically depending on specimen size/shape and are intended to verify serviceability and safety in use after repeated movement.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test objective: Evaluate inter‑storey displacement resistance of curtain walling and its ability to maintain performance (air permeability, watertightness, resistance to wind) after repeated relative displacement.
- Movement axes: Distinguishes δy (horizontal in‑plane), δx (horizontal out‑of‑plane), and δz (vertical in‑plane); combined tests are addressed in Annex A.
- Test apparatus: Requires an installation rig (supporting structure, fixed and movable members), static loading equipment and displacement measuring devices.
- Loading modes: Two principal methods:
- Parallelogram method (used for single-, two‑storey or buildings > two storeys - for taller assemblies the parallelogram method is required).
- Symmetry method (used for one- or two‑storey specimens; tests should consider the most unfavourable condition).
- Measurement and equipment tolerances: Displacement transducer accuracy ≤ ±1% of full range; movable member stroke at least 1.5× the design displacement requirement.
- Specimen preparation and reporting: Specimens must be installed as in practice; clauses define pre‑test, displacement/load sequences, calculation and evaluation of results (serviceability limit state SLS and ultimate limit state ULS considerations; see Annex B for evaluation criteria).
Applications and who should use it
ISO 24084:2022 is directly applicable to:
- Façade and curtain wall manufacturers validating product performance for seismic and wind‑induced storey drift.
- Structural and façade engineers specifying displacement limits and testing protocols during design.
- Accredited testing laboratories conducting certification, performance verification and R&D tests.
- Architects, building owners and code authorities assessing compliance with serviceability and safety in use requirements.
Use cases include design verification, product development, quality control, and conformity assessment where inter‑storey displacement is a design requirement.
Related standards
- ISO 3010 - Bases for design of structures - Seismic actions on structures (referenced normative document).
- See Annex A (combined movement test method) and Annex B (evaluation criteria for compliance to serviceability and safety in use) within ISO 24084 for additional procedures and acceptance guidance.
Keywords: ISO 24084:2022, curtain walling, inter-storey displacement resistance, test method, seismic, wind, in‑plane, out‑of‑plane, displacement transducer, parallelogram method, symmetry method.